Certificates of Title with Stickers or Labels
Certificates of Title with Stickers or Labels Dealerships, auction houses, leasing companies, and fleets often affix inventory barcode labels and stickers to Certificates of Title to assist with managing their title processing. This can lead to processing and branding errors if these labels and stickers cover important information on the title. In order for the…
New Worcester RMV Service Center Location
New Worcester RMV Service Center Location On Monday, August 8th, the Worcester RMV Service Center will open at a new location. The address of the new service center is: 50 Southwest Cutoff Worcester, MA 01604 The service center’s hours will remain the same as the previous location (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm). NEW LOCATION SPECIFICATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS The…
CAR Language Adopted – Big Win for MAIA Members!
CAR Language Adopted – Big Win for MAIA Members! Last Thursday, Governor Baker signed the FY23 Budget. We are very pleased to report that MAIA’s language relative to the Commonwealth Automobile Reinsurers was included in the enacted budget. This language ensures appropriate agent representation on the CAR Governing Committee by removing the requirement that two…
New Worcester RMV Service Center Location
New Worcester RMV Service Center Location On Monday, August 8th, the Worcester RMV Service Center will open at a new location. The address of the new service center is: 50 Southwest Cutoff Worcester, MA 01604 The service center’s hours will remain the same as the previous location (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm). New Location Specifications and Improvements The…
Length of Road Test Score Validity
Length of Road Test Score Validity If an applicant for a driver’s license passes a road test but has not prepaid for the license, or if the license isn’t issued due to other outstanding fees, obligations, or non-active license status, the applicant must obtain their license while the test results remain valid. Applicants need to…
Length of Road Test Score Validity
Length of Road Test Score Validity If an applicant for a driver’s license passes a road test but has not prepaid for the license, or if the license isn’t issued due to other outstanding fees, obligations, or non-active license status, the applicant must obtain their license while the test results remain valid. Applicants need to…
Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ Compensation Do best by your clients and check with Number One before placing their business with the WC Pool. MAIA Members have direct access to the Number One Insurance Agency, which offers multiple voluntary WC carriers. Give your clients the best options for their business with direct bill payment plans, deviated rates (carrier/class code…
New Returned Mail Letter
New Returned Mail Letter Registration and Title Applications (RTAs) from out-of-state dealers can be processed by mail through the Registration Department at Quincy RMV Headquarters. All other RTAs mailed to the Registration Department from Massachusetts dealers or individual customers get returned to the customer and they need to make an appointment at a service center…
Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ Compensation Do best by your clients and check with Number One before placing their business with the WC Pool. MAIA Members have direct access to the Number One Insurance Agency, which offers multiple voluntary WC carriers. Give your clients the best options for their business with direct bill payment plans, deviated rates (carrier/class code…
New Returned Mail Letter
New Returned Mail Letter Registration and Title Applications (RTAs) from out-of-state dealers can be processed by mail through the Registration Department at Quincy RMV Headquarters. All other RTAs mailed to the Registration Department from Massachusetts dealers or individual customers get returned to the customer and they need to make an appointment at a service center…
Issuance of Veteran and Military Plates to Lessees
Issuance of Veteran and Military Plates to Lessees Applications for Veteran and Military Plates can be accepted directly from eligible customers who lease, rather than own, a motor vehicle. Proof of the lease in the name of the applicant must be submitted. In this case, the Certificate of Registration and plates will be issued in…
Involuntarily Towed Vehicles
Involuntarily Towed Vehicles Towing companies sometimes tow vehicles for involuntary reasons, such as accidents, motor vehicle violations, or arrest warrants. Some of these vehicles are never claimed by their owners. Towing companies must wait 104 days to process a title application and obtain ownership of an unclaimed vehicle and they must follow a specific process…
Congratulations to Our 2022 State OCSRY Winners!
