MAIA Launches One-Stop COVID-19 Resource Page

MAIA Launches One-Stop COVID-19 Resource Page MAIA has you covered! We have created a one-stop MAIA webpage with Massachusetts-specific COVID-19/coronavirus-related information and links to help you serve your customers and operate your business during this extraordinary time. We will update the page frequently as we learn more!

Stay Connected to Number One – No Mailing Required!

Stay Connected to Number One – No Mailing Required! The Number One Team is working remotely, but our website and online tools will allow you to submit your and your clients’ documents directly – no mailing required! 

RMV Directs Agents/Runners to Drop Off in Wilmington or Milford Only

RMV Directs Agents/Runners to Drop Off in Wilmington or Milford Only The MA RMV wants to direct all agents/runners to drop off bundles at either the Wilmington or Milford service center ONLY.  Wilmington and Milford will process all B2B transactions and all IRP transactions. These branches are open only for drop off and not to…

RMV and Blank Checks

RMV and Blank Checks 9is question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on March 6, 2020   QUESTION Our runner brought in a notice on the checks-dated 2/25/2020 B2B CHECK Policy & Bulk Transaction and it refer me to the cash manual chapter 1 but I can’t find the manual.…

Food Delivery & MAP Business Activity Exclusions

Food Delivery & MAP Business Activity Exclusions By Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, LIA, CRIS, CPIW  — VP of Technical Affairs 

COVID-19 Small Business Loan Fund

COVID-19 Small Business Loan Fund A loan fund of $10 million has been created to provide financial relief to Massachusetts businesses with under 50 full- and part-time employees that have been affected by COVID-19. Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) will receive and process all applications for this fund. 

Nominate Your Outstanding CSR of the Year

Nominate Your Outstanding CSR of the Year Each year The National Alliance presents Outstanding CSR of the Year Awards to deserving, qualified CSRs in the insurance industry. Nominees first compete on a state level. Entries and nominations are due by May 1, 2020. State winners will automatically be entered into the national competition. Finalists and the…

Free Daily Webinar: Coronavirus (COVID-19): Does Business Income Respond?

Free Daily Webinar: Coronavirus (COVID-19): Does Business Income Respond? Does ISO’s Business Income policy respond if a business shuts down because of the coronavirus? What happens if the authorities require the business to close? There is a short answer to these questions, but it’s not necessarily a simple answer.

Vanity Plate and Signage

Vanity Plate and Signage 9is question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on March 6, 2020   QUESTION One of our insureds has a vanity plate- she owns a business and has a magnetic sign that she puts on her door for advertising…does she need to change to a commercial…

Gov. Baker Files Coronavirus Response Bills

Gov. Baker Files Coronavirus Response Bills MA Gov. Charlie Baker has filed a suite of legislation related to the COVID-19 crisis. Most relevant to independent agencies, S.2598 would eliminate the waiting period for unemployment benefits (currently one-week) paid to workers impacted by COVID-19. 

Families First Coronavirus Response Act – H.R. 6201

Families First Coronavirus Response Act – H.R. 6201 We want to call your attention to a piece of pending legislation — Families First Coronavirus Response Act, (H.R. 6201) — which will have implications to employers of fewer than 500 employees, so it will be very relevant to most MAIA member agencies.

Webinar: “Your Agency & Telework” Wed 3/18 at 2 pm

Webinar: “Your Agency & Telework” Wed 3/18 at 2 pm Our national association, the Big “I,” is offering a free live webinar for members of its state associations, including MAIA:

No Walk-In Service at MPIUA/FAIR Plan Offices

No Walk-In Service at MPIUA/FAIR Plan Offices The Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association (MPIUA or FAIR Plan) has taken measures to protect its employees and clientele. The majority of staff will be working remotely servicing clientele via phone, web, and fax. During this time the Association will not be servicing clientele in person. Please do…

MAIA & Number One Agency Staff Working from Home

MAIA & Number One Agency Staff Working from Home Beginning Monday, March 16, 2020, and until we communicate otherwise, employees of MAIA and MAIA’s Number One Insurance Agency will be working from home.  We have been preparing for a work-from-home scenario, but of course there may be some unanticipated logistical glitches. Your understanding is appreciated.

