Glass Coverage Collision or Comprehensive
Question Glass loss – Collision or Comprehensive: This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on November 12, 2021: I hope you can clarify glass coverage for me on an auto policy. This is pertaining to a personal auto. I have an insured who backed their van into a mail box…
Snow Plowing and Snow Removal
Question Snow Plowing and Snow Removal This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on November 8, 2021: We are having a tough time trying to secure snow plow GL for potential client. He plows a parking lot and a few other accounts. He has contracts for all of them.…
MAIA Elects 2022 Board of Directors at Annual Meeting
MAIA Elects 2022 Board of Directors at Annual Meeting One of the highlights of MAIA’s Annual Meeting on Friday, October 29 at the Big Event was the election of the officers and directors who will serve on the Board in the coming year. “We feel very fortunate to have such a great group of people…
No RMV Transactions from 1 AM Saturday to 12 PM Sunday
No RMV Transactions from 1 AM Saturday to 12 PM Sunday The MA RMV will be migrating to a new infrastructure platform from 1:00 AM Saturday, November 13, 2021, through 12:00 PM Sunday, November 14, 2021. During this time, no web transactions, no myRMV online transactions, and no online access to the RMV system will…
Drivers Must Supply Own Vehicles for Road Tests in 2022
Drivers Must Supply Own Vehicles for Road Tests in 2022 The practice of using state-owned vehicles for road tests will end on December 31, 2021. Starting Monday, January 3, 2022, learner’s permit holders will be required to supply their own vehicle for Class D road tests. Applicants for Class M road tests will continue to…
The Art & Craft of Protecting Home-Based Business Owners
The Art & Craft of Protecting Home-Based Business Owners Craft shows are popular this time of year. Did you know that crafters are often required to have liability coverage in order to have a booth at the show? Your clients may assume their homeowner or tenant policy will cover them for liability, theft, equipment breakdown, loss of…
Meet MAIA’s New Agency Performance Consultant, Erin Schaaf
Meet MAIA’s New Agency Performance Consultant, Erin Schaaf We are pleased to announce that Erin Schaaf, CPCU, MSIM, has joined the MAIA staff as an Agency Performance Consultant. Many of you know Erin from her roles at Arbella, independent agencies, and Horace Mann, or her service as a member of MAIA’s Board of Directors. Erin…
MAIA Advocacy – State Legislative Update Nov 2021
MAIA State Legislative Update – November 2021 A key benefit of your MAIA membership is having a strong team of advocates fighting for or against legislative and regulatory bills, proposals, and changes that affect our industry and your livelihood. MAIA has built strong relationships and garnered great respect over the years, giving us authority and influence…
The Art & Craft of Protecting Home-Based Business Owners
The Art & Craft of Protecting Home-Based Business Owners Craft shows are popular this time of year. Did you know that crafters are often required to have liability coverage in order to have a booth at the show? Your clients may assume their homeowner or tenant policy will cover them for liability, theft, equipment breakdown, loss of…
No RMV Transactions from 1 AM Saturday to 12 PM Sunday
No RMV Transactions from 1 AM Saturday to 12 PM Sunday The MA RMV will be migrating to a new infrastructure platform from 1:00 AM Saturday, November 13, 2021, through 12:00 PM Sunday, November 14, 2021. During this time, no web transactions, no myRMV online transactions, and no online access to the RMV system will…
Drivers Must Supply Own Vehicles for Road Tests in 2022
Drivers Must Supply Own Vehicles for Road Tests in 2022 The practice of using state-owned vehicles for road tests will end on December 31, 2021. Starting Monday, January 3, 2022, learner’s permit holders will be required to supply their own vehicle for Class D road tests. Applicants for Class M road tests will continue to…
Hired and Non Owned Auto
Question Hired & Non-Owned Auto This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on October 26, 2021: Does the state listed for Symbols 8 & 9 have any bearing on coverage? I have an insured with a location in MA and a location in NY. Should both states be listed for…
New Special Plate – Registered Nurse
New Special Plate – Registered Nurse The RMV has announced a new, two-year Registered Nurse passenger special plate. All pre-ordered plates have been delivered to the RMV Quincy Headquarters. After the pre-ordered plates have been distributed, Registered Nurse plates will be centrally distributed. Customers who order them in RMV service centers will receive a temporary…
MAIA Names John F. Koegel 2021 Henry F. Barry, Jr. Pacesetter of the Year
