Laura’s Corner

West Virginia’s 2026 company appointment renewal period is approaching, bringing important deadlines that directly impact compliance and operational readiness. Active appointments as of June 1 will be invoiced, with terminations required by May 31 to avoid unnecessary charges. Without proper visibility and preparation, organizations risk overpaying, carrying inactive appointments, or facing compliance gaps that can impact business continuity.

As hurricane season begins, adjusters and claims organizations face increased demand and operational pressure. While the focus is on responding to policyholders, licensing readiness is often overlooked. When a storm is “in the box,” new business activity may pause, but claims activity accelerates. Ensuring adjusters are properly licensed across states is critical to avoiding delays, reducing risk, and maintaining response capacity when it matters most.

Surplus lines tax filing requirements continue to vary widely across states, creating complexity for organizations operating in multiple jurisdictions. While some states allow filings under an agency license, many still require filings to be submitted under an individual license, often with specific restrictions. Understanding these differences is critical to maintaining compliance and avoiding reporting issues. This overview highlights key trends and considerations for 2026, along with the importance of verifying requirements directly with each state’s Surplus Lines Authority.

Kentucky House Bill 568 introduces sweeping changes to public adjuster licensing and oversight. The law restricts new license issuance, tightens apprentice adjuster rules, and enhances contract and compliance requirements. These changes may impact how carriers, agencies, and compliance teams manage adjuster relationships, monitor regulatory risk, and maintain accurate records. Organizations operating in Kentucky should evaluate their current processes and prepare for increased oversight and reduced licensing flexibility.

In insurance, we often think about risks in terms of clients, but what about your own organization? From licensing gaps to missed appointments, small compliance issues can quickly turn into larger exposures. This week in Laura’s Corner, we’re talking about how agencies, carriers, and MGAs can identify where they may be taking more risk than they realize, and what to do about it.