Personal Umbrella/Business Use Auto

Personal Umbrella/Business Use Auto QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on November 26, 2018 Does my personal umbrella follow me as a driver of my business car when I am using it for personal use ??? I believe the umbrella is intended to follow ME not just…

All-in-One Small Business Insurance Product “THREE” from Berkshire Hathaway Heightens Commercial Competition

All-in-One Small Business Insurance Product “THREE” from Berkshire Hathaway Heightens Commercial Competition Berkshire Hathaway Insurance Group has announced THREE, a “game-changing, comprehensive insurance product for small business.” In a press release, Berkshire Hathaway explained that THREE provides coverage for workers comp, multiple liability coverages (general liability, errors and omissions, and cyber), property, and auto in a three-page, plain-English insurance policy. Berkshire Hathaway will be providing THREE direct…

Employee Use of Personal Vehicle

Employee Use of Personal Vehicle QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on November 27, 2018 I was hoping you could assist with a question from one of my health center clients.  The health center is asking one of their employees (with a personal auto policy) to drive…

MAIA Welcomes 7 New Members

MAIA Welcomes 7 New Members MAIA is delighted to announce that four new Massachusetts agencies have joined as full members, and three organizations as associate members, since January 1, 2019. We look forward to a great year ahead.

Operator Exclusion

Operator Exclusion QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on November 27, 2018 I just read the Tech Talk on Operator Exclusions.  This is great !! THANK YOU for putting it together .  This has always confused me!!    Our company does not allow us to use the exclusion…

Our Voices Were Heard: Over 60 Legislators Co-Sponsored Our Bill

Our Voices Were Heard: Over 60 Legislators Co-Sponsored Our Bill Thank you and congratulations to everyone who took prompt action last week when MAIA sent out the call to action! Your efforts urging legislators to cosponsor HD1011 / SD919, “An Act Relative to Fair and Accurate Motor Vehicle Insurance Quotes,” yielded a terrific response —…

Garaging on BAP

Garaging on BAP QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on November 28, 2018 I have a client who has two Auto policies…A Massachusetts Automobile policy and an Out of State Automobile policy. Their home office is in Hudson, NH (They moved from Dracut, MA two years ago)…

Tips for Protecting Your Agency from Flood-Related E&O Claims

Tips for Protecting Your Agency from Flood-Related E&O Claims Recent storms and flooding events have caused an uptick in E&O claims against agencies, as desperate insureds try to recoup flood losses by taking action against their insurance agents. Utica National Insurance Group recently published valuable tips about what you can do to help protect your…

Auto Policy and Life Partners

Auto Policy and Life Partners QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on January 03, 2019 We have an insured who is wondering if he and his life partner can own a car…his partner has a vehicle and he would like to own it with him so that…

Loss of Use on a Rental

Loss of Use on a Rental QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on January 07, 2019 Question is does loss of use on rental vehicles covered? Basically this is you rent a car and involved in accident and the rental had to be taken out of commission…

Truck-Tractor Cost New

Truck-Tractor Cost New QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on January 07, 2019 When we add a large truck-tractor to a commercial auto policy should the federal excise tax amount be included in the cost new of the vehicle? this tax can be thousands of dollars. Thank…

Auto Classification Change

Auto Classification Change QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on January 09, 2019 Do insurance companies have the right NOT to amend a classification mid term?  One of our insured’s was first licensed in Dec 2015 and their policy renewed Nov 2018, when we followed up with…

FAIR Plan FAQs Explain Clearinghouse for HO Insurers

FAIR Plan FAQs Explain Clearinghouse for HO Insurers The Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association (MPUIA), also known as the FAIR Plan, has undertaken an initiative to depopulate MPIUA in an effort to promote the vitality of the Homeowners Insurance Market. The result of this initiative has been the creation of a Clearinghouse, which is designed…

Mobile Equipment – Physical Damage

Mobile Equipment – Physical Damage QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on January 10, 2019 Is it better to put the physical damage for a registered piece of mobile equipment on an inland marine or an auto policy?

Drivers Can Now Use Specialized Features on Road Tests

Drivers Can Now Use Specialized Features on Road Tests

Policy on Outdated Residency Documents at Return Visit

Policy on Outdated Residency Documents at Return Visit If a customer applying for a REAL ID or Standard credential presents valid proof-of-residency documents upon their initial visit to a Service Center or AAA location, the residency requirement has been met for the duration of the open issuance in the system.  If the customer cannot finish…

WC News: WCRIB Special Bulletins Residual Market Loss Ratio and Burden Estimate — January 2019 Update

WC News: WCRIB Special Bulletins Residual Market Loss Ratio and Burden Estimate — January 2019 Update  

Private Passenger Residual Market Rates Placed on File by Division of Insurance

Private Passenger Residual Market Rates Placed on File by Division of Insurance On January 28, 2019, the Division of Insurance placed CAR’s Private Passenger Residual Market rates and rating manual on file for policies effective May 1, 2019 and subsequent.  Amendments were made to the base rates, along with other minor modifications detailed in the…

AIB News – Updated List of MA Registered Repair and Glass Shops by County – Jan. 2019

AIB News – Updated List of MA Registered Repair and Glass Shops by County – Jan. 2019 The Automobile Insurers Bureau (AIB) of Massachusetts has issued Revised Repair and Glass Shop Listings By County as of January 10, 2019.  CLICK HERE to view the listings on the AIB website. 

