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…
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
MAIA Board of Directors Seeks Nominees
Be part of the solution! MAIA’s nominating committee is seeking collaborative problem solvers to serve on our Board of Directors. Bring your experience, energy, and perspective to the table as we develop practical solutions to help our members address challenges such as talent recruitment, technology, and business optimization.
DOI Bulletin: Individual Insurance Licensing During COVID-19
The MA Department of Insurance (DOI) has issued Bulletin 2020-12, which confirms the news we shared last week, that all insurance licenses that were “in good standing” as of March 10 will remain valid for 90 days after the Emergency Declaration is lifted. The DOI encourages licensees to complete CE requirements in advance of their…
RMV Insurance Stamp
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on March 25, 2020 QUESTION Is the RMV allowing faxed copies of the stamped RTA for clients purchasing vehicle from private sale? Some clients don’t have printers. I know they allow for dealers to do it this way. I thought I…
Family Exemption
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on March 2, 2020 QUESTION We have a title in the mother and sons name. The mother wants her name off the title loan is paid off. Does the son now have to pay sales tax on the car?
CAR Bulletin No. 1097 – Guidance for Servicing Carriers and Exclusive Representative Producers during the COVID-19 Public Health Crisis
CAR Bulletin No. 1097 – Guidance for Servicing Carriers and Exclusive Representative Producers during the COVID-19 Public Health Crisis According to Commonwealth Automobile Reinsurers (CAR) Bulletin 1097, the Registry of Motor Vehicles has requested that CAR issue a bulletin to advise industry participants of the RMV’s new Registration and Title Application (RTA).
RMV Extends Registrations by 60 Days for March/April Expirations
RMV Extends Registrations by 60 Days for March/April Expirations Effective immediately, the RMV has extended all passenger plates/registrations that expired in March and that are due to expire in April for 60 days. Customers who have not renewed a registration that expired on March 31, 2020 have been extended until May 31, 2020. Customers who…
PAN or AHN
PAN or AHN This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on March 10, 2020 QUESTION I have a client who has welded a slide-on camper to his pickup truck. I’ve been informed the slide-on does have a running toilet. Is this pickup truck now a camper that will…
Event Cancellation – Coronavirus
Event Cancellation – Coronavirus This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on March 10, 2020 QUESTION I am looking to find coverage for a one-day event if it were to get a canceled due to the Corna virus. My insured is planning an engagement party in May at…
E&O Risk Management: What Agents Should NOT Say About Coverage
E&O Risk Management: What Agents Should NOT Say About Coverage This E&O Risk Management Alert from Utica National gives advice for agents and producers to help avoid E&O claims: “During this time of crisis, it is imperative that insurance agents and producers do not make any statements or representations to their clients regarding the potential…
FFCRA & CARES Act: Resources for Independent Agents
FFCRA & CARES Act: Resources for Independent Agents The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act open up many new avenues of assistance to help prevent more workers from losing their jobs and small businesses from going under. These resources will help you understand and benefit from…
InsurBanc Will Work with Eligible Agencies to Obtain PPP Loans
InsurBanc Will Work with Eligible Agencies to Obtain PPP Loans As you know, Congress recently approved $350 billion through various SBA lending programs to help small businesses survive and recover from losses suffered during this crisis. InsurBanc is prepared to work with eligible agencies to obtain the emergency financing offered through the Paycheck Protection Program. This program…
Spread Positivity! #19ActsofKindness
Spread Positivity! #19ActsofKindness Venmo coffee money to a friend who’s a nurse, doctor or first responder. Leave essential products on your porch for delivery drivers. Those are just two ideas from a list of 19 Acts of Kindness developed to create positive experiences during the COVID-19 crisis. MAIA is joining with the Big “I” Young…
New Vehicle – No Title
New Vehicle – No Title This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on February 11, 2020 QUESTION Quick question for you. I have an insured that called me last week & said he was getting a 2018 truck. He picked it up Friday 2/7/20 & I haven’t received the…
FEMA Extends Grace Period for Flood Insurance Renewals
FEMA Extends Grace Period for Flood Insurance Renewals To help serve its National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) customers who may be experiencing financial hardships related to the COVID-19 pandemic, FEMA is extending the grace period to renew flood insurance policies from 30 to 120 days. This extension applies to NFIP flood insurance policies with an…
Doordash
Doordash This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on February 12, 2020 QUESTION I have a client who is looking into part-time with Doordash. How is personal lines client addressing using personal vehicle for doordash? Any thoughts?
SD.2888 and Other Proposed Legislation to Cover COVID-19 BI Claims
SD.2888 and Other Proposed Legislation to Cover COVID-19 BI Claims As the legislative and regulatory landscape continues to shift day by day, MAIA and our national association, The Big “I,” are working hard to ensure that independent agents are well represented. Many of you have reached out with questions about the highly publicized bills being…
RMV to Mail IRP Renewals in Monthly Batches Starting in April
RMV to Mail IRP Renewals in Monthly Batches Starting in April MAIA spoke to the RMV today (Friday, March 27), and they are still on point to start mailing IRP renewals, but will be changing the process this year. Instead of mailing all renewals at once, they will separate the renewals into three groups and…
RMV Enforcing No Walk-In Policy
RMV Enforcing No Walk-In Policy Effective Friday, March 27th, the RMV will be enforcing a strict no walk-in policy at its eight Service Centers open to the general public. The only transactions that will be processed at service centers are those that require an in-person transaction, including Commercial Driving Licenses or Permits (CDLs / CLPs), some new…