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DEMOTECH: SYSTEMIC TECH-DRIVEN LAWSUIT PRACTICES DESTABILIZE U.S. INSURANCE MARKETS A new and rapidly expanding threat is undermining the stability of U.S. insurance markets: tech-enabled litigation instigation. Since about 2017, AI-driven search manipulation, phishing emails, data scraping, and automated outreach have redirected storm-affected property owners into litigation pathways-often without any awareness that they bypassed their insurer’s…

Company Representative of the Year, awarded by the PIA of Wisconsin Board of Directors, recognizes a company representative who goes above and beyond to support independent agents and exemplifies outstanding service and dedication to the insurance community. Mike Tietz of IMT Insurance Company was awarded this honor because he goes the extra mile for his…

The Stony Steinbach Achievement Award is presented each year to a PIA of Wisconsin member who embodies the same energy, efficiency, and enthusiasm that its first leader brought to the organization for more than forty years. It’s one of our most meaningful honors – not just because of what it stands for, but because it’s…

Brenda Steinbach Presented with First-Ever Lifetime Achievement Award Last week, the Professional Insurance Agents of Wisconsin (PIAW) Board of Directors awarded Brenda Steinbach the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual ENGAGE Convention in the Wisconsin Dells. A Career Rooted in Commitment Brenda’s journey with PIAW began in March 1984. Over the next 41 years,…

The Professional Insurance Agents of Wisconsin (PIAW) is proud to announce Steve Albinger of Couri Insurance Associates in Waukesha as the 2025 recipient of the Ron Von Haden Agent of the Year Award! This prestigious award, named after the late Ron Von Haden, a long-time leader in the Wisconsin insurance community, annually recognizes an agent…

Deloitte’s 2026 Insurance Outlook points to a shifting environment where property/casualty carriers are balancing margin pressure, technological transformation, and distribution realignment. For independent agents, the message is clear: adaptation and partnership will define success. The report notes that rising claims costs and moderating premium growth are expected to squeeze underwriting profits in 2026. As carriers…