Congratulations to Our 2022 State OCSRY Winners! Each year, a group of exceptional insurance professionals are selected to represent their states and then compete to become the National Outstanding CSR of the Year. This prestigious award, regarded as the foremost national award of its kind, recognizes the contributions and commitment of those who serve clients…
Issuance of Veteran and Military Plates to Lessees
Issuance of Veteran and Military Plates to Lessees Applications for Veteran and Military Plates can be accepted directly from eligible customers who lease, rather than own, a motor vehicle. Proof of the lease in the name of the applicant must be submitted. In this case, the Certificate of Registration and plates will be issued in…
Involuntarily Towed Vehicles
Involuntarily Towed Vehicles Towing companies sometimes tow vehicles for involuntary reasons, such as accidents, motor vehicle violations, or arrest warrants. Some of these vehicles are never claimed by their owners. Towing companies must wait 104 days to process a title application and obtain ownership of an unclaimed vehicle and they must follow a specific process…
Changes to Big “I” Markets Commission Payments Take Effect September 1
Changes to Big “I” Markets Commission Payments Take Effect September 1 Over the past several years, Big “I” has encouraged all Big “I” Markets agents to enroll to receive commissions via electronic funds transfer (EFT) as part of its Disaster Recovery Plan. They’ve made great progress and are grateful so many agents have supported the…
RMV Update – 2022 Plate Lottery
RMV Update – 2022 Plate Lottery The 2022 RMV Plate Lottery began on Friday, July 8, 2022 at 5p.m. Customers can enter the plate lottery online using the myRMV Online Service Center. The lottery is online submission only; there is no paper application available. The deadline to enter the lottery is Friday, September 2, 2022 at 5p.m.…
RMV Update – 2022 Plate Lottery
RMV Update – 2022 Plate Lottery The 2022 RMV Plate Lottery began on Friday, July 8, 2022 at 5p.m. Customers can enter the plate lottery online using the myRMV Online Service Center. The lottery is online submission only; there is no paper application available. The deadline to enter the lottery is Friday, September 2, 2022 at 5p.m.…
Changes to Big “I” Markets Commission Payments Take Effect September 1
Changes to Big “I” Markets Commission Payments Take Effect September 1 Over the past several years, Big “I” has encouraged all Big “I” Markets agents to enroll to receive commissions via electronic funds transfer (EFT) as part of its Disaster Recovery Plan. They’ve made great progress and are grateful so many agents have supported the…
Hired/Non-Owned Auto Coverage
Question This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on June, 2022: Hired/Non-Owned Auto Coverage: Please clarify for us where an insured is covered under their Non Owned and Hired auto policy for BI or PD caused by a subcontractor? Answer Irene Morrill If the coverage is purchased through a BAP…
Tech Talk: Your Policy Coverage Could Be Limited Because of This…
Did You Know That How the Insured’s Name on the Commercial Policy Declaration’s Page is Written Can Limit Policy Coverage – a Recent MA Court Case Said So! by Irene L. Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, CRIS, CPIW, LIA VP Technical Affairs, MAIA It’s scary when understanding policy language isn’t enough. The court case involved…
Updated Company Auto Insurance Filings – July 2022
Updated Company Auto Insurance Filings – July 2022 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. Company Filing Date/Rate Impact Allstate ALSE133292421 Rule 12/01/22 New/Renew AMICA Mutual AMMA133168420 Rate 09/01/22 New/Renew +6% AMICA…
Big ‘I’ Opposes Tax Increases as Reconciliation Talks Heat Up
Big ‘I’ Opposes Tax Increases as Reconciliation Talks Heat Up Earlier last week, the Big “I” joined nearly 200 organizations representing millions of Main Street businesses and employing tens of millions of American workers in sending a letter to congressional leadership urging them not to raise taxes on small businesses as part of any effort to enact…
Opportunity for Agents Representing Municipalities and Nonprofits
Opportunity for Agents Representing Municipalities and Nonprofits The DIA (Department of Industrial Accidents) grant is different than the Workforce Training Fund grant in that it applies to municipalities and nonprofits that do not participate in the traditional unemployment pool. A few additional points: Maximum of $25,000 (upwards of 100 employees depending on training needs) Allows…
Congratulations to Lori & Elaine and Welcome to Chris & Rebecka!
Congratulations to Lori & Elaine and Welcome to Chris & Rebecka! Number One has a few staff changes that we are sharing so members can update their contact information. Lori Kane joined Number One back in 2019 as the Hospitality & Flood Concierge Program manager selling & servicing our member brokers in placing coverage for…
Congratulations to Lori & Elaine and Welcome to Chris & Rebecka!
