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…