Plate Cancellation Error? Please Don’t Fax the Correction Form!
If an agent cancels a customer’s license plate in error, they should complete and email a Plate Cancellation Error Correction form to the RMV to fix the problem. It is important that you DO NOT FAX these forms to the RMV Business Support office. This department is working remotely due to COVID-19, so no one…
Dispel Clients’ Myths About Flood (and Cover Your E&O Exposure, Too!)
Homeowners never think they need flood insurance until they’re standing knee-deep in their waterlogged basement. And then they’ll claim it’s YOUR fault they’re not covered. By dispelling the myths about flood insurance, you can help get your clients the important coverage they deserve. And if they still refuse? A signed Flood Insurance Waiver form helps…
PAR Plate Reassignment
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 2, 2020 QUESTION My Insured wants give her PAR Reserved plate to her Brother. I know she has to write a note saying she is giving them to him, does he have to go to the registry with his current…
In-Home Barbers and Beauticians Need Home Business Coverage
With the COVID-19 crisis temporarily shuttering hair salons and barber shops, many of these small business owners have migrated their business into their own homes. Now is a good time to remind these entrepreneurs that the coverage they had in their shop doesn’t translate to their home.
Braintree RMV Now Processing B2B Drop-Offs
The RMV has opened a dedicated B2B center at its Braintree location for insurance companies/agents, auto dealerships, and runners to drop off multiple vehicle registrations and other bulk transactions for processing. Like the existing B2B centers in Attleboro, Boston (Haymarket), Chicopee, Haverhill, Milford, and Wilmington, the Braintree B2B center is for dropping-off transactions and bundles…
Surcharge Appeals
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 2, 2020 QUESTION Do you know when they will start up the surcharge appeal hearings? We have an insured who’s postcard said she should hear about a date by July 2020 on a December 2019 accident and has not heard.
RMV Asks Police Not to Cite High-Risk Customers for Expired Inspection Stickers
Inspection stickers that expired in March, April, and May were extended to July 31st. Inspection stickers that expired in June were not extended, and further extensions are not currently planned. The RMV is asking law enforcement to use their discretion, and to NOT cite customers who are over age 75, or those who are at…
Tech Talk – So … I Have a Question: Agents Ask About Volunteers Driving & Tree Limbs Falling
By Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, LIA, CRIS, CPIW — VP of Technical Affairs
RMV Needs Your Help on School Bus/Student Pupil Plates (7D)
This is the busy season for registering School Bus and Student Pupil (7D) plates, and COVID-19 has made it even crazier at the RMV. If your agency writes for bus companies or school districts, the RMV has a couple of requests to help them stock the most school bus plates at the RMV service center…
Private Transfer and 7 Day Law
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 2, 2020 QUESTION With all these moving parts these days, we are wondering how many days does a person have to do a transfer between private parties. They have done the transfer physically and the vehicle is in the new…
Updating Corporation Information in RMV
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 6, 2020 QUESTION I have a client who changed his address with the secretary of state, but it has not been updated at the RMV. He is trying to register a new vehicle and can’t get it done because of…
Your Insureds Are Hitting the Roads … Lakes … Campsites
Lots of people are saying “no, thanks” to air travel and crowded spaces and instead looking at RVs, motorhomes, camper trailers, boats, and motorcycles for their vacation plans. MAIA’s Number One Insurance Agency can help you market and sell coverage for these specialty vehicles through our “Toys” Program with Safeco!
A Little Something to Think About
After last year’s record-breaking InsurPac campaign, the Big “I” gave Massachusetts a huge shout-out for our impressive contributions to the non-partisan PAC. We were one of two states vying for the National Championship Award for raising the most money. The competition went down to the wire and when the dust settled… South Carolina stood victorious…
Boston Software and RMV Transactions
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 6, 2020 QUESTION I heard this on the news and the article is attached below. It says the RMV joined forces with Boston Software so we can renew reg’s online for our clients. I’m not sure why Boston Software is…
New Cover Sheet Required When Dropping off B2B Bundles
Agents and runners take note! The RMV has created B2B Drop Off Cover Sheets, which must now be completed and included with your bundle any time you are dropping off transactions for processing. Each B2B service center location has its own drop-off cover sheet: Attleboro, Boston, Braintree, Chicopee, Haverhill, Milford, and Wilmington.
REAL ID Fees Waived for Online Renewal
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 6, 2020 QUESTION I was supposed to renew my license on June 1st. I want the real ID. Can you translate this please? Can I now renew my regular license then upgrade later to the real ID at no additional…
Permit Only and New Registration
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 6, 2020 QUESTION Can someone who has a permit no license yet, register a vehicle in his name and add another person with licence on the RMV-1? He said he is getting his license back 7-29-20 but, to register the…
RMV Service Center Openings and Changes on 7/20
On July 20th, the following RMV Service Centers will either open for certain transactions or change their hours.
Title Only Transaction
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 6, 2020 QUESTION I have an insured who needs to do a title only application –we tried to make an appointment and RMV says it must be mailed in. What must be mailed? Original title, RTA, bill of sale and…
MA Reopening Phase 3: Office Capacity Now 50%
Phase 3 Reopening (effective July 6, 2020) has increased the capacity limits in office space to 50% of occupancy limits. Businesses may exceed this maximum occupancy level based on demonstrated need.
