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2020

Out-of-State Violations

This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 13, 2020   QUESTION As you are probably aware, the RMV’s efforts to clear the backlog of out-of-state violations is resulting in surcharges to current MA personal auto policies.  So far, we’re seeing surcharge endorsements from Commerce and Plymouth Rock.…

Special Bulletin: Big ‘I’ Establishes Trusted Choice® COVID-19 Relief Fund to Assist Independent Agencies

Progressive donates $2 million to provide relief to independent insurance agencies facing pandemic challenges  Our national association, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”), is pleased to announce that Progressive Insurance has donated $2 million dollars to establish the Trusted Choice® COVID-19 Relief Fund in response to the economic and operational…

Registry News: Further Extensions for Licenses, Permits, Inspection Stickers, and Passenger Registrations

Effective immediately, further extensions will be implemented for expiring motor vehicle inspection stickers, passenger plate registrations, professional credentials, and licenses and permits, including Commercial Driver’s Licenses and Permits (CDLs / CLPs).

RMV Branches – Who Can Go

This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 13, 2020   QUESTION We have an insured who is currently in a rehab recovering from surgery.  His vehicle is not working and his sister wants to gift him a vehicle.  Will someone from his family be able to go…

Paying Parking Tickets

This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 13, 2020   QUESTION Are people still able to pay parking tickets in person at the RMV?

Registry News: Additional COVID-19 RMV Changes

The MA RMV continues to implement measures to reduce customer volumes in physical locations and maintain proper social-distancing to keep residents and staff safe and healthy.

Introducing Elaine Lovelace, Our New E&O Program Manager!

Elaine Lovelace, CPCU, ASLI, AU, AAI, began her extensive insurance career in western New York, and later worked for an E&S wholesaler as a commercial new business underwriter. Along the way she developed her own curriculum for educating brokers; and taught classes around the state. Today, as an E&O program manager for MAIA’s Number One…

RMV Branches for Runners

This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 13, 2020   QUESTION I hope you are safe and well!  Just checking in to see the latest update on runners.  Last I spoke with you agents/runners could go to Wilmington/Milford RMV’s to drop off runs.  Is that still the…

Personal Auto Rebates During Covid-19

This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 13, 2020   QUESTION Our agency has had a number of inquiries asking if they will get a discount due to the fact they are not driving as much during the pandemic.  I am aware of a few of the…

Hospitality Extends Liquor Liability Policies to Include Alcohol Sales with Takeout Food

Governor Baker recently signed legislation allowing beer and wine sales with takeout food orders in Massachusetts during the COVID-19 emergency. In response, Hospitality Insurance Group has extended its Liquor Liability policies to cover this exposure, in accordance with the governor’s provision.

Registration Renewal

This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 7, 2020   QUESTION Do you know if a client can mail in their RTA renewal or does it need to be brought to the Registry?  

Update Address for Commercial Client

This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 8, 2020   QUESTION I have a likely easy question – my commercial client needs to update their mailing address. I don’t see that I can do this on line.  Can you confirm before we go through the efforts of…

Driver Retraining Classes

This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 8, 2020   QUESTION One of our younger customers had three recent driving incidents and needs to attend additional driver’s education classes to keep her driver’s license.  Is the RMV still holding these classes or are they on hold?  

Paycheck Protection Program – 2 On-Demand Webinars for Independent Agencies

Created specifically for MAIA/Big “I” members, these two recorded webinars explain the new Paycheck Protection Program, which provides forgivable SBA loans for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll during the COVID-19 crisis. (that’s you!):

ePayPolicy Gives MAIA Members First Month Free!

You’re doing all that you can to serve your clients. We’re here to support you and give you the resources you need to continue to operate. Our preferred digital payment processor ePayPolicy can help! Insureds still need to make payments, and ePayPolicy provides your agency with a digital, branded payment page that eliminates the need for…

Cybercriminals Are Having a Field Day! Protect Your Agency

Cybercrime is growing as hackers prey on our coronavirus fears and exploit security gaps from disrupted business routines, relocated staff, and our shift to online connections with clients and carriers. Don’t be the insurance agent that doesn’t have the coverage you need! If you haven’t yet purchased cyber protection for your agency, or you want…

Merit Rating Board Message Re: Adding Driving Violations After Policy Renewal

The Massachusetts Merit Rating Board (MRB) recently sent a communication to all companies which MAIA would like to share with our members. The MRB message states:

Tech Talk: MAIA Member PSA: Look What’s Available at Your Virtual Fingertips

MAIA Member PSA: Look What’s Available at Your Virtual Fingertips By Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, LIA, CRIS, CPIW  — VP of Technical Affairs