ATLAS Issue with Mismatched Territory Codes Now Resolved
The MA Private Passenger Automobile Statistical Plan incorporated new territory codes for New Jersey (997) and Pennsylvania (998) effective 1/1/2021. When the ATLAS database was updated with the new codes, the system was inadvertently changing incident locations stored as Other (999) to Pennsylvania (998), particularly on Claims and Out-of-State Incidents. The system error has now…
Build a Strong Business & Protect it Well
We know the E&O competition is out there. And we want you to know that when you buy your Agents’ Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance through MAIA’s Number One Insurance Agency, you’re purchasing a promise that we will do our utmost to protect your assets and serve your needs. We work with leading carriers, building…
Special Bulletin: MAIA’s Fair & Accurate Quotes Bill Becomes Law!
We are happy to announce that key language from “An Act Relative to Fair and Accurate Motor Vehicle Insurance Quotes”, was incorporated into the Economic Development Bill that was signed yesterday by Governor Baker. MAIA proposed the Fair and Accurate Quotes Bill after fielding complaints from members who were losing business to direct writers due…
Temporary Licenses and IDs Extended to 60 Days
Effective January 14th, temporary licenses (all classes) and ID cards printed on secure card stock will be valid for 60 days. They were previously valid for 30 days. Temporary licenses and ID cards issued prior to January 14th will still only be valid for their original 30-day period.
Online Learner’s Permit Exams Available in All ATS Languages
Beginning January 14th, online Class D and Class M Learner’s Permit Exams will be available in ALL of the languages that are available through the Automated Testing Station (ATS). Customers will be able to choose any of the following languages when taking an exam online.
Please Fill Out Cover Sheets Completely When Doing Registry Drops!
The Registry has asked us to remind our members that cover sheets must be filled out completely for individual and commercial transactions brought to Registration Drop Off Centers. They have noticed a trend where agents/runners/dealers are skipping some sections on the cover sheets, and then the clerk does not have what they need to finish…
Learn about Lawyer’s E&O and Add a New Product to Your Agency
MAIA’s Number One Agency has been selling Westport and E&S Lawyer’s Professional Liability Insurance (LPLI) policies since 2005, and we have grown the book over the past two years! Westport (AM Best Rated: A+ Superior) offers a competitive policy in both coverage and rate. Writing E&O for attorneys can sound a bit scary if you…
Massachusetts One of Top 3 State Contributors to InsurPac
MAIA extends a huge thank you to all from Massachusetts who participated in the 2020 InsurPac fundraiser. The Bay State contributed $73,817, exceeding our goal AND putting us among the Top 3 state contributors in the country! MA Young Agents also hit their InsurPac goal. After tallying the receipts and closing the books, the InsurPac…
Claim or Revalidate Your Free ACORD Forms License
A little over a year ago, the Big “I” and ACORD worked out an arrangement that allows member agencies (including MAIA members) with an annual group gross P&C revenue under $50 million to obtain a complimentary license to use ACORD Forms through their agency management system. (Big “I” members under $1 million in annual group…
Finally! MAIA’s Fair & Accurate Quotes Bill Is Set to Become Law
MAIA President & CEO Nick Fyntrilakis (center) testifying on the Fair & Accurate Quotes Bill at the Massachusetts State House in 2019. MAIA’s persistence pays off! Bill H.4643, An Act Relative to Fair and Accurate Motor Vehicle Insurance Quotes, has jumped all but the final hurdle before it becomes law. It was incorporated into the…
Got a MA Health License? Use It to Show Clients Your Value
A great way to add value for your commercial clients is to offer them a private, stand-alone MA PFML policy at rates that are competitive with the state plan! MAIA’s Number One Insurance Agency can assist you in writing a private PFML policy for your clients with 25+ employees. It’s a win-win. They get good…
A Word from Nick Fyntrilakis About QuickClicks!
UPDATE 1/13/2021: On 1/11/2021, we emailed the login instructions for a free, one-year QuickClicks subscription to the primary agency contact person on record (typically the owner/principal) for every MAIA member agency. If you are the primary contact but did not receive the email, please contact Heather Kramer at [email protected]. MAIA is proud to launch a…
Principal Place of Business
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on November 13, 2020 I have a question on a Maine registered vehicle. I have a commercial insured (Massachusetts business) that has reregistered one of his commercial trucks in Maine that was previously registered in Massachusetts. My Massachusetts auto carrier indicates…
Green Insurance Donates Cash to Local Not-for-Profits
An article in The Wilbraham-Hampden Times (Dec. 31, 2020) alerted us to the good deeds of a MAIA member from Western Mass! COVID-19 prevented the Richard R. Green Insurance staff from carrying out their longstanding holiday tradition of collecting and donating toys. So, they did a 2020 pivot and found a different way to do…
Be Alert for E&O Policy Implications Related to COVID-19
As the leading provider of Agents’ E&O coverage in Massachusetts, MAIA’s Number One Agency offers coverage from top carriers including Utica National. We’d like to share a recent E&O Risk Management Alert from Utica, which addresses some of the important policy implications arising from COVID-19, including the Communicable Disease Exclusion recently developed by ISO. Will…
New DOI Bulletins Urge Carriers to Remain Flexible & Proactive as COVID-19 Crisis Continues
Reiterating the expectations laid out in previous Bulletins, the MA Division of Insurance (DOI) on December 29, 2020, issued Bulletins 2020-30 and 2020-33, stating that insurance carriers and self-insurance groups should continue to be flexible in issuing and administering insurance. “Exploring all appropriate flexibility in arrangements and timing of payments will help protect policyholders while…
Don’t Lose Your Member Benefits! Renew Your MAIA Membership
MAIA’s 2020 membership period ended on December 31st. If you have yet renewed, you will be receiving a final invoice in the coming days. Please be sure to renew no later than January 31st to avoid losing your membership benefits! – including your subscription to The Mass. Agent newsletter; education discounts; access to MAIA’s technical…
BAP Rate Change Mid Term
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on November 13, 2020 I have a Customer with Progressive -on a Commercial Auto policy. When we wrote the policy back in May the Premium was around $21,000 Since then they have continually increased the Premium – It is now around…
Commercial Credentials (CDLs & CLPs) and Medical Certificates Extension
The expiration dates for Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs), Commercial Learner’s Permits (CLPs), and CDL Medical Certificates have all been further extended to February 28, 2021. Customer records will be updated to reflect the new expiration date.