Pizza Delivery

Pizza Delivery QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on January 10, 2019 I was talking to Kathy this afternoon looking for help on the above.  We have a personal lines client that has a private passenger vehicle with a private passenger plate registered in the personal name. …

Understanding and Complying with New York’s Cybersecurity Requirements

Understanding and Complying with New York’s Cybersecurity Requirements In this recent article from IA Magazine, Editor Scott Kneeland explained how New York’s new third-party service provider regulations may change the landscape of the insurance world.

MADOT Requirements for a Caterer

MADOT Requirements for a Caterer QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on January 15, 2019 We have a customer who owns a restaurant in Massachusetts and also does catering for functions at different locations.  They received notice that they may need to apply for a DOT #…

Trailer Rental

Trailer Rental QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on January 15, 2019 We have a client who had their trailer hit by another vehicle — he uses this trailer in his business to carry tools and materials to job sites — it will be in the shop…

Out-of-State Title

Out-of-State Title QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on January 16, 2019 I have a quick question for you regarding registering a vehicle from out of state.  We have a client who is moving here from Maine who has a Maine title for her vehicle but it…

MAIP Cancellation

MAIP Cancellation QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on January 16, 2019 I recently issued an Auto policy via MAIP for an insured with a revoked license. I’ve since received a cancellation notice from the carrier that they are cancelling coverage due to named insured having a…

Big Tax Win for Pass-Through Owners & Shareholders

Big Tax Win for Pass-Through Owners & Shareholders The IRS issued its final regulation governing Section 199A of the IRS tax code, and the insurance community has been buzzing. The new rule makes owners and shareholders of pass-through entities eligible for a tax deduction of up to 20% on qualified business income! This is a…

Waiver on BAP

Waiver on BAP QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on January 17, 2019 I have a contractor that needs waiver of insurance for his commercial auto policy.  The ceded carrier does not offer this endorsement.  Only on the voluntary side under the policy enhancrments.  What do I…

Rental Car Claim

Rental Car Claim QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on January 22, 2019 I have a client who was involved in a claim with a Hertz rental vehicle. The driver of the hertz was not the renter or listed as a driver. my insd car was totaled…

Updated Company Auto Insurance Filings – January 2019

Updated Company Auto Insurance Filings – January 2019

A Community Gave Thanks to Anastasi Insurance After Successful Food Drive

A Community Gave Thanks to Anastasi Insurance After Successful Food Drive In an effort to recognize the true spirit of Thanksgiving, Anastasi Insurance Agency hosted a food drive to feed families in need in their community. They were happy to announce that they successfully reached their goal of 20 complete Thanksgiving dinner and dessert baskets with “all the…

Cancelling Plate after Total Loss

Cancelling Plate after Total Loss QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on January 17, 2019  I have an insured whose vehicle was a total loss, and she has been in a rental vehicle. Plates were taken with the car and are still at salvage yard in NY.…

Listing Licensed HHMs

Listing Licensed HHMs QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on November 28, 2018 There is a discussion going on in our office whether it is a state law or just an insurance company requirement to have all licensed household members listed on each other’s policy.  I believe…

No Fault UM/UIM

No Fault UM/UIM QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on November 30, 2018 If I am in a ‘no fault’ state driving a vehicle insured by a family member, and I am injured in an accident will my uninsured/underinsured respond, if they either have no coverage or…

Tech Talk: E-Bikes, Electric Scooter Rental …The New “Rage”

Tech Talk: E-Bikes, Electric Scooter Rental …The New “Rage” By Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, LIA, CRIS, CPIW  — VP of Technical Affairs, MAIA   So, I receive multiple insurance informational emails daily. Lately I’ve noticed the mention of “e-scooter rental.”  Lime, Bird, Razor … all dockless scooter rental apps. Uber even has its…

Policy Effective Date

Policy Effective Date QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on November 30, 2018 I was told to contact you with this insurance question. We have a new client who came to us to insure a Jeep. He had the Jeep insured with GEICO. It had not been…

DOC on a BAP

DOC on a BAP QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on December 03, 2018 Seeking clarification on Drive Other Car Coverage on the Business Auto policy. Two different situations: 1. If adding DOC to a business policy, can he be deferred on his wife’s personal policy? Or…

Notice of Non-Renewal MAP

Notice of Non-Renewal MAP QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on December 05, 2018 We have a renewal policy in for a client for 01/23/19 and  the client has 10 points and may file another claim.  What is the time element the company can issue a non…

MA USDOT

MA USDOT QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on December 05, 2018 Hope all is well. Please see below link about some commercial vehicles now needing a DOT number. Have you heard about this? Can you shed any light on it? https://www.mass.gov/regulatory-bulletin/new-usdot-number-requirement-for-intrastate-cmvs

The Standard – MAIA’s Fyntrilakis Looks to 2019 as a Year of Bold Moves

The Standard – MAIA’s Fyntrilakis Looks to 2019 as a Year of Bold Moves In case you missed it, the January 10, 2019 issue of The Standard featured a cover story about our own President & CEO Nick Fyntrilakis.  It discusses legislative advocacy successes and what’s in store for 2019! (Interested in subscribing to The…

Snow Plowing

Snow Plowing QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on November 19, 2018 I have a customer who is trying to plow for the town of Middleboro. However, right now he has a personal auto policy that will not allow plowing. First off, can this go MAIP? My…