Massachusetts Agents Honored at 2021 Big “I” Fall Leadership Conference!

Massachusetts Agents Honored at 2021 Big “I” Fall Leadership Conference! The extended MAIA family was well represented at the Big “I” Fall Leadership Conference in Kansas City last week! The left photo shows Springfield’s Joe Leahy, former Big “I” and MAIA Chair, holding a Certificate of Appreciation for his service to the Big “I”. Presenting…

InsurPAC: It’s the Reason Independent Agents Have Clout on Capitol Hill

InsurPAC: It’s the Reason Independent Agents Have Clout on Capitol Hill As the largest property-casualty insurance industry political action committee in the nation, the non-partisan InsurPAC is the political voice of the 23,000 Big “I” member agencies and 300,000 agents and brokers nationwide. Your InsurPAC contribution will help elect federal political candidates who support our industry,…

OEM vs Aftermarket

Question OEM vs Aftermarket This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on September 22, 2021 Not sure if you would know this answer but lately, we have been having a lot of customers questioning why they are getting after markets windshields instead of an OEM windshield when getting a windshield…

Higher Commissions on WC New Business Through January!

Higher Commissions on WC New Business Through January! Number One is continuing our higher commission rates for NEW Workers’ Comp business with effective dates of October 1, 2021 and through January 31, 2022! We launched this incentive program back in February, and it’s going to be gone before you know it! Depending on the carrier,…

NEW Product! E&O for Your Clients in the Real Estate Field!

NEW Product! E&O for Your Clients in the Real Estate Field! MAIA’s Number One Insurance Agency is proud to launch yet another new offering for your commercial lines clients: Real Estate Professional Liability Insurance! We’ll match the market for your real estate clients – residential or commercial; independent brokers to large firms; plus other industry-servicing professionals…

22 B2B Locations & New Drop-Off & Pick-Up Hours – Spread the Word!

22 B2B Locations & New Drop-Off & Pick-Up Hours – Spread the Word! It’s been a bumpy ride lately for agents and runners, but the RMV is working hard to improve flexibility and convenience for our members. B2B locations were cut back to six due to COVID, and agents & runners understandably miffed at having…

MA Registration for OOS Resident

Question MA Registration for OOS Resident This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on September 22, 2021 How would you advise a client who has their car registered in MA but currently living out of state with the specific intent returning early next year? The insured does not want to…

Deferred Operator

Question Deferred Operator This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on September 23, 2021 I need your assistance if I may.  I have a client who is separated from his wife.  He is insured with me under a Progressive policy.  His ex-wife is with Liberty Mutual.  They have a son…

A Big Event First! MAIA Partners with Dress for Success

A Big Event First! MAIA Teams Up with Dress for Success Boston We are thrilled to work with the amazing Dress for Success organization, which empowers women to achieve economic independence in work and in life by providing a support network, professional attire, and development tools. Their executive director will present “Fashion Do’s & Don’ts”…

Official Notice to the Members of the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents of the 2021 Annu

Registration System Glitch for MAIA Classes & Big Event – It’s Not just You!

Registration System Glitch for MAIA Classes & Big Event – It’s Not just You! Some members have had trouble trying to register someone else for a MAIA education class or the Big Event. We are aware of this issue, and are working with our system hosts to resolve it. (They tell us it might take…

Tech Talk: Does HO or Personal Auto Cover Someone Doing Errands for the Insured?

Tech Talk: Does HO or Personal Auto Cover Someone Doing Errands for the Insured? September 2021 Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, MLIS, CRIS, LIA, CPIW VP Technical Affairs, MAIA Shameless plug! Don’t forget to register for MAIA’s Big Event, October 28-31, taking place live at the Westin Boston Seaport District. I really do look forward…

InsurPAC Dollars at Work Fighting Proposed Tax Increases for Big “I” Members

InsurPAC Dollars at Work Fighting Proposed Tax Increases for Big “I” Members Last week, the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee released a summary of tax provisions, several of which could mean steep tax increases for pass-through businesses. Backed by InsurPAC dollars, the Big “I” Government Affairs team continues to advocate on behalf of independent agents…

Service Center Webinar Materials & New B2B Cover Sheet Now Available Online

Service Center Webinar Materials & New B2B Cover Sheet Now Available Online The RMV has posted the presentation slides, Q&A document, and additional supporting material from the Insurance Industry Webinar on Service Center Changes held on September 8, 2021. There is also a link to the revised B2B Cover Sheet, which must now be used…

New Regs Affecting Commercial Plates, Registrations, Licenses, Permits, Etc.

