Minor Rules & Regulations
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations, and statutes in effect as of November 2024. Question We have an insured who has a child who is 17 years of age, already graduated high school, and is working every day part-time. The child’s license is now being suspended for going 10 miles over the…
CDL DACH Checks and Downgrades
November 18, 2024 As part of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Drug and Alcohol Testing Program, the FMCSA manages a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH). The Clearinghouse is a database that contains information about drug and alcohol violations committed by Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)/CDL operators. These drug and alcohol…
CDL Webinar – Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse Implementation Webinar Follow Up
November 18, 2024 The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) held a webinar on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 to review the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH) before implementing the final rule on Monday, November 18, 2024. The final rule establishes requirements for State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) to access and use information from the Clearinghouse indicating…
2024 November Workers’ Compensation P&C Insurer List
You are being provided this 2024 November Workers’ Compensation P&C Insurer List as a benefit of your membership with the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA). MAIA is providing you with this list to give you speedy access to information on the Workers’ Compensation marketplace in Massachusetts. Don’t forget that you also have the general…
Cancellation and/or Non-Renewal of HO, DP, MAP and BAP in Massachusetts
November 18, 2024 Written By: Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, CRIS, MLIS, LIA, CPIW – Consultant, Technical Affairs, MAIA Massachusetts has laws regarding the legal/proper way of non-renewing or canceling voluntary homeowners, dwelling fire, personal auto, and commercial auto. These laws have not changed since the beginning of my insurance career in September 1975.…
Disabled Veteran Fee Exemptions – HERO Act
November 12, 2024 Effective immediately, the Massachusetts HERO Act exempts disabled veterans from paying the following RMV fees: Registration fees for any/all vehicle registration(s), with exceptions. Driver’s license transaction fees (for all license classes), with exceptions. Read the full update here. Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353 or via email at [email protected]
2024 November Commercial Auto P&C Insurer List
You are being provided this 2024 November Commercial Auto P&C Insurer List as a benefit of your membership with the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA). The reason MAIA is providing you with this list is it lets you have speedy access to information on the Commercial Auto Insurance marketplace in Massachusetts. Do not forget…
Odometer Reading
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations, and statutes in effect as of November 2024. Question We have a registration for an antique vehicle out of Maine. Our customer bought it. He dropped a brand-new engine in it. He would like us to register/title the car in MA with “0” as the odometer…
CDL Self-Certification Downgrades
November 5, 2024 Effective November 6, 2024, when a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is downgraded because the driver’s CDL Self-Certification expired, the CDL will no longer be cancelled, and a Class D license will not be issued to the customer. Instead, the customer can operate a passenger vehicle with their physical CDL driver’s license while their…
State Electric Vehicle Plates
November 4, 2024 State Electric Vehicle (SE) plates are state plates that are now available for electric vehicles owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. SE plates do not expire. Read the full update here. Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353 or via email at [email protected]
AAA Fairhaven Location Temporarily Closing
November 4, 2024 The AAA Fairhaven location is temporarily closing on November 1 for remodeling. Construction is scheduled to be completed by November 19, but is subject to change. Appointments will not be available again until there is a confirmed reopening date. Read the full update here. Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353 or via…
New Mass.Gov/REALID Webpage
November 4, 2024 The RMV has published a new action-oriented customer focused REAL ID webpage: Mass.Gov/REALID. This page, which is already live, will help simplify the steps customers have to complete to obtain a REAL ID, such as scheduling an appointment and preparing their documents. It features a new tagline that we will launch soon…
Registry Procedures Manual Update!
