Business Merged with Name Change
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations, and statutes in effect as of June 2024. Question I have a commercial client who merged his business with another. The name has changed, but the FEIN has remained the same. The insured has one commercial auto insured by Safety under the name prior to the…
Mini Kei Trucks or Vans Cannot Be Registered by the RMV
July 8, 2024 Mini trucks and vans, or Kei trucks and vans, are small versions of trucks and vans that are typically imported from abroad and are more than 25 years old. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) does not endorse the use of these vehicles on public ways because they do not…
Fee Change for Bulk Purchase of Driver’s Manuals
July 8, 2024 Effective July 8, due to an increased price to publish the redesigned Driver’s Manual, the RMV will no longer offer a bulk rate discount to business partners. Driver’s Manuals will be available in bulk at $5 per manual. The fee for a case of 50 Class D Manuals will be $250. The fee for…
Registry Procedures Manual Update!
July 8, 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.…
Traveling Nomad
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations, and statutes in effect as of June 2024. Question We currently write an HO4 for an insured with MPIUA (due to claims). His legal residence is in Leominster, where he has some personal property. He also has some personal property in a storage unit in Leominster.…
Off Premises Power Loss and Resulting Power Surge
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations, and statutes in effect as of May 2024. Question We have an insured that had a loss back in March from the last snow storm. A tree fell on a pole and caused a power surge to his house. The pole was off premise. Carrier is…
CVR Nationwide Intermediate Shutdown of EVR Services
June 28, 2024 We have received notice from the Registry that CVR, a major provider of the EVR program, will be having a nationwide intermediate shutdown of its EVR services. All dealers and agents currently on the CVR EVR program will be bringing their work to B2B locations across the state, which will slow down…
Enforcement Services Live Chat Website Feature
June 24, 2024 Effective June 20, a new live chat feature will be piloted on the new Enforcement Services Unit (ESU) document portal on the RMV website. This document portal can be accessed through a link provided to ESU customers and allows them to upload documents to prove their identity. Customers can use the new live…
CDL Webinar for Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
June 24, 2024 The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles is hosting a webinar on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, and Tuesday, July 9, 2024, both starting at 11:00 a.m. to discuss the implementation of the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse and to explain what action State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) are required to take. (DACH) final rule. Both webinars will…
2024 Massachusetts Annual P&C Marketplace Summary
You are being provided this 2024 Massachusetts Annual P&C Marketplace Summary covering the Massachusetts property and casualty (P&C) insurance marketplace as a benefit of your membership in the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents. What follows is a graphic and numeric presentation of the Massachusetts P&C industry data from an Independent Agent’s perspective. The 2023 data…
LDW/CDW vs Hired Car Coverage on a BAP
June 24, 2024 Written By: Laura J. Poulin, AILP, AINS, AAM, CPIW, CRIS, MLIS, Director of Curriculum and Technical Affairs, MAIA In theory, Hired Car Liability, Symbol 8, and Hired Car Physical Damage should do the trick; however, typically, the rental contract makes the Insured responsible for things beyond what the Insurance will pay, making…
2024 Low Plate Lottery
June 17, 2024 The 2024 RMV Low Plate Lottery begins on Monday, June 17, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. Customers can enter the plate lottery online at Mass.Gov/myRMV. The lottery is online submission only; there is no paper application available. The deadline to enter the lottery is Friday, August 16, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. This year, there are…
In-Law Apartment vs. Two-Family
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations, and statutes in effect as of May 2024. Question Hope all is well – we are having a lively discussion in our office and can’t agree, so I said I will ask MAIA, “What is the difference between a one-family with an in-law apartment and a…
Bulletin 2024-06 Re: Inducements, Rebates, & Affiliated Entities
The DOI has released Bulletin 2024-06 regarding the Massachusetts anti-rebating law. We believe this language clarifies that certain lender practices are, in fact, rebating. We will be contacting these entities again, referencing this bulletin, and asking that they change their current practices. View Bulletin 2024-06 here.
Updated Company Auto Filings – June 2024
June 10, 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].
Earth Movement Exclusion & Blasting Operations
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations & statutes in effect as of May 2024. Question We had an interesting call last week from a prospect. The individual lives near a quarry where blasting takes place on a regular basis. If the blasting causes any damage to his home or pool, would it…
2024 MAIA Advocacy Fund Contributors
We sincerely thank the following independent agents for contributing to the 2024 MAIA Advocacy Fund. Your contributions will directly support efforts to protect your business interests and ensure a fair legislative and regulatory environment. THANK YOU! Acacia Insurance Inc. Affordable Insurance Agency Inc. Albert E J Bergeron Insurance Agency Almeida & Carlson Insurance Amherst Insurance…
Garagekeepers vs. On-Hook Coverage
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations & statutes in effect as of May 2024. Question If an Insured already has Garagekeepers Legal Liability coverage, does it also need On-Hook Coverage CA0402 or is On-Hook Coverage for a pure towing operation that does nothing more than pick up and deliver autos between other…