Power of Attorney and Surviving Spouse Affidavit
Question Power of Attorney and Surviving Spouse Affidavit This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 23, 2021 Vehicle in Husband/Wife name. Wife passed Husband has dementia Daughter has POA for father Can daughter sign the surviving spouse affidavit with the POA to sell the vehicle? Answer Kathy Cormier: Yes,…
Service Vehicles
Question Service Vehicles This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on September 29, 2021 Have another question for you . . . I have someone telling me that Service Class only applies to Artisans – never heard of this? Answer Irene Morrill: So … per AIB/ISO/CAR commercial lines manual – in…
TNC Coverage
QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on February 9, 2021 Our insured was working for Door Dash, unbeknownst to us, and had just made her last delivery of the evening. While backing out of the customer’s driveway to head home, she hit a parked car causing $2,498…
Home/Golf Cart
Question Home/Golf Cart This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 2, 2021 Hello, insured’s vehicle was hit while parked on golf course by a golf cart that rolled into IV. Doesn’t look like there would be coverage under golf cart owner’s homeowner’s policy – would the deductible be…
FREE MARKET ACCESS with Big “I” Markets?
FREE MARKET ACCESS with Big “I” Markets? All MAIA members have free access to IIABA’s online market portal Big “I” Markets to quote and sell the products you need such as affluent homeowner, bond, small commercial package, habitational, standard automobile, standard and non-standard homeowner, and more! Sign up today & start quoting! Go to www.bigimarkets.com. Click Sign-Up to complete their online registration. There’s no waiting…
FREE MARKET ACCESS with Big “I” Markets?
FREE MARKET ACCESS with Big “I” Markets? All MAIA members have free access to IIABA’s online market portal Big “I” Markets to quote and sell the products you need such as affluent homeowner, bond, small commercial package, habitational, standard automobile, standard and non-standard homeowner, and more! Sign up today & start quoting! Go to www.bigimarkets.com. Click Sign-Up to complete their online registration. There’s no waiting…
Tech Talk: Is Your Client “Adequately Insured” in Today’s Inflationary World?
Tech Talk: Is Your Client “Adequately Insured” in Today’s Inflationary World? Irene Morrill CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, CRIS, MLIS, LIA, CPIW VP Technical Affairs, MAIA I don’t mean to be an alarmist, but in today’s inflationary supply chain problem economy we really need to address current rebuild property values with our clients. The downside of subscribing…
D. F. Murphy Insurance Agency Renews Five Star Designation
D. F. Murphy Insurance Agency Renews Five Star Designation The Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA), is proud to announce that D. F. Murphy Insurance Agency of Hudson, Bolton, Harvard, Groton, Marlborough, Medway, and Mendon, MA has renewed their Five Star Agency Designation. They were the first agency to earn the Five Star Designation in 1999…
Cosponsor Amendment #848 by Reaching Out to Your Local Senator
Cosponsor Amendment #848 by Reaching Out to Your Local Senator In our continued effort to pursue every avenue to pass legislation important to Massachusetts’ Independent Agents, Senator Jamie Eldridge filed Amendment #848 to the Senate Ways and Means Budget. The language of this amendment mirrors MAIA’s Commonwealth Automobile Reinsurers bill. As you know, this is…
5 Minute E&O Fixes Webinar
5 Minute E&O Fixes Webinar MAIA’s Number One Insurance Agency wants to invite all MAIA members to attend a complimentary new webinar sponsored by the Big “I”, “Five Minute E&O Fixes: Tips, Tricks and Tiny Tweaks That Help Protect Your Agency.” Be sure to join in to learn what can agents do in five minutes…
5 Minute E&O Fixes Webinar
5 Minute E&O Fixes Webinar MAIA’s Number One Insurance Agency wants to invite all MAIA members to attend a complimentary new webinar sponsored by the Big “I”, “Five Minute E&O Fixes: Tips, Tricks and Tiny Tweaks That Help Protect Your Agency.” Be sure to join in to learn what can agents do in five minutes…
Your Client May THINK Their HO Policy Covers Their Home Business, But…
Your Client May THINK Their HO Policy Covers Their Home Business, But… A home-based entrepreneur may not know that the typical homeowners’ policy doesn’t provide the business coverages they need! When completing those carrier homeowner apps – be sure to ask if they run a business out of their home. If they do, help your…
Your Client May THINK Their HO Policy Covers Their Home Business, But…
Your Client May THINK Their HO Policy Covers Their Home Business, But… A home-based entrepreneur may not know that the typical homeowners’ policy doesn’t provide the business coverages they need! When completing those carrier homeowner apps – be sure to ask if they run a business out of their home. If they do, help your…
Cancellation Requirements
Question Cancellation Requirements: This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on January 2022: Quick question: How many days by MA law are required to be put on the Certificate of Insurance for notice of cancellation? I seem to recall/think that for non-payment of premium MA law says no more than…
Is Your Cyber Data Protected?