Congratulations to Lori & Elaine and Welcome to Chris & Rebecka! Number One has a few staff changes that we are sharing so members can update their contact information. Lori Kane joined Number One back in 2019 as the Hospitality & Flood Concierge Program manager selling & servicing our member brokers in placing coverage for…
Insurance RCE-Finished Square Feet
Question Insurance RCE – Finished Square Feet – Factoring in Cathedral Ceilings? This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on May, 2022: We are running into a topic that seems very gray with different towns and assessors: Cathedral ceilings. We have notice on the town’s assessor’s database, some town…
2022 MAIA Advocacy Fund Supporters
2022 MAIA Advocacy Fund Supporters MAIA would like to say a huge THANK YOU to our growing list of donors! Your support is essential in allowing MAIA’s Advocacy Team to voice your concerns to the Massachusetts legislators and regulators who impact your livelihood. If you have not yet had a chance to do so, please consider…
RLI Personal Umbrella Rate Changes Effective 7/1/2022!
RLI Personal Umbrella Rate Changes Effective 7/1/2022! Important changes if you are quoting or renewing RLI Personal Umbrella! RLI has increased Personal Umbrella rates Effective as of July 1, 2022 on all MA & NH New & Renewal business and Excess UM/UIM premium coverage fees. For effective dates beginning with 7/1/2022: MA insureds should complete…
RLI Personal Umbrella Rate Changes Effective 7/1/2022!
RLI Personal Umbrella Rate Changes Effective 7/1/2022! Important changes if you are quoting or renewing RLI Personal Umbrella! RLI has increased Personal Umbrella rates Effective as of July 1, 2022 on all MA & NH New & Renewal business and Excess UM/UIM premium coverage fees. For effective dates beginning with 7/1/2022: MA insureds should complete…
Public or Livery
Question Public or Livery: This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on May, 2022: Question: I have a client who works as a therapeutic mentor and drives clients with special needs as part of her job function. She drives them to locations in the community for support for social skills…
Reimbursement of Hotel with Total Loss
Question Reimbursement of Hotel with Total Loss: This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on May, 2022: Question: Auto coverage question… our insured’s sons got into an accident in Ohio. The car was totaled. The police drop them at a hotel until the parents can pick them up. Is the…
Public or Livery
Question Public or Livery: This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on May, 2022: Question: I have a client who works as a therapeutic mentor and drives clients with special needs as part of her job function. She drives them to locations in the community for support for social skills…
Thank You All for Another Successful MA Young Agents Golf Tournament!
Thank You All for Another Successful MA Young Agents Golf Tournament! The Young Agents Committee wrapped up yet another successful Golf Tournament on June 15, once again hosted at Pinehills Golf Club in Plymouth, MA. It was a pleasure to see old faces out on the range, network with industry partners, and raise money for…
Road Tests Returning to Pre-Pandemic Locations
Road Tests Returning to Pre-Pandemic Locations Road Tests will return to the following RMV Service Centers beginning the week of June 21, 2022. Tests have not been available here since before the pandemic. Easthampton (Class D only) – Tuesdays and Wednesdays Martha’s Vineyard (Class D and M) – Tuesdays only Southbridge (Class D only) –…
Road Tests Returning to Pre-Pandemic Locations
Road Tests Returning to Pre-Pandemic Locations Road Tests will return to the following RMV Service Centers beginning the week of June 21, 2022. Tests have not been available here since before the pandemic. Easthampton (Class D only) – Tuesdays and Wednesdays Martha’s Vineyard (Class D and M) – Tuesdays only Southbridge (Class D only) –…
Coverage for Pools
Question Coverage for Pools: This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on January 2022: Swimming pools…are ALL types Coverage B/detached structures? Again, this applies to inground AND above ground? Back when dinosaurs roamed the Earth and I began in insurance, I learned above ground pools were covered under contents and…
How your MAIA Member helps you get access to ACORD Forms?
How your MAIA Member helps you get access to ACORD Forms? MAIA members are eligible for a complimentary license to use ACORD Forms supplied by vendors (through an agency management system). If you use an agency management system to access ACORD Forms – Claim your license by clicking here and select Big I Agency Vendor-Supplied Forms License…
Tech Talk: Yet Another Auto Rental Question
Tech Talk: Yet Another Auto Rental Question by Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, CRIS, MLIS, LIA, CPIW VP Technical Affairs, MAIA Happy almost summer! Part of my job is answering questions and I know I discuss the following issue in class, but I haven’t addressed it specifically in a Tech Talk. An agent asked…