Registration vs. Coverage Start Date

*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations & statutes in effect as of July 2023. Question I have a kind of silly question regarding registering your car and when coverage beginnings. Does coverage start when the vehicle is registered or starts on the date of purchase? For endorsement purposes, do we add a…

In Auto Insurance – When Does Insurance Start?

August 22, 2023 Written By: Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, CRIS, MLIS, LIA, CPIW – Vice President of Technical Affairs, MAIA Over the last few months, there have been a few email issues about when auto insurance becomes effective and what happens when the insured doesn’t get the plate “in a timely fashion.” One…

Company Manager Rosters & Bulk Registration

With our new system, we want to ensure your agency is set up correctly! Company Managers can update company information (address, phone, website, etc.), add and/or remove employees, and register anyone for classes or our Big Event! If you are listed as a Company Manager for your agency, please log in to your account here and review your company…

Where to Locate Number One Insurance on MAIA’s New Website!

Follow the instructions here to locate Number One Insurance Agency webpages, applications, and additional information you need to serve your agency! Find helpful information, including: Coverage for Your Agency Coverage for Your Clients Big “I” Markets – IIABA’s Online Markets Platform Broker Sign-Up & Support – Sign-Up or Update Your Agency’s Info

Update Your MAIA Member Account

Please update your MAIA member profile by following these instructions to ensure we can communicate with you effectively. Your information must always be accurate and up-to-date so we can better serve you, your staff, and your clients with your MAIA membership. View the complete step-by-step guide here. 

Coverage for Autos with Handicap Equipment and Drivers

*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations & statutes in effect as of June 2023. Question We had an inquiry about where to go on coverage. I believe we would need to write a ceded commercial auto policy as I do not believe it would qualify for Mass personal auto. Can I get…

Removable Equipment

*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations & statutes in effect as of June 2023. Question Being a Jeep owner myself, I’m not sure why my brain never chewed this one around before, but it came up with a customer, so I wanted to be sure – Wranglers have doors and a roof…

Canadian Vehicles

*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations & statutes in effect as of June 2023. Question We had an insured come in with a vehicle that was gifted to him from his parents in Canada. Do you know what we need to do to get it registered in Massachusetts? Thanks! Answer Kathy Cormier:…

Drones

*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations & statutes in effect as of June 2023. Question Hope all is well. I was browsing through your Tech Talks, looking to see if you did one on Drones. I tried to search by Drones, and nothing came up. If you did one, will you please…

Every Business Has an Auto Exposure, Whether They Own an Auto or Not

June 20, 2023 Written By: Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, CRIS, MLIS, LIA, CPIW – Vice President of Technical Affairs, MAIA Happy …rainy July – a great month if one is a duck! Yet another agent email question seemed like a good tech talk, so here goes. Agent Question: We insure a body shop,…

Business Use MA Auto Coverage

*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations & statutes in effect as of May 2023. Question Someone on my CL team reached out regarding a large account that they handle. They have a CL auto, and there are several employees that use their personal autos for business use. The CL auto policy contains…

Stolen Vehicle

*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations & statutes in effect as of June 2023. Question One of our customers has property damage from a claim with a Geico insured during the accident…the driver (unknown) left the scene of the accident, and the owner of the vehicle reported the vehicle stolen. Geico claims…

Collision Coverage Question

*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations & statutes in effect as of May 2023. Question A scenario came up today in our team meeting that we had a different opinion on, and I’m hoping you might be able to assist. The insured owns a 2008 Toyota SUV, which was involved in an…

Motorhome Owned by a Business

*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations & statutes in effect as of June 2023. Question I received a voicemail from a member. She had a business customer who purchased a $600K RV in the name of the business. The owner of the business plans on “Living” in the RV. The commercial carrier…

“Auto Equipment” and the AIB MAP and ISO HO

June 20, 2023 Written By: Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, CRIS, MLIS, LIA, CPIW – Vice President of Technical Affairs, MAIA One of your member benefits is asking questions of MAIA staff. We love answering questions, but sometimes we can provide “an answer” as there might not be “the answer.” The following is a…

