Principal Place of Business
Principal Place of Business QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 01, 2019 Regarding Principal Place of Business Certificate Form-I have a guy with a Ceded CL Auto Policy and his vehicle is registered to himself-he lives in Newburyport and his vehicle is garaged there. However,…
MA Extends Open Enrollment Period for Benefit Year 2020
MA Extends Open Enrollment Period for Benefit Year 2020 The open enrollment period for the 2020 benefit year in Massachusetts will extend from November 1, 2019, through January 23, 2020 (well beyond the standard end date of December 15.) The MA DOI issued information on this special enrollment period in Bulletin 2019-03, Guidance Regarding Open…
Carvana
Carvana QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 02, 2019 Wondering if you have heard of problems with insureds purchasing vehicles from Carvana- they will not sign over the title to the insured until 7 days after they purchase it because the insured has 7 days…
Travel Trailers used at Seasonal Campground
Travel Trailers used at Seasonal Campground QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 02, 2019 Happy Spring Irene: It came up in conversation with an underwriter from a particular insurance company that if a travel trailer is parked for the season (April-October) at a campground, that…
Agent Stamped RMV Form/Carrier Declined to Write
Agent Stamped RMV Form/Carrier Declined to Write QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 11, 2019 Reaching out to clarify – if we receive a new business application to review, and ultimately decline due to it being an ineligible risk, but the agency stamped an RMV…
Rough Notes Magazine Shines a Spotlight on Big “I” Hires
Rough Notes Magazine Shines a Spotlight on Big “I” Hires If we told you that finding new talent is a huge struggle in our industry, you’d probably say, “thanks, Captain Obvious.” However, as this excellent article by Christopher Cook of Rough Notes magazine explains, help is available to our members through Big “I” Hires, the…
Rented Handicap Accessible Van – Coverage
Rented Handicap Accessible Van – Coverage QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 11, 2019 Good Morning Irene, I have a question for you. My insured has a private passenger auto policy; they need to rent a handicap accessible van for a 24 hour period. The…
Shout Out to MAIA Advocacy Fund Donors
Shout Out to MAIA Advocacy Fund Donors We extend our heartfelt thanks to the following donors for supporting the 2019 MAIA Advocacy Fund! In Massachusetts politics, you never know when the next legislative, regulatory, or judicial battle will arise. But when it does, you know that MAIA will keep independent agents’ voices loud and clear…
Number One Shares Updates about Cyber Liability, Liquor/Assault & Battery, and More
Number One Shares Updates about Cyber Liability, Liquor/Assault & Battery, and More
Good News for IAs About Millennial Insurance Buyers
Good News for IAs About Millennial Insurance Buyers A new Liberty Mutual Insurance and Safeco Insurance research study shows that millennial insurance consumers’ views of insurance are largely aligned with older generations, dispelling many myths about this generation and presenting a huge opportunity for the independent agent channel.
Umbrella Quoting with MVR Information
Umbrella Quoting with MVR Information QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 22, 2019 I know this is an issue we have gone over a few times with you. In regards to quoting an umbrella we know we cannot provide MVR printouts. To obtain the quote…
Bus Conversion to Camper
Bus Conversion to Camper QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on May 16, 2019 I cannot find the requirements needed to register a bus into a camper. I have had no luck finding that information.
Rate Comparison with Other States
Rate Comparison with Other States QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on May 17, 2019 How can I get any date regarding rates by coverage in comparison to other state for auto? For instance, I’d love to know where our collision, PD and comp rates are vs.…
Resident Benefit Package
Resident Benefit Package QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on May 17, 2019 This has nothing to do with an auto policy , but perhaps you can direct me to someone else. We have a client that is renting and has purchase a tenants policy thru our…
Deland, Gibson Insurance Renews Five Star Agency Designation
Deland, Gibson Insurance Renews Five Star Agency Designation The Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA) has renewed the prestigious Five Star Agency Designation for Deland, Gibson Insurance of Wellesley. MAIA noted that Deland, Gibson has been a Five Star Agency since 2000 and continues to demonstrate excellence in the five imperatives associated with the designation:…
WCRIBMA Releases Insured Assessment Rates for All Policies Effective July 1
WCRIBMA Releases Insured Assessment Rates for All Policies Effective July 1 The MA Workers’ Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau (WCRIBMA) has issued Circular Letter No. 2350, dated June 28, 2019, and titled Department of Industrial Accidents Assessment. The letter lists the official assessment rates to be applied to policies effective July 1, 2019 and thereafter.
Tech Talk: Employment-Related Practices Insurance (EPLI) – More Important Than You Think
Tech Talk: Employment-Related Practices Insurance (EPLI) – More Important Than You Think By Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, LIA, CRIS, CPIW — VP of Technical Affairs, MAIA
Should I Send a 2A??