MAIA Names John F. Koegel 2021 Henry F. Barry, Jr. Pacesetter of the Year The Pacesetter of the Year is the Massachusetts Association of Independent Agents’ most prestigious award, presented annually to a member who, through their personal and professional life, sets a pace to be followed by their fellow agents. The 2021 Pacesetter of the Year…
New Special Plate – Registered Nurse
New Special Plate – Registered Nurse The RMV has announced a new, two-year Registered Nurse passenger special plate. All pre-ordered plates have been delivered to the RMV Quincy Headquarters. After the pre-ordered plates have been distributed, Registered Nurse plates will be centrally distributed. Customers who order them in RMV service centers will receive a temporary…
Limits on Claiming 3rd party rental
Question Limits on Claiming 3rd party rental This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on October 21, 2021: I received an interesting email from a carrier about delays in claim repairs due to the lack of parts and overworked mechanics because of Covid, which could mean people may not be able to…
Have You Heard? MA Supreme Court Says Third-Party Claimants Should Get Inherent Diminished Value
Inherent Diminished Value (IDV) is defined as the decrease in a motor vehicle’s resale market value after a repaired collision loss. It is assumed to be the difference between the vehicle’s value immediately before a collision and its value after the collision and subsequent repairs. As reported in The Boston Globe, the Claims Journal and…
In Memoriam: Dennis F. Murphy, Jr., 84
In Memoriam: Dennis F. Murphy, Jr., 84 It is with sadness that we share news of the recent passing of former MAIA Board Member Dennis F. Murphy, Jr., CPCU, CLU. Dennis, who was owner and operator of Murphy Insurance Agency, passed away at the age of 84 on Thursday, October 28, 2021 at his home,…
Rental Vehicle Coverage
Question Rental Vehicle Coverage This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on October 27, 2021: I was wondering where I would find the wording in regards to rental coverage when renting a vehicle. Does it say that you should buy the extra insurance coverage as it wouldn’t be covered…
Named non-owned policy in foreign country
Question Named non-owned policy in foreign country This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on October 26, 2021: Is there a policy available that can be purchased for a MA resident in Lithuania for a temporary stay ? if not, what is the solution to the problem when he…
Protect Your Lawyer Clients from Scary Liability Claims
Protect Your Lawyer Clients from Scary Liability Claims Attorneys need E&O coverage, but if you’ve never written a Lawyer’s Professional Liability Insurance (LPLI) policy before, you might find the prospect a bit spooky! There’s no need to fear, MAIA’s Number One Agency is here! We’ve been selling LPLI policies since 2005, and our LPLI Program…
Protect Your Lawyer Clients from Scary Liability Claims
Protect Your Lawyer Clients from Scary Liability Claims Attorneys need E&O coverage, but if you’ve never written a Lawyer’s Professional Liability Insurance (LPLI) policy before, you might find the prospect a bit spooky! There’s no need to fear, MAIA’s Number One Agency is here! We’ve been selling LPLI policies since 2005, and our LPLI Program…
Redesigned Patriots Plates Now Available – 6X Champions!
Redesigned Patriots Plates Now Available – 6X Champions! A redesigned version of the New England Patriots special plate is now on the RMV website or through RMV Service Centers. The new plate design features the Patriots logo, the words “6X Champions,” the numerals of each Super Bowl win, and six stars. Plate numbers will continue…
Updates on November & December Registration Renewals
Updates on November & December Registration Renewals November registration renewals for Trailer and Vanity Plates were delayed, but have now all been mailed to customers. Trailer plate renewals no longer require an insurance certification stamp. December registration renewals for Heavy Use Vehicles require a paid Form 2290/Schedule 1 to be submitted and reviewed in order…
New “From” Address for RMV System-Generated Emails
New “From” Address for RMV System-Generated Emails As part of an ATLAS cloud migration to Fast Hosting Services (FHS), the email address for RMV system-generated emails will change. Most emails sent from ATLAS to customers, such as appointment reminders, authentication codes, and myRMV confirmation emails, will come from: [email protected] This is a “Do Not Reply”…
Address on Proof-of-Residency Documentation
Address on Proof-of-Residency Documentation The RMV has issued an update to clarify their policy about addresses on proof-of-Massachusetts-residency documents. A PO Box by itself is unacceptable. When a PO Box is provided, a residential/street address must be displayed on both the application and proof-of-residency document, in addition to the mailing address. Other requirements also apply. If…
Redesigned Patriots Plates Now Available – 6X Champions!