Policy for Auto and MC

*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations & statutes in effect as of May 2023. Question Has there been any article from MAIA about having an automobile and a motorcycle on the same policy and whether that is the wrong thing to do? Some carriers will allow them to be on the same…

Adding a Newly Licensed Driver to MAP

*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations & statutes in effect as of May 2023. Question Is there a new law regarding when a Newly Licensed/Permitted driver must be added to an auto policy? We have an insurance company that automatically added a driver with a permit to the policy without our request,…

2023 Massachusetts Annual P&C Marketplace Summary

You are being provided this 2023 Massachusetts Annual P&C Marketplace Summary covering the Massachusetts property and casualty (P&C) insurance marketplace as a benefit of your membership in the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents. What follows is a graphic and numeric presentation of the Massachusetts P&C industry data from an independent agent’s perspective. The data used…

Suspension of Coverage on Salvage Vehicles

*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations & statutes in effect as of May 2023. Question I have an insured whose vehicle was totaled in an accident. It was totaled only because of dollars and cents. Nothing structural. So the insured negotiated to keep the vehicle. After the payout, the carrier suspended physical…

2023 MAIA Advocacy Fund Contributors

We sincerely thank the following independent agents for contributing to the 2023 MAIA Advocacy Fund. Your contributions will directly support efforts to protect your business interests and ensure a fair legislative and regulatory environment. THANK YOU! A David Risman Insurance Agency, Inc. A. P. Michaud Insurance Inc Acrisure Aronson LLC Adams Village Insurance Ahmed Insurance…

Food Concession Trailer

*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations & statutes in effect as of May 2023. Question I have a prospect that owns a food trailer and is looking for GL and WC – The vehicle that will be pulling the trailer is registered to a different business entity with separate insurance. They haven’t…

Joint Committee on Financial Services Hearing Summary

MAIA President & CEO Nick Fyntrilakis testified at the Joint Committee on Financial Services Hearing at the State House in Boston on Monday, May 8th. His testimony focused on MAIA’s priority legislation this session; HB1006/SB606, “An Act relative to the compulsory automobile insurance limits,” filed by State Rep. Finn / State Sen. Crighton). Read MAIA’s…

MAIA Board Nominations

The Board of Directors Nominating Committee seeks experienced, energetic nominees to serve on MAIA’s Board. Strengthen your professional network and impact legislation that affects our industry and livelihood. Collaborate on practical solutions to help members address challenges such as talent recruitment, technology, and how to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. To serve on MAIA’s Board…

Redesigned Red Sox Plates

Beginning May 8, a redesigned version of the Red Sox special plate will be available on the RMV website (www.mass.gov/rmv) and can be ordered through RMV Service Centers. The new plate design features a pair of red socks with a blue heart between them. Read the full update here. Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353 or…

2023 MAIA Advocacy Fund

As a valued member of MAIA, you can rest assured that you have a dedicated team of advocates working tirelessly on your behalf. We understand the challenges that regulatory and legislative issues can pose to your business, and we are committed to achieving results that benefit you. With your help, we can continue to make…

MAIA Visits Congressional Delegation in DC

Last week, we met with our Congressional Delegation to discuss numerous issues at the Big “I” Legislative Conference. We discussed priorities impacting independent agents, including small business tax fairness, reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and concerns regarding the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Non-Compete proposal. Read the complete Issue Summary here.

Cassandra Koegel Receives the YAC Champion Award

Last week during the Emerging Leaders Luncheon at the Big “I” Legislative Conference, the achievements of our Young Agents were recognized. Our very own YAC Co-Chair, Cassandra Koegel, AVP of Business Development at Eastern Insurance Group, received the Young Agent Champion Award. This award is selected by the Big “I” National Young Agents Committee (YAC)…

B2B Requirements

To establish standards for Business-to-Business (B2B) service and operation in the Service Centers, effective May 2, 2023, the requirements described in this training update will apply to all Service Centers offering B2B service and to the use of B2B service by dealerships, insurance companies, fleets, and “runners.” View the updated B2B Requirements here. View the…

