PIA of VA/DC Changes Membership Business Model
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PIA of VA/DC announced a change in their membership business model starting January 1, 2018. As a result, we have heard from a few members with questions about PIA’s new dues and membership proposal. We thought we would share answers with everyone to the best of our knowledge.
Q – What does this newly proposed PIA dues structure really mean?
A – In short, PIA is moving from an individual membership model to an agency membership model, similar to that of IIAV’s corporate membership. The “agency” membership model is one that is shared by many PIA and Big I state affiliates already; including IIAV.
Q – How will this new PIA membership dues model work during the transition?
A Prior to September 1, PIA members will be required to provide a complete list of all licensed agents in their agency that will be the basis of a new dues amount and, of course, membership contact list. PIA membership dues will continue to be cheaper than IIAV membership dues.
Q – Why is PIA making this significant change?
A – As mentioned earlier, PIA’s dues structures in other states use this “corporate” structure and have gotten away from the “individual” membership. Additionally, PIA has annually been losing substantial money during at least the past four years according to their 990 Federal Tax Returns, so a change in their membership dues structure is designed to help, but it could also be a double-edged sword.
Q – What do you think the overall effect of this change will be?
A – Some PIA members are going to have to ask themselves a very important question. An agency currently paying $440 may have to ask if they’re now willing to pay $1,500. Do the benefits warrant such an increase, especially when there’s no price differential for CIC classes for members/non-members and access to the Utica E&O market doesn’t require membership?
Q – Are there options permitting “individuals” to remain the same or being required to accept the “corporate” model?
A – In a letter to PIA members, they cited aligning with other PIA state affiliates and also enabling “all licensed agency members to receive PIA benefits, communications and savings.” The membership change will “require” that all licensed agents in the agency be PIA members. Again, it’s noteworthy to mention that there is no member/non-member differential for CIC classes and CIC agents can also get their required classes through the Big I associations in North and South Carolina and other Big I states such as Tennessee.
