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…