Taxi Registration Requirements

Beginning May 1, 2023, the RMV will require and verify that all applicants for a taxi registration either carry the required commercial insurance coverage for a taxi OR be “self-insured” through the process available through the State Treasurer (pursuant to General Laws Chapter 90, § 34D-F). Also, effective May 1, 2023, the RMV will require…

Redesigned Quebec Registrations

In February 2023, Quebec redesigned its Registration Certificates. The most notable change is that certificates are now printed on plain white paper; they were previously printed on green paper. Also, the new certificates only display fields that are relevant (for example, axles, unit number, and vehicle status). Both the new white certificates and old green certificates will…

Host Liquor Coverage and the ISO Homeowners Policy

April 19, 2023 Written By: Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, CRIS, MLIS, LIA, CPIW – Vice President of Technical Affairs, MAIA An agent recently asked: We have been questioning if MPIUA has an exclusion for Host Liquor Liability. Someone has brought it to our attention, but we have read the policy form, and we…

Congratulations, 2023 Scholarship Winners!

AILP Bobbi Driscoll – Gaudette Insurance George Bitsakis – First American Insurance Holly Lafountaine – Aquadro & Assoc Inc Keri Rusicano – The Dowd Agencies Kim Johnson – The Hills Insurance Agency CIC Cheryl Mawaka – Laporte Shea Borys Insurance Agency Inc. Gregory Silva – Amazonia Insurance Agency Julie Osborne – O’Donoghue Insurance CISR Brittni Robidoux – Moulton Insurance Yu-Husan (Cindy)Chang – Soo Hoo Insurance Agency Kelli White – First…

Congratulations, New AILP Designees For March 2023!

Accredited Insurance Lines Professional (AILP) is MAIA’s premier designation program for experienced insurance pros. AILP/PL and AILP/CL are monoline designations in personal and commercial lines, respectively, while a complete AILP designation covers both. By completing the rigorous curriculum, these individuals have increased their value to their customers and employers! March 2023 Designees: AILP/PL Ashley Dixon,…

Young Agents & Principal Night a Great Success!

Last week our Young Agent Committee hosted its first event of 2023 – the Young Agent & Principal Night at Apex Center in Marlborough, MA. With over 60 attendees, we heard from guest speakers Anurag Shah, CEO of Aureus Analytics, and Angelo Padin. A special thank you to our sponsors, ShelterPoint and RT Specialty! Stay…

Non-Resident Short-Term Registration

Effective April 5, a new Non-Resident Short-Term Registration transaction will be available to issue short-term registrations to out-of-state residents purchasing a vehicle from a dealer in Massachusetts. These registrations will be valid for nine days from the transaction date and will allow the customer to take possession of the vehicle and drive it home. Customers will…

Updated Company Auto Insurance Filings – March 2023

MAIA periodically visits the Division of Insurance to collect the latest information about each company’s private passenger automobile insurance rules, rates, and forms filings. Recent changes and updates are presented here.

MAIA Welcomes Our New Members! – March 2023

We are excited to welcome the following agencies as new Full and Associate Members of MAIA! Full Members Al Ponte Insurance Agency BR Risk Group specialty Insurance C.Pina Insurance Agency DLB Insurance Fazza Insurance First Boston Insurance Agency FR Insurance & Benefits Group James W Hennigan Insurance Agency JB Insurance Agency KMS Warren Insurance Agency…

Seven New Learner’s Permit Exam Languages

Effective March 16, Class D and M Learner’s Permit Exams are available in seven new languages. These exams will be available through the Automated Testing Stations (ATS) in RMV Service Centers (appointment required) or online at Mass.Gov/RMV. Read the full update here.

2023 Annual Privacy Notice – Please Review!

At the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents and Number One Insurance Agency – our members’ and clients’ privacy is a top priority. Each year, we ask that you review our annual privacy statement. You can view the 2023 Annual Privacy Statement here. Questions? Concerns? Please contact Heather Kramer, Vice President and COO.

Meet with our Member Engagement Manager!

Do you know ALL of the membership benefits you have access to as a MAIA member? Do you have questions on a specific benefit or resource? Meet with Lori! Lori is our Member Engagement Manager and has visited members weekly to learn more about their agency and how we can help! Schedule your visit with…