Is Your Cyber Data Protected? It may be Star Wars Day, but cyber-attacks and data breaches happen every minute, every day across the country. Taking the right steps to protect your data is key, and with Cyber Insurance – it can help cover the unexpected costs and hassles when it strikes. With carriers offering an array of…
Registration Decal Shortage
Registration Decal Shortage Due to a supply chain issue with the RMV’s vendor that produces their ‘24’ registration decals, beginning April 27th, there will be a delay in mailing registrations to customers who renew online or by mail. Instead of their registration and decal being mailed in 7-10 business days, it will take a little…
Is Your Cyber Data Protected?
Is Your Cyber Data Protected? It may be Star Wars Day, but cyber-attacks and data breaches happen every minute, every day across the country. Taking the right steps to protect your data is key, and with Cyber Insurance – it can help cover the unexpected costs and hassles when it strikes. With carriers offering an array of…
Registration Decal Shortage
Registration Decal Shortage Due to a supply chain issue with the RMV’s vendor that produces their ‘24’ registration decals, beginning April 27th, there will be a delay in mailing registrations to customers who renew online or by mail. Instead of their registration and decal being mailed in 7-10 business days, it will take a little…
Revised Road Test Application and Information Sheet
Revised Road Test Application and Information Sheet Beginning Monday, May 2nd, all applicants for a Class D Road Test will need to bring their own vehicle that meets the RMV’s requirements. As a reminder, the use of face coverings is strongly encouraged, but not required, for all vehicle occupants during the road test. The Class D…
Revised Road Test Application and Information Sheet
Revised Road Test Application and Information Sheet Beginning Monday, May 2nd, all applicants for a Class D Road Test will need to bring their own vehicle that meets the RMV’s requirements. As a reminder, the use of face coverings is strongly encouraged, but not required, for all vehicle occupants during the road test. The Class D…
Duplicate Permit
Question Duplicate Permit: This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on December, 2020: We have an insured that ordered a duplicate permit for his son months ago and still has not received it. Would appreciate any information that you can provide regarding the status from Mass DOT. Please let me know…
WCRIBMA’s Circular Letters No. 2398, No. 2399 and No. 2400
WCRIBMA’s Circular Letters No. 2398, No. 2399 and No. 2400 The Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau has issued Circular Letter No. 2398, dated April 22, 2022, and titled General Revision of Rates, Effective July 1, 2022 Applicable to New and Renewal Business, Circular Letter No. 2399, dated April 22, 2022, and titled Changes in Manual Rates by…
Special Salvage Inspection Requirement
Special Salvage Inspection Requirement The RMV has determined that a number of vehicles were issued a Certificate of Title that should have contained a “Salvage” brand and the vehicle should have undergone a Salvage Inspection prior to being registered. Beginning April 22, 2022, these vehicles had a Special Salvage Inspection Requirement added to their ATLAS…
Special Salvage Inspection Requirement
Special Salvage Inspection Requirement The RMV has determined that a number of vehicles were issued a Certificate of Title that should have contained a “Salvage” brand and the vehicle should have undergone a Salvage Inspection prior to being registered. Beginning April 22, 2022, these vehicles had a Special Salvage Inspection Requirement added to their ATLAS…
Glass Loss- Non-Admitted Carrier
Question Glass Loss- Non-Admitted Carrier – This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on December, 2020: I have a situation with Auto Dealer and a glass claim under there dealers physical damage comprehensive coverage. We wrote a stand-alone dealers physical damage policy with a carrier non admitted carrier out of Texas. Recently…
Policy Cancellation and HHM License Suspension
Question Policy Cancellation & HHM License Suspension: This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on December, 2020: We’re looking to find out if a carrier can cancel an auto policy immediately if a Junior Operator’s license is suspended Answer Kathy Cormier: The 2016 MAP has this language in the cancellation section and…
Road Test Program – Face Covering Guidance
Road Test Program – Face Covering Guidance Affective 4/19/22 – The TSA is no longer enforcing a mask mandate. Therefore, effective immediately, the use of face coverings is strongly encouraged, but not required, for examiners, applicants, and sponsors during road tests. Sufficient mask supplies exist, so Road Test Examiners may continue to offer masks to…
Updated Company Auto Insurance Filings – April 2022
Updated Company Auto Insurance Filings – April 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 Berkley Insurance Co. Rate/Rule 07/18/22 New 10/16/22 Renew +1% Preferred Mutual Form/Rate/Rule 06/01/22…
Make Your Voice Heard to Ensure Appropriate Representation on CAR Governing Committee!