Trailer and BAP Only
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on June 26, 2020 QUESTION I hope you are keeping well. We have a scenario where a client has a BAP for their cars. They have bought a boat in their personal names and want to register the trailer. Since they have…
MAIA’s Big Event 2020, Take 2… We’re Going Virtual!
For the first time in many decades, MAIA’s Big Event will not be taking place live in Boston. We’re super-sad about this, but with the current restrictions and future uncertainties about large gatherings, we just couldn’t adequately plan for a live event. Instead, start getting excited for “MAIA’s Big Event 2020, Take 2”! This two-day…
Outdated Cash Management Practices Could Be Hurting Your Agency
Does your agency still deposit checks manually? Is your cash-management system up to date? Are you aware of the latest cyber protections? Old habits and outdated office procedures could be hurting your agency. In this recent article from IA Magazine, InsurBanc’s Patricia Smith discusses three ways to improve efficiency and employee productivity in your banking,…
DOI Bulletin: How P&C Insurers Should Handle Claims from the Norwood, MA Weather Event
The severe weather event in the Norwood, MA area on June 28 affected many homeowners who were already facing hardships due to COVID-19. Recognizing this situation, the DOI issued Bulletin 2020-22, outlining procedures and expectations for MA property & casualty insurers with regard to expedited claims handling and underwriting associated with this weather event. If…
Our Workers’ Comp Program – We’ve Been Saying “YES” A Lot Lately
Massachusetts is opening up, and so is our workers’ comp market! MAIA’s Number One Insurance Agency is ready for your WC business! Do we like pool business? YES, WE DO! Do we like new business with prior experience, even with no prior coverage? YES, WE DO! We review each risk on its own merit, so…
WC driving to work?
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on June 26, 2020 QUESTION I have a customer insured under a commercial auto policy, he also has private passenger vehicles with rate class 30, he owns an excavating company. He was curious he or an employee gets hurt driving to work…
Commercial Auto vs. Equipment Floater
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on June 6, 2020 QUESTION I need your guidance please. I have a CAT Loader that is registered with a plate, it goes on the road. However, it is scheduled under both the Auto and IM policies. Should it be just on…
RMV Now Scheduling Road Tests at These Locations
Class D and M road tests are now being conducted at the following RMV Service Centers: Braintree Brockton Haverhill Leominster Milford Pittsfield Plymouth Springfield Taunton Watertown Wilmington.
New Online Duplicate Learner’s Permit Transaction
Effective Thursday, July 2nd, a new duplicate learner’s permit transaction will be available through the MA RMV’s Online Service Center at Mass.Gov/RMV. Customers can use this transaction to pay for and print a duplicate permit. This will prevent the need for customers to visit a service center before their road test if they have lost…
MAIA Registry Procedures Manual – A Must-Have for All Who Work with the RMV
COVID-19 is changing everything at the MA RMV, and it’s tough to keep up. MAIA’s Registry Procedures Manual is a must-have for anyone who works with the Registry. The keyword-searchable, online Manual puts “everything RMV” at your fingertips. It pays for itself in time saved for you AND your customers! MAIA is currently updating the…
Motorcycle Inspection Stickers Will Not Expire Until July 30
A further extension has been implemented for motorcycle inspection stickers. All motorcycle inspection stickers will now expire on July 31, 2020, consistent with the extension for all commercial and non-commercial inspection stickers. They had previously been extended only to June 30th.
Big “I” Launches New Pricing on IdealTraits Recruitment Platform
As we move toward reopening, many agencies will be looking to bring on new staff. One of the many hiring tools available to MAIA/Big “I” members is IdealTraits, a robust recruiting platform developed specifically to help insurance agencies identify, assess, and hire top performing sales and service staff. Effective today (July 1), the Big “I”…
“Worst Flooding in 10 Years” – Your Clients Need Coverage
Flash floods have been causing havoc in Massachusetts. Heavy rains, diverted water flows, water gushing out of storm drains… and into homes and businesses. And when your customer calls to make a claim because of water in their basement, you have to be the bearer of bad news: “You’re not covered.” If you’ve been avoiding…
IRP (Apportioned) Plates Expiration Extended by 3 Months
Good news! In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, all currently active Massachusetts International Registration Plan (IRP) registrations that are due to expire on June 30, 2020 are now valid through September 30, 2020.
Temporary Change to JOL 6 Hours Driving School Observation Requirement
Instead of the 6 hours observing another student driver that is normally required, individuals with a junior operator’s license (JOL) can complete an additional 6 hours of supervised driving with a parent, guardian, or designee.
7-Day Law for Registration Transfer Temporarily Extended to 21 Days
The grace period to register a new vehicle has been extended from 7 days to 21 calendar days from the date a customer loses possession of their previous vehicle.
Traffic Violations that are Criminal
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on March 31, 2020 QUESTION You sent me a link or a file that discussed MA traffic violations and which were criminal …for the life of me I can’t find it ..do you have it in the next 30 minutes?
CAR Approves Commercial Supplemental Application for Servicing Carriers & ERPs
Commonwealth Automobile Reinsurers (CAR) has approved the use of a supplemental application for Servicing Carriers to collect general risk information for all commercial risks (See CAR Bulletin #1103); and updated the Manual of Administrative Procedures to identify Servicing Carrier and Exclusive Representative Producer and responsibilities with regard to the supplemental application (See CAR Bulletin #1104). …