It was a long 13 months that NAIFA-California waged a battle with Insurance Commissioner Garamendi and his Department of Insurance over new regulations that would require agents and brokers to fully disclose any and all commissions they receive. Before the end of last year, we learned we had been successful: the Commissioner suspended his efforts to push these regulations through.

This is a huge victory for NAIFA-California and the entire insurance industry.

But wait! There is more from the same source, of course… This time it’s in regards to Disability Income insurance. The DOI has announced that it would impose “Seven Uniform Standards” on all companies in California. These Standards will have a negative impact on our clients and members if we see most carriers leave the state or be forced to raise premiums. On a state level, we are joining forces with a number of other organizations in filing a lawsuit against the Insurance Commissioner. In joining forces and working with the DOI, we might again find a positive resolution.

The point is, these situations are going to continue to challenge all of us. That is why your membership with NAIFA and IFAPAC contributions are so critical. We must convince those agents who are not members, that there is strength in numbers. We can make a difference if we all participate in NAIFA, and contribute to IFAPAC.