Commercial Auto and Drivers
Commercial Auto and Drivers his question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on February 13, 2020 QUESTION My Commercial Dept lead came across a situation with Progressive that I am a little baffled by. First, she was given a very hard time putting a truck back on to the…
Spring is Coming and the WC Landscape is Warming Up
Spring is Coming and the WC Landscape is Warming Up February is about to end, and it won’t be long before Massachusetts heads back outdoors. Landscapers will be landscaping, pool cleaners will be pool cleaning… and agents will be insuring them! You can help small business risks like these by placing their workers’ comp coverage…
B2B Check Policy — Effective Date Moved to March 30, 2020
B2B Check Policy — Effective Date Moved to March 30, 2020 UPDATED Friday 2/29/2020
AILP: The New High-Caliber Insurance Designation
AILP: The New High-Caliber Insurance Designation Launched in January 2020, MAIA’s exciting new Accredited Insurance Lines Professional (AILP) designation program gives serious insurance professionals a new standard of excellence. Designed for the intermediate to advanced-level agency producer who wants an in-depth understanding of personal lines (PL) and/or commercial lines (CL) issues, AILP courses will strengthen…
Commercial Auto Vs. MA Auto Policy
Commercial Auto Vs. MA Auto Policy his question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on February 14, 2020 QUESTION Once again, we are struggling with Commercial vs MA Auto Policy and how coverage works. We understand that if you have a camper trailer that you pull with a MA…
“Welcome Home” – New Special Plates
“Welcome Home” – New Special Plates Massachusetts’ new Welcome Home plate is a two-year passenger special plate whose proceeds will fund the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® (MAR) Charitable Foundation. All pre-ordered plates have been delivered to RMV Service Centers.
RMV Makes New B2B Service Hours Permanent
RMV Makes New B2B Service Hours Permanent Agents and runners who handle the business-to-business (B2B) operations of bulk-related transactions should know that the RMV has made a permanent change to its B2B service hours. All items must be dropped off by 11:30 a.m. for same-day pickup by 4:30 p.m. Items dropped off after 11:30 a.m.…
Moving Out-of-State and Auto
Moving Out-of-State and Auto his question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on February 14, 2020 QUESTION We have a client that has moved to New Hampshire and is insisting that by law all he has to do is call and request us to cancel his policy. We advised…
DOC and Car Rental
DOC and Car Rental his question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on February 18, 2020 QUESTION I have a questions regarding drive other car coverage on a commercial automobile policy. We have a commercial automobile policy for a business, the cars are owned by the company and driven…
Condo’s
Condo’s his question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on February 18, 2020 QUESTION May you please email me some information on what is HO1734? I am trying to understand why this is a needed endorsement on a condo policy.
BAP and New Truck
BAP and New Truck This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on February 18, 2020 QUESTION Our insured just advised us they have purchased a bucket truck at an auction and need liability coverage in order to pick up the vehicle. They have a commercial auto policy with…
Tech Talk: Total Loss Vehicle/Auto Valuation – BAP or MAP: Is the Insured Being Underpaid?
Tech Talk: Total Loss Vehicle/Auto Valuation – BAP or MAP: Is the Insured Being Underpaid? Total Loss Vehicle/Auto Valuation – BAP or MAP:Is the Insured Being Underpaid? By Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, LIA, CRIS, CPIW — VP of Technical Affairs
Insurance Career Article by MAIA CEO Nick Fyntrilakis Published on MassLive
Insurance Career Article by MAIA CEO Nick Fyntrilakis Published on MassLive News website MassLive has published an excellent article by MAIA President & CEO Nick Fyntrilakis, titled “Independent insurance agents expanding WMass workforce.” Citing facts and statistics, Nick explains why the insurance field is positioned for growth in western MA and across the state. At…
Hands-Free Electronic Device Law
Hands-Free Electronic Device Law The “hands-free” law took effect in Massachusetts on February 23, 2020. This law (Chapter 122 of the Acts of 2019) prohibits operators of motor vehicles from using any mobile electronic device, including a cell phone, unless the device is used in hands-free mode. Drivers 18 and Over Drivers 18 and over…
BAP and Dissolved Business
BAP and Dissolved Business This 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…
If a Car Dealer Discusses Insurance with a Customer, We Want to Know!
If a Car Dealer Discusses Insurance with a Customer, We Want to Know! This seems like a good time to remind agents that car dealers are not allowed to discuss insurance with their customers, according to MA Division of Insurance (DOI) Bulletin #2010-16 (“Involvement of Motor Vehicle Salespeople in the Solicitation, Negotiation or Sale of…
Markets
Markets This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on January 24, 2020 QUESTION Do you have any markets for a BOP small business owner?
Business Interruption/Loss of Income
Business Interruption/Loss of Income This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on January 24, 2020 QUESTION Customer operating a livery service, inquiring if coverage for Business Interruption, or Loss of Income,, is available, due to temporary loss of use for a vehicle, as a result of an auto…
Recruiting the Next Generation
Recruiting the Next Generation Insurance Career Month (February) is well underway, and Property/Casualty360 has pulled together a selection of career development articles, resources, and tips for recruiting and fostering new blood in our industry. Insurance is undergoing rapid change and disruption. For millennials and college students, who embrace technology and want variety and meaning in…
RLI Personal Umbrella Rate Change
RLI Personal Umbrella Rate Change MAIA’s Number One Insurance Agency would like you to know that, effective April 1, 2020 for New Business, and June 1, 2020 for Renewals, RLI Personal Umbrella base rates will increase an average 5-6% for both Massachusetts and New Hampshire. On the positive side, while it is an increase, it…
Uber/Lyft Coverage
Uber/Lyft Coverage This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on January 27, 2020 QUESTION Question is when are or are you not covered when your vehicle is being used by Uber or Lyft?
