Member Survey Indicates Massachusetts Agents Expecting Declines in Commission Revenue
MAIA recently conducted a member survey to learn how agencies are operating during COVID-19, whether they had received stimulus money, if they were anticipating layoffs or drops in commission revenue, and so on. We wanted to know more about how independent agents have been faring, and how MAIA’s assistance can be most effective. We’re grateful…
Trailer Converted to Portable BAR
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 24, 2020 QUESTION Any input on this situation would be appreciated. A client bought a horse trailer and is converting it into a portable bar. She will take it to events (private wedding in a yard) and serve alcohol.…
Agents Beware – COVID-19 Brings Out the Worst in Some Direct Writers
A MAIA member whose agency is on the Electronic Vehicle Registration (EVR) system alerted us to a disturbing trend that’s become more common during the COVID-19 crisis. At least one of the online direct writers (one of the BIG GUY companies) has been selling auto policies, but can’t get new plates for the customers. Their…
License Suspension
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 27, 2020 QUESTION May I ask a question, please, about the MAP?If an insured is driving on a suspended license, are any of his coverages voided? We have an insured whose license was suspended and his reinstatement hearing, scheduled…
BAP and Personal Trailer
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 27, 2020 QUESTION We have a client with just a business auto policy and he wants to pull his personal travel trailer (RV) with one of the vehicles. Will liability go to travel trailer when being pulled? Does the…
Certificates of Registration Mailing Delay
Due to a shortage of 2022 embedded decal stock, mailings are delayed for Certificates of Registration that were renewed online, by phone, or by mail beginning on 5/22/20. You can reassure your customers that all registrations expiring March through June have been extended until July 31, and law enforcement has been notified, so they should…
Customer Passed Away – MAP
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 30, 2020 QUESTION One of our insured’s passed away. His son was listed as principal operator on his vehicle. Is it ok for him to drive until he is able to get put in his name? Thanks
Extended Service Hours & Online Learner’s Permit Tests
The RMV has begun implementing some service adjustments to help meet increasing customer demands. As of June 1st, all 10 RMV Service Centers that are open to the general public are extending their hours of operation. In addition, the RMV is working on a solution to offer online Class D and M learner’s permit exams…
Registry News: Further Extensions on Most Credentials, Passenger Plate Registrations, Inspection Stickers
The RMV is implementing further extensions for expiring motor vehicle inspection stickers, passenger plate registrations, professional credentials, and driver’ licenses and learner’s permits, including Commercial Driver’s Licenses and Commercial Learner’s Permits (CDLs / CLPs). While the RMV has previously announced extensions for most credentials, passenger plate registrations, and inspection stickers expired or expiring in March,…
MAIA Submits Testimony Opposing MA S.2655 Business Interruption Bill
MAIA’s advocacy team is working hard to oppose S.2655, the Massachusetts Business Interruption bill, which seeks to legislatively apply BI coverage retroactively to claims based on COVID-19. On May 21, MAIA submitted testimony outlining the reasons for our opposition, and recommending a more equitable, federally funded alternative. We asked our national association, the Big “I,”…
Registry News: Copies of Crash Reports Can Only Be Requested Online
Effective immediately, copies of crash reports can only be requested online. They are no longer available by mail or in person. The RMV website has been updated to indicate this and the RMV Request for Copy of Crash Report Form has been removed from the web. If your clients need to submit a crash report,…
CARVANA AGAIN
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on May 5, 2020 QUESTION I have a client that wanted to purchase a vehicle through Carvana. They are telling her that she has 7 days to drive the vehicle on interstate plates. Can you please tell me if the same…
“New” Salary & Benefits Survey – It’s Shorter & Easier!
As MAIA and IntellAgents continue to compile comprehensive benchmark data and actionable insights for Massachusetts agencies, we’re thrilled to (re-)launch the Salary & Benefits Survey. Shorter and more-user friendly than the original version, this survey asks for only enough information to answer our members’ favorite question: What is the average compensation for producers, CSRs, IT,…
Strategies for Agencies to Map Out a Successful Road to Recovery: On-Demand Webinars
Innovation. Growth. Not typically two words that your agency is thinking about these days in the midst of a global pandemic. But recently, four of our fellow Big “I” state associations (New York, North Carolina, Ohio, and Texas) joined together to host a one-day, virtual summit to provide agencies with strategies to map out a…
Flood Stealing Your Time? Never Fear, Your Team is Here!
F-L-O-O-D. That little five-letter word so many agents and CSRs dread. I don’t have time to dedicate to my flood book! It’s so hard to keep up with the changes and rules! I cringe when a client says they need flood insurance! If that sounds like you, it’s time to call the Flood Concierge Team…
Agreed Value
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on May 5, 2020 QUESTION I hope you are doing well despite everything that is going on and that you and your family are safe and healthy. I’ve taken several of your classes and I think you would be able to…
GarageKeepers
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on May 13, 2020 QUESTION Carrier added a form MM9920 to a Garagekeepers policy and they won’t remove it. Is this form mandatory? Thank you
Registry News: Essential vs. Non-Essential Transactions During Pandemic
The RMV continues to act out of an abundance of caution throughout the duration of Governor Baker’s State of Emergency as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. To adhere to the Governor’s plan to safely reopen Massachusetts, the only transactions that will be processed at Service Centers are those that the RMV considers “essential.” Effective…
BOP
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on May 11, 2020 QUESTION I hope you are doing well through all this! We have a question… We are quoting a hotel. They have a management company that pays all the expenses and collects receipts. In the event of a…
Registry News: Attleboro B2B Service Center Opening May 26
The MA Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is opening an additional dedicated B2B Center at the Attleboro RMV next Tuesday, May 26, 2020. This is in addition to the existing Milford, Wilmington, and Chicopee dedicated B2B Service Centers. New IRP transactions will not be processed at the Attleboro B2B but will still be conducted at the Milford and Wilmington Service…
CARVANA
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on May 13, 2020 QUESTION I have a client that is purchasing a vehicle from Carvana online . They are asking me to stamp the RTA form and send it back to them. They send me the title but said they…
Reopening: Template for Creating Written Control Plan
All businesses in the state of MA (including those deemed essential, such as insurance agencies) are required to develop a written control plan outlining how the workplace will comply with the mandatory safety standards for operation in the COVID-19 reopening period. The state has created a template that may be filled out to meet that…
DOI Calls for Carrier Flexibility in the Administration of Vacancy Clauses
The Division of Insurance (DOI) has issued Bulletin 2020-17, dated May 18, 2020, which acknowledges the fact that many MA businesses not deemed essential were required to close, and advising all property and casualty carriers in MA that they “should be looking for all ways to be flexible in counting days of vacancy to provide…
We Know Flood Insurance & We Can Help You!