New Regs Affecting Commercial Plates, Registrations, Licenses, Permits, Etc. Big pickup trucks are pretty popular these days. Our members have told us that clients often complain about having to register their truck as a commercial vehicle, even though it’s strictly for personal use. They will be happy to hear that, effective October 1, 2021, the…

New B2B Drop-Offs & Pick-Up… Please Don’t All Go at Once!

New B2B Drop-Offs & Pick-Up… Please Don’t All Go at Once! MAIA has been getting calls about the new B2B drop-off (10:00 to 2:00) and next day pick-up times (2:00 to 5:00). It seems that many runners are waiting until 1:45 to drop off, then hanging around until 2:00 to pick up the prior day’s…

School Bus School Pupil Plates Issued at Greenfield RMV Service Center

School Bus School Pupil Plates Issued at Greenfield RMV Service Center Effective immediately, school bus plates and school pupil plates are available for initial issuance at the Greenfield RMV Service Center. School bus plates and school pupil plates will only be available in the following six RMV service centers for initial issuance: Braintree Greenfield Haverhill Milford…

Service Center Webinar Materials & New B2B Cover Sheet Now Available Online

Service Center Webinar Materials & New B2B Cover Sheet Now Available Online The RMV has posted the presentation slides, Q&A document, and additional supporting material from the Insurance Industry Webinar on Service Center Changes held on September 8, 2021. There is also a link to the revised B2B Cover Sheet, which must now be used…

New Regs Affecting Commercial Plates, Registrations, Licenses, Permits, Etc.

New Regs Affecting Commercial Plates, Registrations, Licenses, Permits, Etc. Big pickup trucks are pretty popular these days. Our members have told us that clients often complain about having to register their truck as a commercial vehicle, even though it’s strictly for personal use. They will be happy to hear that, effective October 1, 2021, the…

New B2B Drop-Offs & Pick-Up… Please Don’t All Go at Once!

New B2B Drop-Offs & Pick-Up… Please Don’t All Go at Once! MAIA has been getting calls about the new B2B drop-off (10:00 to 2:00) and next day pick-up times (2:00 to 5:00). It seems that many runners are waiting until 1:45 to drop off, then hanging around until 2:00 to pick up the prior day’s…

School Bus School Pupil Plates Issued at Greenfield RMV Service Center

School Bus School Pupil Plates Issued at Greenfield RMV Service Center Effective immediately, school bus plates and school pupil plates are available for initial issuance at the Greenfield RMV Service Center. School bus plates and school pupil plates will only be available in the following six RMV service centers for initial issuance: Braintree Greenfield Haverhill Milford…

Return of B2B & Other RMV Service Center Changes Beginning 9/20

Return of B2B & Other RMV Service Center Changes Beginning 9/20 MAIA works closely with the RMV to make sure our members’ concerns are heard and addressed, and these upcoming agent-friendly changes to Service Center operations are proof that they’re listening!  We are pleased to confirm that as of September 20th, many RMV Service Centers…

FMCSA Extends CDL Medical Certificates

FMCSA Extends CDL Medical Certificates The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued an additional waiver for CDL Medical Certificates (DOT Medical Cards). Certificates that expire between June 1, 2021 and November 29, 2021 will expire on November 30, 2021. The RMV has updated customer records in ATLAS. Affected customers will receive an email…

Big “I” InsurPAC Campaign to Support Federal Candidates

Big “I” InsurPAC Campaign to Support Federal Candidates InsurPAC is the powerful, non-partisan Political Action Committee (PAC) of our national association, the IIABA or Big “I.” InsurPAC’s loyalty belongs to us, the member agents and brokers of the Big “I,” and the Federal candidates who support us. InsurPAC raises money to contribute to candidates running…

Plug Into the Power of Your Membership with Big “I” MARKETS!

Plug Into the Power of Your Membership with Big “I” MARKETS! Access to Big “I” Markets is a benefit of your MAIA membership, but WHY should you use them? Here are 7 good reasons:  1) The proprietary platform offers cutting-edge technology, security and convenience! 2) They carefully curate their markets to bring top carriers together with member…

Return of B2B & Other RMV Service Center Changes Beginning 9/20

Return of B2B & Other RMV Service Center Changes Beginning 9/20 MAIA works closely with the RMV to make sure our members’ concerns are heard and addressed, and these upcoming agent-friendly changes to Service Center operations are proof that they’re listening!  We are pleased to confirm that as of September 20th, many RMV Service Centers…

FMCSA Extends CDL Medical Certificates

FMCSA Extends CDL Medical Certificates The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued an additional waiver for CDL Medical Certificates (DOT Medical Cards). Certificates that expire between June 1, 2021 and November 29, 2021 will expire on November 30, 2021. The RMV has updated customer records in ATLAS. Affected customers will receive an email…

Plug Into the Power of Your Membership with Big “I” MARKETS!