Principals & Young Agents Event at The Plumbing Museum
Principals & Young Agents Event at The Plumbing Museum
Personal Information on Surcharge Notice
Personal Information on Surcharge Notice This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on January 27, 2020 QUESTION I’m wondering if you can help with something or maybe direct me to the right person. My colleague, manages our systems and everything technical in the office. His son had an…
At Fault Accident and Commercial Vehicle
At Fault Accident and Commercial Vehicle This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on January 28, 2020 QUESTION Hi, we are having a discussion in our office, One person thinks if you are driving a company vehicle that is in a inc. and get in a at fault…
Surcharge Appeal – Waiver of Deductible
Surcharge Appeal – Waiver of Deductible This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on January 28, 2020 QUESTION Good afternoon Kathy and Irene, I have a feeling I already know the answer to this, but it’s been at least a decade since I ran into this scenario. (See…
What is Property Damage
What is Property Damage This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on January 28, 2020 QUESTION Hello, I have a client who leases a retail space for her convenience store. A vehicle insured with Mapfre collided with her storefront, causing around $3700 in damage to her awning (that’s…
New Insurance Apprenticeship Program Takes Aim at Talent Gap
New Insurance Apprenticeship Program Takes Aim at Talent Gap February is Insurance Careers Month, ideal timing to announce a new, national insurance apprenticeship program from the nonprofit firm Invest. With approval from the Department of Labor, Invest will now begin partnering with local Big “I” state associations (like MAIA) to develop local apprenticeship programs that…
What’s Brewing this Valentine’s Day?
What’s Brewing this Valentine’s Day? Whatever your taste, champagne or beer, Number One’s program manager for Hospitality markets, Lori Kane, is ready to assist you with writing your accounts!
Hands-Free – It’s the Law as of Feb. 23
Hands-Free – It’s the Law as of Feb. 23 Are your clients aware that holding their cellphone while driving will soon become a surchargeable offense? Effective 2/23/2020, the new “hands-free” law in MA makes it illegal for motor vehicle and bicycle operators to hold any electronic device or phone, including when stopped at red lights…
Hired Auto
Hired Auto This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on January 30, 2020 QUESTION I have a client who has a commercial auto with 2 different carriers. One policy includes non-owned and hired liability. Am I correct that they don’t need to have that on both policies since…
Carrier Filings
Carrier Filings This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on January 31, 2020 QUESTION Good morning, Here’s a question posed to me: If the carrier sends their guidelines to the state for approval, is it state law that they have to follow those guidelines? A certain carrier will…
Updates on MAIA’s Legislative Priorities for 2020
Updates on MAIA’s Legislative Priorities for 2020 When’s the last time you visited the Massachusetts State House? 6th grade field trip? Not to worry. MAIA President & CEO Nick Fyntrilakis and MAIA’s advocacy team are pretty well known under the golden dome on Beacon Hill. Nick recently discussed MAIA’s legislative priorities with state legislators at…
Don’t Get Left Out in the Cold with Bad E&O Coverage
Don’t Get Left Out in the Cold with Bad E&O Coverage E&O claims happen every day. Even good agents get pulled into claims! And that’s where MAIA’s Number One Agency comes in. We understand agents because you’re who we serve. We have markets that can help almost any P&C agency. Let us connect you to…
MAIA is Looking for New Instructors… Could You Be One of Them?
MAIA is Looking for New Instructors… Could You Be One of Them? MAIA’s Education team is known for providing high quality programs. The key to this success is our amazing instructors… and we need more of them! There are lots of great insurance people out there. There are lots of stellar teachers out there. Do…
MAP and Doctor Visit
MAP and Doctor Visit This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on January 12, 2020 QUESTION Under Mass auto is there a time frame that an injured party must see a Dr. Insured had accident 10 days ago, was told auto wouldn’t unless she sees a Dr.within 14…
2A Commercial Auto
2A Commercial Auto This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on January 14, 2020 QUESTION I am sorry if this seems like a dumb question but do I need to do a 2A if moving a commercial auto policy from one company to another within our agency?
Business Auto MA
Business Auto MA This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on January 15, 2020 QUESTION Many times in talking to clients and they inquire about a driver that is inexperienced or bad driving records when they find out it will effect their rate or they don’t qualify being…
IA Magazine Interviews MA Agent Bill Braley on Environmental Liability
IA Magazine Interviews MA Agent Bill Braley on Environmental Liability A big shout-out of congratulations to longtime MAIA member Bill Braley, SVP of Braley Wellington Insurance Agency in Worcester, who was featured in a recent issue of IA Magazine (a publication of our national association, the Big “I”). IA Assistant Editor AnneMarie McPherson interviewed Bill…
Tech Talk: BAP and Physical Damage Losses … Just When is Equipment Covered? P.S. Is it the Same for the Personal Auto Policy?
Tech Talk: BAP and Physical Damage Losses … Just When is Equipment Covered? P.S. Is it the Same for the Personal Auto Policy? By Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, LIA, CRIS, CPIW — VP of Technical Affairs
Brockton Registry of Motor Vehicles Customer Service Center Temporarily Closed
Brockton Registry of Motor Vehicles Customer Service Center Temporarily Closed The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is announcing that the Brockton Customer Service Center, at 490 Forest Avenue, is temporarily closed due to flooding caused by a water pipe that burst in the ceiling on Sunday, January 19. Building materials damaged by water must be…