RMV Service Centers CLOSED Mon-Tues 3/16 & 17

RMV Service Centers CLOSED Mon-Tues 3/16 & 17 RMV Closures

60-Day Extension on Expiring Driver’s Licenses, IDs, Learner’s Permits

60-Day Extension on Expiring Driver’s Licenses, IDs, Learner’s Permits All Massachusetts Class D and Class DM driver’s licenses, ID cards, and learner’s permits that have expired or are expiring between March 1, 2020 and April 30, 2020, will have a 60-day extension applied to the current expiration date. The RMV will implement this 60-day extension…

Auto Rental on Vacation

Auto Rental on Vacation 9is question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on March 6, 2020   QUESTION My client is renting a vehicle for vacation in US and wants to allow a relative to drive the rental. She isn’t going to take the insurance through the dealer, so relying…

Be Sure Your Agency is “Recommended” by TrustedChoice.com

Be Sure Your Agency is “Recommended” by TrustedChoice.com We have all learned how important it is to be online in recent days. Please be sure your Member Plus agency profile at TrustedChoice.com is up-to-date and active. The Trusted Choice.com agent locator will only actively recommend agencies that have properly registered with an Advantage or Member Plus…

MAIA Suspends All LIVE Classes for 30 Days

MAIA Suspends All LIVE Classes for 30 Days MAIA continues to follow the US CDC and local government guidelines on steps we can take to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease COVID-19. Out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to implement the following action: Effective immediately, MAIA has suspended all “in-person”…

Named Insured on MAP

Named Insured on MAP 9is question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on February 27, 2020   QUESTION I am looking for the verbage for Mass Auto that states the policy Named Insured must match the vehicle title and registration. Thanks

UBER/LYFT & Door Dash

UBER/LYFT & Door Dash 9is question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on February 27, 2020   QUESTION We have a client who does Door Dash,, Uber and Lyft. Personal policy does not cover Door Dash at all, food delivery. He does not qualify for Commercial Auto. He has had…

A Message from MAIA’s President Regarding COVID-19

A Message from MAIA’s President Regarding COVID-19 Dear MAIA Members, As developments continue to unfold with COVID-19 (coronavirus), MAIA has started receiving questions regarding the status of upcoming meetings and events. While we have not altered any plans at this point, we are monitoring the situation closely. If changes or cancellations should become necessary to…

MAP vs BAP and Mopeds

MAP vs BAP and Mopeds 9is question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on March 1, 2020   QUESTION Hi.   Thanks for your help in the past; we’re seeking some more helpfulness!  Three questions: Do you have a good summary, or can you refer us to one, which describes the…

Leased Vehicle Buy Out

Leased Vehicle Buy Out This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on February 26, 2020   QUESTION I have a client who had a lease under his name, but has decided to purchase the vehicle for his business. I’m in the process of completing the RTA. My understanding is…

RMV Changes Timeframes for Registration Revocation

RMV Changes Timeframes for Registration Revocation The MA RMV has released a bulletin titled “Insurance Policy Management (IPM) Registration Revocation Timeframes” to alert insurance carriers and agents that the proposed implementation dates are changing for Revocation of Registration due to “No Policy” or “Expired Policy.” These additional revocation actions will be under review with the…

Coronavirus Resource Page for Agents – Bookmark It!

Coronavirus Resource Page for Agents – Bookmark It! Our national association, the Big “I,” has created a Coronavirus Resource Page to provide one-stop access the latest tools and information for members to prepare for and respond to the ongoing situation. We encourage you to bookmark the page and refer to it frequently for updated information…

Cancel a Registration Once Vehicle is Registered to Another

Cancel a Registration Once Vehicle is Registered to Another This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on February 18, 2020   QUESTION How do I cancel a registration for my customer when the vehicle is already registered to another person?