Warning! Heavy rains are on the radar, especially this time of year! Anywhere it rains – it can flood. Are your insureds ready and protected with this important coverage? Do you offer flood to every insured? Why do we ask? Consider these statistics:
Mortgagee Question
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on May 14, 2020 QUESTION I hope all is well with you. Hoping you can shed some light as I’ve been going back and forth with insured and bank on this. Bank is requesting to be listed as a Mortgagee for…
Registry News: RMV is Defining Its New Normal & Your Feedback Can Help
The MA Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is currently looking at all of its workflow processes to determine what the “new normal” will look like as Massachusetts moves toward reopening. MAIA spoke with the RMV and learned that there will be both short- and long-term changes, but these are still in the discussion stage. Rest…
Operators and the MAP
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on May 15, 2020 QUESTION We have a potential client that bought a car for his grandson but kept it in his own name until grandson was 18. About 9 months after grandson got his license he was in an accident…
Pre-Existing Damage
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on May 12, 2020 QUESTION First and foremost, hope you are all safe… if not sane! Irene, as I texted you this morning, thanks for calling me back and leaving a voicemail yesterday, so sorry I missed you. Given you are…
Voluntary Revocation of Operating Authority: Q&A from FMCSA
Many companies that operate apportioned, plated tractor trailers registered under IRP have suspended operations, and may be considering voluntary revocation of their operating authority. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has received numerous questions about this, and agents may be getting questions about the related insurance ramifications. The FMCSA has created a Q&A sheet,…
IRP Renewal Typo
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on May 12, 2020 QUESTION One of my customers received an IRP renewal application to be completed in May. The application is calling for the actual mileage from 7/1/19 to 6/30/2020. If the insured is suppose to return the application before…
Extension on 7 Day Law
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on May 12, 2020 QUESTION We were wondering whether the police and the registry are enforcing the 7 day plate registration transfer law. Dealers that aren’t on the drive program are having a very difficult time getting appointments for their transfers.…
Reopening Guidelines & Safety Standards for Massachusetts
This week, Governor Baker released a phased approach for reopening the Massachusetts economy. As ‘essential’ businesses, insurance agencies have been allowed to remain open as long as they adhere to Massachusetts’ mandatory safety standards for workplaces, including social distancing measures. Nevertheless, many agencies have chosen to close their physical premises and limit customer contact. MAIA…
PIP and Med Pay
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on May 12, 2020 QUESTION A client, a personal injury attorney, requested we remove $25000 of Medical Payment coverage from her auto policy because her company (Travelers) would not provide Medical payment until…..coverage was exhausted from PIP, her Personal Health policy,…
Tech Talk: Will This COVID-19 Good Deed Hurt Your Customer?
By Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, LIA, CRIS, CPIW — VP of Technical Affairs
Registry News: Springfield B2B Service Moving to Chicopee
Due to the evolving situation with COVID-19 (coronavirus) and in an effort to continue protecting RMV staff, customers, and business partners, the RMV is moving B2B service for Western Massachusetts to the Chicopee RMV Service Center, effective Monday, May 18. In following ‘social-distancing’ practices, the Chicopee RMV will exclusively perform drop-off B2B transactions / bundles only …
Registry News: Registration Renewals & Reactivations for Secondary Vehicles
CORRECTION The original RMV handout on Renewing and Reactivating Registrations had an incorrect mailing zip code. If you are mailing a Registration and Title Application (RTA) to the RMV, the correct address is: Registry of Motor VehiclesP.O. Box 55895Boston, MA 02205-5895The correct information is reflected in this revised handout. Registration renewals and reactivations for secondary vehicles such as…
Share Your Opinions with Governor’s Reopening Advisory Board
Last week, Governor Charlie Baker announced the creation of a Reopening Advisory Board to help his administration develop strategies to reopen the economy in phases, based on health and safety metrics. They have posted an online form for those who want to share input with the Advisory Board. Your comments will be reviewed and taken into…
DOI Allows Temporary Insurance Producer Licenses with No Exam
With insurance producer license exams suspended due to COVID-19, some eligible applicants were unable to obtain a license in Massachusetts. In response, the MA Division of Insurance (DOI) has authorized the issuance of temporary individual insurance producer licenses without requiring an exam. The temporary policy is effective immediately and will extend until after the State…
Is Your Website an Unintentional E&O Risk?
Your agency’s website is the cornerstone of your operational and marketing strategy – especially now, when practically everything’s happening online! But certain statements, omissions, even words like “expertise” or “24/7” can actually work against you when defending an E&O claim. E&O provider Swiss Re Corporate Solutions and the Big “I” Trusted Choice team have created…