Is Your Website an Unintentional E&O Risk?
Your agency’s website is the cornerstone of your operational and marketing strategy – especially now, when practically everything’s happening online! But certain statements, omissions, even words like “expertise” or “24/7” can actually work against you when defending an E&O claim. E&O provider Swiss Re Corporate Solutions and the Big “I” Trusted Choice team have created…
Keep Your Contact Info at Your Customer’s Fingertips
Order customized vinyl registration holders from MAIA, and your customers will have your number where and when they need it. Imprinted with your agency’s branding, these vinyl holders are designed to fit the 8.5” x 11” (folded) MA registration form and an accident card to record the needed information. With a pocket for your business…
2020 Big ‘I’ Virtual Legislative Conference – Let’s ALL Register Today!
MAIA is urging ALL members to register for the Big “I” Virtual Legislative Conference May 12-15, 2020. It’s free, it’s important, and the more registrants, the stronger the message to our lawmakers that these issues are important! Each day at 2:00 p.m., you can tune in for a 45-minute session and hear from insurance legislators,…
Registry News: Class D & M Road Tests Canceled through May 18th
The MA RMV has canceled all passenger and motorcycle road tests (Class D & Class M) through Monday, May 18, 2020. (They previously had been canceled through May 4th.) However, Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) road tests are still being conducted. Please visit the MA Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) website at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/rmv-covid-19-information for the most…
MAP Coverage & License Suspension
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 27, 2020 QUESTION May I ask a question, please, about the MAP?If an insured is driving on a suspended license, are any of his coverages voided? We have an insured whose license was suspended and his reinstatement hearing, scheduled…
Registry News: Essential Transactions, Appointments & Where to Find Help
During the COVID-19 state of emergency, Massachusetts has gone from 30 RMV service center locations and multiple AAA locations down to eight locations for the entire state (plus two that are designated commercial-only) to maintain social-distancing for the safety of customers and staff. MAIA’s member relations advocate Kathy Cormier has compiled some facts and guidelines…
Hartford Flood Launches New Online Portal
If your agency is a Hartford Flood broker through MAIA’s Number One Insurance Agency, don’t forget that Hartford Flood will be moving to a new online portal on Friday, May 1, 2020. All users will receive two separate welcome emails delivered to their emails on file on April 30th & May 1st with instructions for…
Hospitality Liquor Coverage During COVID-19
MAIA’s Number One Insurance Agency wants to remind agents that we are here to help you with access to Hospitality Mutual coverage if you need it! Hospitality has done an excellent job with accommodating insureds during the COVID-19 crisis. They have:
BAP and Covid-19
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 22, 2020 QUESTION Curious if you’ve had feedback/questions from agencies about commercial auto during Covid. Some carriers are “allowing” us to decrease limits on some or all vehicles until client is back to work. We are hesitant to offer…
RMV Non-Essential Transactions
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 22, 2020 QUESTION We have received a notice from the Springfield Registry that they will not register a trailer for one of our clients since it is “non-essential” vehicle. Is this true?
Registry News: Paying Vehicle/Trailer Sales Tax Online
With RMV service centers closed for all but essential services, sales tax for a motor vehicle, trailer, camper, motorcycle, etc. must be paid online to avoid late penalties or interest. The RMV has issued instructions and a link to the MA Department of Revenue (DOR ) MassTaxCollect site where these transactions can be completed. The…
RMV Appointments
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 22, 2020 QUESTION We have a customer trying to schedule an appointment on the Registry’s site, it seems there are no appointments available at any branch for a vehicle registration transaction (new or transfer), I tried it myself, only…
Dirt Bikes
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 21, 2020 QUESTION Do dirt bikes need a registration if they will only be used off road? Also does the trailer that carries it (250#) need a plate?
MAIA’s Registry Procedures Manual – The MA Auto Writer’s Bible!
If you write auto insurance in Massachusetts, MAIA’s Registry Procedures Manual (RPM) might just be your dream come true. Imagine an all-in-one online RMV resource that’s easy to navigate, keyword-searchable, well-organized, and automatically updated whenever things change. It’s got all the latest ATLAS forms and instructions, and even a brand new COVID-19 section. First-time subscribers…
Is Your Insured Running a Small Business in Their Home?
The face of small business is always changing, perhaps now more than ever. Home-based businesses are on the rise, as people look for creative ways to earn money. Whether your client is running a professional service business or selling handmade wares, RLI Home Business Insurance provides coverage that their homeowners policy does not. MAIA’s Number One Insurance…
Reminder: Insurance Licenses WILL NOT Expire During the COVID-19 Emergency
As long as your MA insurance license was in good standing as of March 10, 2020 (the day Governor Baker declared a state of emergency in MA), it is extended and will remain valid until 90 days after the state of emergency is lifted, even if it would otherwise have expired. Although you MAY renew…
Massachusetts Private Passenger Auto Insurance Refunds in Response to COVID-19
With so many people in MA following stay-at-home orders, many insurers are seeing decreases in loss frequency in their personal lines auto books and setting up processes to refund or credit their customers’ premiums. MAIA has put together a list of Massachusetts Private Passenger Auto Insurance Refunds in Response to COVID-19.