November 4, 2024 This online “flipbook” manual is a MUST for every agent who writes MA automobile insurance and deals with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles! The Registry Procedures Manual (RPM) allows subscribers to utilize keyword searches to find what they need and is automatically updated regularly throughout the year. Check out what’s new HERE.…
HO-6 Policy
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations, and statutes in effect as of October 2024. Question I was wondering if you could clarify something for me. I have a client who is purchasing a condo policy, and I am putting together the HO6. It was an older three-family converted ted to condos, and…
The Evolution of Cyber Insurance
October 29, 2024 Written By: Laura J. Poulin, AILP, AINS, AAM, CPIW, CRIS, MLIS, Director of Curriculum and Technical Affairs, MAIA The earliest computer viruses date back over 40 years. Insurers developed cyber clauses to be added to existing policies because the precise wording in existing policies was often not developed with modern online threats…
RMV Website Search Feature
October 28, 2024 The “Search Mass.gov” box at the top of Mass.Gov/RMV has been improved to allow for better usability and accessibility. A new “scoped search” feature has been added to allow for searching only through the RMV site when selected. The search box that was previously located under the green Massachusetts RMV banner and…
Disabled Veteran Excise Tax Exemption Documentation Change
October 22, 2024 Disabled veterans do not need to pay excise tax for one passenger vehicle or pick-up truck. The vehicle must be owned by the veteran and be used for non-commercial purposes. View the full update here. Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353 or via email at [email protected].
HO6 Condo Coverage A
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations, and statutes in effect as of August 2024. Question My client inherited a condo in Maine from their parents. When the parents lived there, they added a screened-in porch off the back of the unit. My client is saying the parents were allowed to add the…
Coverage for Tree Struck by Lightning & Debris Removal
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations, and statutes in effect as of August 2024. Question Lightning struck a tree. I know a home policy covers the tree itself for $500, but is there full coverage to remove the dead tree? Answer Laura Poulin: With respect to the ISO HO forms, the limit…
Plate Issuance in November 2024 Through January 2025
October 7, 2024 A large number of registrations expire and need to be renewed in the final months of the year. In an effort to more evenly balance out registration renewals per month, February plates (ending in 2) will be issued in November, December, and January. View the full update and fee schedule here. Questions?…
Issuance of Free Replacement Documents
October 7, 2024 When a customer is issued a temporary credential or applies for an online duplicate or renewal registration, the license, ID card, or registration should arrive in the mail within 10 to 14 business days. Effective October 7, if the card or registration does not arrive in the mail between 30-60 days after…
2024 Q2 Quarterly P&C Marketplace Summary
You are being provided this 2024 Q2 Quarterly P&C Marketplace Summary covering the Massachusetts Property and Casualty (P&C) Insurance Marketplace as a benefit of your membership with the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA). This report provides up-to-date property and casualty (P&C) data, offering you a “real-time” view of trends in the Massachusetts insurance marketplace.…
Paying Commission To An Employee With An Expired License
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations, and statutes in effect as of August 2024. Question One of our employees had their producer license expire because they did not achieve the required continuing education credits. In MA, you may reinstate your license within 12 months of the missed renewal deadline for a late…
Recognitions and Awards Given at MAIA’s 2024 Annual Meeting
The following individuals were honored during MAIA’s Annual Meeting: Henry F. Barry, Jr. Memorial Pacesetter of the Year: Benjamin Cavallo, CIC, AAI, CISR Distinguished Service Awards: Lisa Hirbour, CIC, CPCU and Bradley P. Howes, Jr., CPCU, ARM, LIA MAIA’s Chairperson’s Award: Patrick Dempsey Board of Directors’ Award: Ted Gibson, MLIS James O. Herrick, Jr. Memorial…
Motorized Wheel Chair
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations, and statutes in effect as of August 2024. Question Good Afternoon. I have an insured who recently got a chair to assist his wife with mobility through Medicare. He is with his Insurance on an HO3 form. He is concerned if there is any coverage under…
Just What Is Surface Water?
September 25, 2024 Written By: Laura J. Poulin, AILP, AINS, AAM, CPIW, CRIS, MLIS, Director of Curriculum and Technical Affairs, MAIA Though there are many contributing factors to flooding, rainfall is certainly a primary factor. When rain falls, some is captured by soil and vegetation, and the remainder flows onward. Many are aware of flooding…
Updated Company Auto Filings – September 2024
September 26, 2024 MAIA periodically visits the Division of Insurance to collect the latest information about each company’s private passenger automobile insurance rules, rates, and forms filings. Recent changes and updates are presented here. Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353 or via email at [email protected].