Redesigned Patriots Plates Now Available – 6X Champions! A redesigned version of the New England Patriots special plate is now on the RMV website or through RMV Service Centers. The new plate design features the Patriots logo, the words “6X Champions,” the numerals of each Super Bowl win, and six stars. Plate numbers will continue…
Updates on November & December Registration Renewals
Updates on November & December Registration Renewals November registration renewals for Trailer and Vanity Plates were delayed, but have now all been mailed to customers. Trailer plate renewals no longer require an insurance certification stamp. December registration renewals for Heavy Use Vehicles require a paid Form 2290/Schedule 1 to be submitted and reviewed in order…
New “From” Address for RMV System-Generated Emails
New “From” Address for RMV System-Generated Emails As part of an ATLAS cloud migration to Fast Hosting Services (FHS), the email address for RMV system-generated emails will change. Most emails sent from ATLAS to customers, such as appointment reminders, authentication codes, and myRMV confirmation emails, will come from: [email protected] This is a “Do Not Reply”…
Address on Proof-of-Residency Documentation
Address on Proof-of-Residency Documentation The RMV has issued an update to clarify their policy about addresses on proof-of-Massachusetts-residency documents. A PO Box by itself is unacceptable. When a PO Box is provided, a residential/street address must be displayed on both the application and proof-of-residency document, in addition to the mailing address. Other requirements also apply. If…
Can a Bobcat be Registered
Question Can a Bobcat be Registered? This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on October 20, 2021: Can a Bobcat (very small four-wheel front loader that cleans the sidewalks of snow) be registered? Please advise! Thanks! Answer Kathy Cormier: Here is what I received from the RMV on Bobcats: In…
Commercial Use Trailers
Question Commercial Use Trailers This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on October 19, 2021: I’m hoping you can enlighten me when it comes to trailer registrations and insurance. I know I can stamp an RTA on a trailer that’s covered under the liability portion owner’s primary auto policy…
How Number One Saves You Money, Makes You Money, and Pays You More Money
How Number One Saves You Money, Makes You Money, and Pays You More Money Check out what’s NEW at MAIA’s Number One Insurance Agency! In the past month we’ve launched a new EVR Permit Surety Bond program to SAVE you money, and a Real Estate E&O program to MAKE you money by offering this coverage…
How Number One Saves You Money, Makes You Money, and Pays You More Money
How Number One Saves You Money, Makes You Money, and Pays You More Money Check out what’s NEW at MAIA’s Number One Insurance Agency! In the past month we’ve launched a new EVR Permit Surety Bond program to SAVE you money, and a Real Estate E&O program to MAKE you money by offering this coverage…
Commercial Vanity Plates
Commercial Vanity Plates This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on October 18, 2021: I have a commercial client that is looking to order vanity plates for his fleet of vehicles. Is there not a commercial portal like there is a Personal where you can order the plates? Answer Kathy…
New Training Requirements for Entry-Level Commercial Drivers
New Training Requirements for Entry-Level Commercial Drivers The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is instituting an Entry-Level Drivers Training (ELDT) rule for drivers obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or certain endorsements for the first time. Effective February 7, 2022, individuals seeking a commercial driver license in the State of Massachusetts will be required…
New Training Requirements for Entry-Level Commercial Drivers
New Training Requirements for Entry-Level Commercial Drivers The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is instituting an Entry-Level Drivers Training (ELDT) rule for drivers obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or certain endorsements for the first time. Effective February 7, 2022, individuals seeking a commercial driver license in the State of Massachusetts will be required…
Renting a Motorcycle and Coverage
Question Renting a Motorcycle and Coverage This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on October 13, 2021: Can you shed some light on renting a motorcycle for someone who has a personal auto policy and wants to be able to rent one? He has a personal auto policy with only…
Tech Talk: Business Auto Classification: When You Disagree with the Carrier
Tech Talk: Business Auto Classification: When You Disagree with the Carrier by Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, MLIS, CRIS, LIA, CPIW VP Technical Affairs, MAIA MAIA’s Big Event is just days away! Certainly, hope to see your smiling faces … having missed them last year! Register Now Business Auto Truck Classification This topic appears to…
Will There be Coverage with no Vehicle on Policy and Renting
Question Will There be Coverage with no Vehicle on Policy and Renting? This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on October 6, 2021: Background- this insured purchased a Ford 150 to tow his new Airstream Camper home. But he found out the Ford F150 is not enough to tow this…