Make Your Voice Heard to Ensure Appropriate Representation on CAR Governing Committee! In our continued effort to pursue every avenue to pass legislation important to Massachusetts’ Independent Agents, Representative Mike Finn filed Amendment #515 to the House Budget. The language of this amendment mirrors MAIA’s Commonwealth Automobile Reinsurers bill. As you know, this is a technical correction…
Road Test Program – Face Covering Guidance
Road Test Program – Face Covering Guidance Affective 4/19/22 – The TSA is no longer enforcing a mask mandate. Therefore, effective immediately, the use of face coverings is strongly encouraged, but not required, for examiners, applicants, and sponsors during road tests. Sufficient mask supplies exist, so Road Test Examiners may continue to offer masks to…
Make Your Voice Heard to Ensure Appropriate Representation on CAR Governing Committee!
Make Your Voice Heard to Ensure Appropriate Representation on CAR Governing Committee! In our continued effort to pursue every avenue to pass legislation important to Massachusetts’ Independent Agents, Representative Mike Finn filed Amendment #515 to the House Budget. The language of this amendment mirrors MAIA’s Commonwealth Automobile Reinsurers bill. As you know, this is a technical correction…
Tech Talk: Property Policies and Fuel Oil Escape Losses
Tech Talk: Property Policies and Fuel Oil Escape Losses Irene L. Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, LIA, CRIS, MLIS, CPIW VP Technical Affairs, MAIA Based on the recent fuel oil escape catastrophe at a personal residence located in Wareham, MA the “lack of coverage issue” is rearing its ugly head again. This particular fuel…
School Bus Conversion and Plate Type
Question School Bus Conversion and Plate Type This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on October 6, 2021: I have an insured that purchased a school bus. They intend to use it for personal use only. Am I able to obtain a private passenger plate for this? Auto home…
7D½ Vehicles Cannot Be Registered with SPN Plates
7D½ Vehicles Cannot Be Registered with SPN Plates 7D½ vehicles are used exclusively to transport vocational school students to and from a job site. Massachusetts law (540 CMR 2.04(3)) has been changed to prohibit 7D½ vehicles from being registered with School Pupil (SPN) plates. The vehicles can be registered with a personal Passenger Plate or,…
7D½ Vehicles Cannot Be Registered with SPN Plates
7D½ Vehicles Cannot Be Registered with SPN Plates 7D½ vehicles are used exclusively to transport vocational school students to and from a job site. Massachusetts law (540 CMR 2.04(3)) has been changed to prohibit 7D½ vehicles from being registered with School Pupil (SPN) plates. The vehicles can be registered with a personal Passenger Plate or,…
Have a Few Things To Do?
Have a Few Things To Do? Why not let MAIA’s Number One Flood Concierge Team allow you to Protect your clients, increase your revenue without “Flooding” your team with work. We’ve got you covered with: Multi NFIP, Private & Excess Carriers We handle the data entry, provide multiple quotes, all the sign-offs and process the…
Can Car Dealers Solicit Consumers For Insurance? We Need Your Help…
Can Car Dealers Solicit Consumers For Insurance? We Need Your Help… The answer is NO. However, they can refer an insurance agency/agent. We have received many complaints about dealers soliciting insurance as part of the vehicle purchase. The dealer may in fact refer a consumer to an agency. The purchase of the vehicle or vehicle financing…
Insurtech Boston 2022 – RETURNS!
Insurtech Boston 2022 – RETURNS! MAIA is proud to say we have partnered with Insurtech 2022 as it returns to Boston after a 2 year hiatus and it is bound to be better than before! While the importance of showcasing Insurtech startups and their stories will still occur, as will the time for drinks and…
Can Car Dealers Solicit Consumers For Insurance? We Need Your Help…
Can Car Dealers Solicit Consumers For Insurance? We Need Your Help… The answer is NO. However, they can refer an insurance agency/agent. We have received many complaints about dealers soliciting insurance as part of the vehicle purchase. The dealer may in fact refer a consumer to an agency. The purchase of the vehicle or vehicle financing…
Have a Few Things To Do?
Have a Few Things To Do? Why not let MAIA’s Number One Flood Concierge Team allow you to Protect your clients, increase your revenue without “Flooding” your team with work. We’ve got you covered with: Multi NFIP, Private & Excess Carriers We handle the data entry, provide multiple quotes, all the sign-offs and process the…