Registry Appointments
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 21, 2020 QUESTION What is going on with the registry? I have a client from out of state trying to make an appointment for new plate. There are zero appointments available for all locations. Are they totally closed. Not…
Out-of-State Violations
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 13, 2020 QUESTION As you are probably aware, the RMV’s efforts to clear the backlog of out-of-state violations is resulting in surcharges to current MA personal auto policies. So far, we’re seeing surcharge endorsements from Commerce and Plymouth Rock.…
Special Bulletin: Big ‘I’ Establishes Trusted Choice® COVID-19 Relief Fund to Assist Independent Agencies
Progressive donates $2 million to provide relief to independent insurance agencies facing pandemic challenges Our national association, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”), is pleased to announce that Progressive Insurance has donated $2 million dollars to establish the Trusted Choice® COVID-19 Relief Fund in response to the economic and operational…
Registry News: Further Extensions for Licenses, Permits, Inspection Stickers, and Passenger Registrations
Effective immediately, further extensions will be implemented for expiring motor vehicle inspection stickers, passenger plate registrations, professional credentials, and licenses and permits, including Commercial Driver’s Licenses and Permits (CDLs / CLPs).
RMV Branches – Who Can Go
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 13, 2020 QUESTION We have an insured who is currently in a rehab recovering from surgery. His vehicle is not working and his sister wants to gift him a vehicle. Will someone from his family be able to go…
Paying Parking Tickets
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 13, 2020 QUESTION Are people still able to pay parking tickets in person at the RMV?
Registry News: Additional COVID-19 RMV Changes
The MA RMV continues to implement measures to reduce customer volumes in physical locations and maintain proper social-distancing to keep residents and staff safe and healthy.
Introducing Elaine Lovelace, Our New E&O Program Manager!
Elaine Lovelace, CPCU, ASLI, AU, AAI, began her extensive insurance career in western New York, and later worked for an E&S wholesaler as a commercial new business underwriter. Along the way she developed her own curriculum for educating brokers; and taught classes around the state. Today, as an E&O program manager for MAIA’s Number One…
RMV Branches for Runners
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 13, 2020 QUESTION I hope you are safe and well! Just checking in to see the latest update on runners. Last I spoke with you agents/runners could go to Wilmington/Milford RMV’s to drop off runs. Is that still the…
Personal Auto Rebates During Covid-19
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 13, 2020 QUESTION Our agency has had a number of inquiries asking if they will get a discount due to the fact they are not driving as much during the pandemic. I am aware of a few of the…
Hospitality Extends Liquor Liability Policies to Include Alcohol Sales with Takeout Food
Governor Baker recently signed legislation allowing beer and wine sales with takeout food orders in Massachusetts during the COVID-19 emergency. In response, Hospitality Insurance Group has extended its Liquor Liability policies to cover this exposure, in accordance with the governor’s provision.
Registration Renewal
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 7, 2020 QUESTION Do you know if a client can mail in their RTA renewal or does it need to be brought to the Registry?
Update Address for Commercial Client
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 8, 2020 QUESTION I have a likely easy question – my commercial client needs to update their mailing address. I don’t see that I can do this on line. Can you confirm before we go through the efforts of…
Driver Retraining Classes
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 8, 2020 QUESTION One of our younger customers had three recent driving incidents and needs to attend additional driver’s education classes to keep her driver’s license. Is the RMV still holding these classes or are they on hold?
Paycheck Protection Program – 2 On-Demand Webinars for Independent Agencies
Created specifically for MAIA/Big “I” members, these two recorded webinars explain the new Paycheck Protection Program, which provides forgivable SBA loans for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll during the COVID-19 crisis. (that’s you!):
ePayPolicy Gives MAIA Members First Month Free!
You’re doing all that you can to serve your clients. We’re here to support you and give you the resources you need to continue to operate. Our preferred digital payment processor ePayPolicy can help! Insureds still need to make payments, and ePayPolicy provides your agency with a digital, branded payment page that eliminates the need for…
Cybercriminals Are Having a Field Day! Protect Your Agency
Cybercrime is growing as hackers prey on our coronavirus fears and exploit security gaps from disrupted business routines, relocated staff, and our shift to online connections with clients and carriers. Don’t be the insurance agent that doesn’t have the coverage you need! If you haven’t yet purchased cyber protection for your agency, or you want…
Merit Rating Board Message Re: Adding Driving Violations After Policy Renewal
The Massachusetts Merit Rating Board (MRB) recently sent a communication to all companies which MAIA would like to share with our members. The MRB message states:
Tech Talk: MAIA Member PSA: Look What’s Available at Your Virtual Fingertips
MAIA Member PSA: Look What’s Available at Your Virtual Fingertips By Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, LIA, CRIS, CPIW — VP of Technical Affairs
MAIA Board of Directors Seeks Nominees
Be part of the solution! MAIA’s nominating committee is seeking collaborative problem solvers to serve on our Board of Directors. Bring your experience, energy, and perspective to the table as we develop practical solutions to help our members address challenges such as talent recruitment, technology, and business optimization.
DOI Bulletin: Individual Insurance Licensing During COVID-19
The MA Department of Insurance (DOI) has issued Bulletin 2020-12, which confirms the news we shared last week, that all insurance licenses that were “in good standing” as of March 10 will remain valid for 90 days after the Emergency Declaration is lifted. The DOI encourages licensees to complete CE requirements in advance of their…
RMV Insurance Stamp
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on March 25, 2020 QUESTION Is the RMV allowing faxed copies of the stamped RTA for clients purchasing vehicle from private sale? Some clients don’t have printers. I know they allow for dealers to do it this way. I thought I…