Updated B2B Centers and Service Hours

Updated B2B Centers and Service Hours

Trade In Allowance

Trade In Allowance This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on February 18, 2020   QUESTION I had a call from an insured.  She was told the following:  Mass will not allow trade in allowance for Construction Trailers or Mobile Equipment (plated) any longer? Can  you please check on this…

A Successful First Principals & Young Agents Event

A Successful First Principals & Young Agents Event MAIA’s Young Agents Committee had the opportunity to host a first-of-its-kind event on Wednesday, March 4, inviting both young agents AND agency principals to The Plumbing Museum in … where else but… Watertown! The unique setting was a great spot for the attendees to “flush” out innovative…

DOT and SDIP

DOT and SDIP This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on February 18, 2020   QUESTION I have an insured asking if he was surcharged when driving his DOT registered vehicle by a DOT officer, should that/would that show as an incident on his driver’s license, as well? He…

Vehicle Going From Business to Individual

Vehicle Going From Business to Individual 9is question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on February 18, 2020   QUESTION I have an insured that wants to change his business vehicle to personal.  He has a title from the lienholder but it’s made out to the company name.  What do…

Tech Talk: Coronavirus and Commercial Business Shutdown… Covered or Not?

Tech Talk: Coronavirus and Commercial Business Shutdown… Covered or Not? Coronavirus and Commercial Business Shutdown… Covered or Not? By Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, LIA, CRIS, CPIW  — VP of Technical Affairs 

Special Bulletin: RMV Agrees to Delay New B2B Check Policy

Special Bulletin: RMV Agrees to Delay New B2B Check Policy Your voices have been heard. The implementation date for the RMV’s new B2B Check Policy, which states that RMV employees can no longer fill out checks for customers, has been moved from March 1 to March 30, 2020.

MAIA’s Registry Procedures Manual: The Best $149 You’ll Spend This Year

MAIA’s Registry Procedures Manual: The Best $149 You’ll Spend This Year If your agency handles MA auto insurance, MAIA’s Registry Procedures Manual could be your dream come true. It’s an all-in-one digital resource with more than 1,000 searchable pages of Registry procedures, services, forms, codes, and more, all freshly updated with the latest ATLAS information.…

Dual Wheel Truck & Registration

Dual Wheel Truck & Registration 9is question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on February 19, 2020   QUESTION I have a client who has a 13000 lb. dual wheel dump truck that has a CON plate on it currently and is on a commercial policy- he uses it for…

ATLAS Q&A, Straight from the RMV (UPDATED) – 3/1/2020

ATLAS Q&A, Straight from the RMV (UPDATED) – 3/1/2020 UPDATED Q&A as of 3/1/2020!(Includes all previous questions, plus several new ones.) MAIA’s Member Relations Advocate Kathy Cormier continues to field your ATLAS questions, seeking clarity from the MA RMV as needed. She has updated the list of ATLAS Q&As, and created a downloadable PDF that…

Dissolved Corporation and Coverage

Dissolved Corporation and Coverage his question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on February 13, 2020   QUESTION A corporation dissolves and there are vehicles in the business name. The principal has not yet transferred/sold the vehicles to another party so they are still registered in the corporate name. What…

Inland Marine & Driving Records

Inland Marine & Driving Records his question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on February 13, 2020   QUESTION I remember from one of your classes that we shouldn’t be giving out driving records… I have an Inland Marine policy for one of our insureds (delivers kitchen cabinets)… The carrier…

WOD with a DUI

WOD with a DUI his question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on February 13, 2020   QUESTION Hope your week is going well.  I just had a quick question for you- if a drunk driver gets in a not at fault accident with a sober person, will the drunk…