Registration vs. Insurance Coverage
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on November 13, 2020 We are having a debate in the office regarding coverage once an RTA is stamped. For instance, we are writing a new policy effective today. RTA dated and stamped today for new plates. The insured has the…
OOS Vehicle new to MA
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on December 09, 2020 I hope you can help clarify for me regarding registering and titling vehicles from out of state. I have an insured who recently moved from Michigan and is looking to register and title his 2 vehicle in…
Home Binder
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on December 10, 2020 You might be my auto expert but now I have question on home for anyone that wants to help me. I have a mortgage company insisting on a replacement cost estimator for a closing. I don’t think…
Commercial Registration Renewal Mailing Delays
The RMV is processing commercial registration renewals on the same day they are received. However, due to mailing delays with the U.S Postal Service, it is taking longer than usual for customers to receive their new registrations and decals in the mail. Once these renewals have been processed, ATLAS will show that they have been…
ACV or RC
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on December 17, 2020 I hope all is well. I am hoping that you can clarify something for me. I have an insured who’s dwelling and shed was hit by a tenant driving his vehicle and then took off and was…
Registration Renew One Owner Passed Away
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on December 7, 2020 I’m having a brain cramp with this one. I have a client with revoked plates, that are in the name of her deceased husband and her. We need to reinstate the plate. Do I issue the RTA…
RMV Adds First-Time Drivers Webpage
The RMV has created a new webpage for first-time drivers: www.mass.gov/guides/first-time-driver-start-here
New COVID-19 Order Restricts Workplace Capacity to 25%, Indoor Gatherings to 10 People
On December 22nd, Governor Baker issued COVID-19 Order No. 59, effective December 26th, which places new restrictions on the allowed capacity for gatherings and events in public spaces and workplaces. Most workplace sectors, including Office Spaces, are limited to 25% of capacity. Gatherings in private homes and public spaces are limited to 10 persons indoors…
License Surrender for Medical Reasons
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on December 7, 2020 My client needs to turn in her license she is no longer driving due to her eyesight. AAA told her that the Wilmington RMV branch cannot due MA Id’s to replace her license. She lives in Woburn what…
New Year, New Liquor Applications, and a Free Poster!
MAIA’s Number One Agency wants to “link” you up with some reminders and resources to help you serve your clients that serve or sell alcohol. First, there’s a link to watch a recorded version of Hospitality Mutual’s free webinar about new Liquor Liability program and product improvements (originally presented live on 12/17). We’ve also got…
Dealership Fees and Sales Tax
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on December 2, 2020 Have you ever heard of car dealerships charging sales tax on their document preparation fees?
Lease Buy Out
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on November 2, 2020 Insured bought out lease. Is the leasing company required to fill out and sign RTA application. If not would we just treat it as private sale and issue RTA from the agency? Thanks in advance for your help…
Senior Wednesday Hours Extended Through January at Many RMV Locations
Dedicated Wednesday appointment hours for customers 75 years of age or older will continue through January at the 17 RMV locations listed below. Senior hours vary by location, but most are 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. These appointments will be available to all customers 75 years of age or older so that they can transact…
Personal Vehicle Pulling Commercial Trailer
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on November 2, 2020 QUESTION A client of mine came to me stating that he is purchasing a utility trailer under the company name, and the company does not currently have an a business auto policy. The trailer will be towed by…
Waiver of Deductible
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on November 4, 2020 QUESTION I hope you can help me. I have an insured that is considering dropping her waiver of deductible for collision coverage. I’ve gone back and forth and am hoping you can send me the actual endorsement or…
When to Cancel a Policy
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on November 9, 2020 QUESTION When a customer cancels a plate, I was always trained to cancel the policy the day after the plate return receipt date. The agency I’m at now, has always requested the policy cancelled the day of the…
Clearing up Six Misconceptions About E&O Coverage
As the top provider of Agents’ E&O coverage in Massachusetts, MAIA’s Number One Agency offers coverage from top carriers including Utica National. Today we’re sharing a helpful E&O Risk Management Alert from Utica, which debunks six common E&O misconceptions that they hear all too often from agencies like yours. We all know what happens when…
On-Line Vehicle Purchase
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on November 17, 2020 QUESTION I have an insured who bought a car online and it was delivered over the weekend on temporary plates from Georgia. Obviously, we can add it to the policy if the paperwork is correct. He does have…
Customers Asked to Return to Resolve Issues
Starting on Monday, December 14, customers who have not received an email or phone call from the RMV within 10 business days of dropping off their transaction are instructed to return to the Registration Drop Off Center, as there may be issues with the transaction or paperwork that need to be resolved. If the customer…