2024 September Commercial Multi-Peril P&C Insurer List
You are being provided this 2024 September Commercial Multi-Peril P&C Insurer List as a benefit of your membership with the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA). The reason MAIA is providing you with this list is it lets you have speedy access to information on the Commercial Multi-Peril Insurance marketplace in Massachusetts. Do not forget…
Diminished Value
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations, and statutes in effect as of August 2024. Question I know a couple of years ago, there was a court case concerning Diminished Value and what a claimant has to do to present a claim for this. I could not find anything on the website. Do…
State-to-State Verification Cancels Multi-State Credentials
September 9, 2024 The New York Department of Motor Vehicles now checks other participating states to prevent anyone from having active credentials in two states. If you have two driver’s licenses or a license in one state and an ID Card in another, one will be canceled, and you may lose the ability to legally…
Oil Remediation
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations, and statutes in effect as of August 2024. Question Do you have any articles on oil remediation and common endorsements regarding the Homeowners’ Policy? Or an online course? Answer Laura Poulin: The unendorsed ISO HO0003 policy excludes losses to an insured’s property arising from pollutants unless…
Funeral Expensed Under the Auto Policy
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations, and statutes in effect as of August 2024. Question Unfortunately, we have an insured who passed away in a car accident. Obviously, we know that PIP will pay for funeral expenses. He also has $5,000 in Medical Payments. When you read the coverage section, it sounds…
RTA Acceptance Requirements
August 26, 2024 To ensure that Registration and Title Applications (RTAs) are completed properly and that vehicles are lawfully registered and titled, the RMV and its business partners are responsible for registration and title transaction processing terms. View the full update here. Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353 or via email at [email protected].
Email Addresses and Phone Numbers Not Provided to the Public
August 26, 2024 Customer email address and phone number information collected by the RMV during transactions will NOT be provided to the public. This information will only be used by the RMV or shared with other government agencies with a legitimate need. The RMV website and all online transactions have been updated to include a statement…
Lienholder Code List
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations, and statutes in effect as of August 2024. Question I know you sent me a list of electronic title states. Now I can’t find it! Would you please resend it or let me know how I can find it? Answer Kathy Cormier: Here is a link…
Revised MAIP Eligibility…the Good, the Bad and…You Know!
August 19, 2024 Written By: Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, CRIS, MLIS, LIA, CPIW – Consultant, Technical Affairs, MAIA Just when you think you know what you’re talking about, someone changes something, and then you’re back to “say what?” What vehicles are eligible for MAIP? Autos eligible for MAP In May of this year,…
Golf Cart for Street Use
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations, and statutes in effect as of June 2024. Question Do you happen to know of a carrier that will write a golf cart for street use in MA? I called the carrier and they will do it if they are writing another vehicle. I am trying…
Legislative Update Re: Compulsory Limits
MAIA’s priority this session has been on legislation that would increase compulsory limits from 20/40/5. Special thanks to MAIA members for reaching out to their legislators to express their support for this measure. These provisions would provide a long-overdue update to the state’s compulsory bodily injury insurance and property damage limits. As healthcare costs have soared…
Age of RTA
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations, and statutes in effect as of June 2024. Question I hope all is well! Is there a hard and fast rule about how old the stamped RTA form can be before the RMV rejects it? I assumed one month, but can you confirm that? Thanks for…
More Lender/Servicer Problems – When Will It End!
July 29, 2024 Written By: Laura J. Poulin, AILP, AINS, AAM, CPIW, CRIS, MLIS, Director of Curriculum and Technical Affairs, MAIA Well, they are at it again! We are seeing an uptick in Lender/Servicer issues affecting Insureds. Whether the loan owner or a separate mortgage servicer manages your Insured’s loan, they may be susceptible to…