Should I Send a 2A?? QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on May 17, 2019 I have a strange situation and don’t know how or if I do a BU2A for it. The insured’s mother has a leased vehicle that the daughter took over. The leasing company…
Massachusetts HO Policy
Massachusetts HO Policy QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on May 04, 2019 I am looking for the most up to date copy of the Massachusetts Homeowners policy and the Massachusetts Auto policy. Some of our auto body shops are stating that they will not work on…
Substitute Transportation
Substitute Transportation QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on May 21, 2019 What is the rule for rentals in a third party claim? Twice I have had issues with Progressive and GEICO stating that we have to use their company to appraise the vehicle in order to…
TNC Endorsements
TNC Endorsements QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on May 22, 2019 Are there any companies in MA besides Commerce that offer the TNC endorsement?
CAR’s MAIP Steering Committee Votes to Amend Rules 21–33 & 36–39
CAR’s MAIP Steering Committee Votes to Amend Rules 21–33 & 36–39 In Bulletin 1082, Commonwealth Automobile Reinsurers (CAR) announced their vote to amend the following CAR Rules of Operation, which define the policies and procedures by which Members, Assigned Risk Companies, and Assigned Risk Producers are governed with regard to the operation of, and participation…
New Law for Discounts?
New Law for Discounts? QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on May 22, 2019 Was there a new law passed in May 2019 regarding low mileage and surcharge points that allows discount?
WCRIBMA Special Bulletin: Updated Information on Residual Market Share 06-19
WCRIBMA Special Bulletin: Updated Information on Residual Market Share 06-19 The MA Workers’ Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau (WCRIBMA) released Special Bulletin 06-19, Updated Information on Residual Market Share.
What Type of Plate
What Type of Plate QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on May 22, 2019 Good morning, If my insured puts a sign on her car will she need a commercial plate. I think yes but some of us think no since it is not on all the…
CAR Approves Modification to Rule 2’s Definition of “Eligible Risk”
CAR Approves Modification to Rule 2’s Definition of “Eligible Risk” UPDATE: Effective July 23, 2019, the changes to Rule 2– Definitions are officially approved. Details. Commonwealth Automobile Reinsurers (CAR) recently released Bulletin No. 1081, “Proposed Changes To The Rules of Operation,” explaining their revisions to Rule 2 — Definitions. The Bulletin reads in part:
RLI – More than a One Trick Pony!
RLI – More than a One Trick Pony! You may know about RLI’s Personal Umbrella coverage for your clients, but do you know about their Home Business Insurance coverage? You have access to both through MAIA’s Number One Insurance Agency! RLI Home Business Insurance Just as you have worked hard to build your agency business,…
Trailer Recreational Use or Not
Trailer Recreational Use or Not QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on May 24, 2019 My insured has a fifth wheel that he keeps at a campground for the summer. I know under the auto policy, it states if used as residence it is not covered. It…
Short-Term Rental Update: New Tax Rules Take Effect July 1
Short-Term Rental Update: New Tax Rules Take Effect July 1 The time has come. As of July 1, 2019, short-term rental operators in MA will need to register with MassTaxConnect, and begin collecting and remitting the required 5.7% tax. In the June DOR newsletter, Commissioner Christopher Harding spelled out the requirements and gave links for…
BAP and Trailer
BAP and Trailer QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on May 27, 2019 Commercial Auto client is going to pull a 6000 GVW trailer that is owned by him and his wife individually with one of his commercial vehicles. Will the commercial auto liability provide the liability…
PFML Update: Implementation Delay & Rate Increase
PFML Update: Implementation Delay & Rate Increase Implementation of the MA Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) has been delayed for three months. While this gives MA employers a little extra time to meet their new responsibilities under the law, it also means the withholding rate will increase from .63% to .75%, as the state has…
Trailer at Campground
Trailer at Campground QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on May 27, 2019 Campers parked at campground is there still physical damage?
Are Your Clients Up To Par With Golf Cart Insurance?
Are Your Clients Up To Par With Golf Cart Insurance? The golf cart is not just for golf anymore! Even if your clients don’t care about the damage to their golf cart – are they covered for the liability that could arise from someone being hit by, falling off of, or causing property damage with…
Employment Opportunities at MAIA & Number One
Employment Opportunities at MAIA & Number One The Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA) and its affiliate, The Number One Insurance Agency, are hiring! MAIA is seeking a Membership Engagement Director and an Education Manager, and Number One is looking for a Customer Service Representative. Our offices are conveniently located off Rte. 495 in Milford,…
Med Pay
Med Pay QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on May 29, 2019 I just quoted an auto for a new client and used their existing Dec as a guide. I suggested removing medical payments and explained PIP and the Mass limit of 2000 if the insured had…
What is the Correct Plate Type
What is the Correct Plate Type QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on May 09, 2019 If someone uses a vehicle in their business and they put signs on the vehicle do they need to get commercial plates? I currently have it listed as class 30 on…
WCRIBMA Circular Letter: Massachusetts Indemnity Data Call
WCRIBMA Circular Letter: Massachusetts Indemnity Data Call The Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau has issued Circular Letter No. 2349, dated June 14, 2019, and titled Massachusetts Indemnity Data Call. The WCRIBMA’s Governing Committee authorized the implementation of a Massachusetts Indemnity Data Call to be reported directly to the WCRIBMA. Participation in the Massachusetts Indemnity…