Plug Into the Power of Your Membership with Big “I” MARKETS! Access to Big “I” Markets is a benefit of your MAIA membership, but WHY should you use them? Here are 7 good reasons:  1) The proprietary platform offers cutting-edge technology, security and convenience! 2) They carefully curate their markets to bring top carriers together with member…

Two New Faces at MAIA!

MAIA Welcomes Two New Team Members! Mary Lou Fosberg, Office Administrator: Mary Lou has extensive experience in the insurance world, most recently at Renaissance Alliance. She works closely with Nick and Heather, MAIA’s CEO and COO, while also keeping office operations running smoothly. Judi Terry, Education Coordinator: Judi’s previous administrative experience at Algonquin Regional High School prepared…

Are You Ready for FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0? We Are!

Are Your Clients Ready for a Flood? Are YOU Ready for FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0? Our newsfeeds have been filled with stories of torrential rain, hurricanes, flashfloods, and water damage throughout the Northeast. Flood coverage is so important for your clients, but it’s tough for agents to keep up with all the changes, especially with…

Virtual Suspension Hearing Appointments

Virtual Suspension Hearing Appointments The RMV has implemented a new process in which customers can schedule a virtual suspension hearing. To do this, customers can visit the Online Service Center and select “Make or Cancel a Hearing Reservation” under the “Additional Services” section. Supporting documentation can be uploaded during the transaction. The virtual hearings can be scheduled…

Free RMV Webinar About Agent-Friendly Changes

Free RMV Webinar About Agent-Friendly Changes The RMV is making changes to service center operations that will benefit agents, and you can learn all about at their FREE webinar on September 8th at 2 PM! The upcoming changes, which will become effective on the 20th of this month, include eliminating the Registration Drop Off Center model and returning…

NEW from Number One! Cyber for Your Clients and MORE NEW PROGRAMS COMING SOON!

NEW from Number One! Cyber for Your Clients and MORE NEW PROGRAMS COMING SOON! Last week, we announced the launch of Cyber Insurance for your business clients, a new offering you can access through MAIA’s Number One Insurance Agency. (Check out our Cyber webpage for applications and program details.) Stay tuned, because very shortly, we will be…

Virtual Suspension Hearing Appointments

Virtual Suspension Hearing Appointments The RMV has implemented a new process in which customers can schedule a virtual suspension hearing. To do this, customers can visit the Online Service Center and select “Make or Cancel a Hearing Reservation” under the “Additional Services” section. Supporting documentation can be uploaded during the transaction. The virtual hearings can be scheduled…

Free RMV Webinar About Agent-Friendly Changes

Free RMV Webinar About Agent-Friendly Changes The RMV is making changes to service center operations that will benefit agents, and you can learn all about at their FREE webinar on September 8th at 2 PM! The upcoming changes, which will become effective on the 20th of this month, include eliminating the Registration Drop Off Center model and returning…

NEW from Number One! Cyber for Your Clients and MORE NEW PROGRAMS COMING SOON!

NEW from Number One! Cyber for Your Clients and MORE NEW PROGRAMS COMING SOON! Last week, we announced the launch of Cyber Insurance for your business clients, a new offering you can access through MAIA’s Number One Insurance Agency. (Check out our Cyber webpage for applications and program details.) Stay tuned, because very shortly, we will be…

Personal Lines or Commercial Lines and Coverage

Question Personal Lines or Commercial Lines Policy and Coverage This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on August 26, 2021 We have a potential insured who currently is a landscaper.  He has a truck and three trailers on a personal auto policy with physical damage coverage and the truck is…

New Product! Cyber Insurance for Your Commercial Clients

New Product! Cyber Insurance for Your Commercial Clients MAIA’s Number One Insurance Agency exists to protect and serve our members in two ways, with coverages you can BUY to protect your agency, and coverages you can SELL to protect your clients. Cyber Insurance is important on both sides, but until now, we only offered policies…

New Product! Cyber Insurance for Your Commercial Clients

New Product! Cyber Insurance for Your Commercial Clients MAIA’s Number One Insurance Agency exists to protect and serve our members in two ways, with coverages you can BUY to protect your agency, and coverages you can SELL to protect your clients. Cyber Insurance is important on both sides, but until now, we only offered policies…

Revised Application for Disabled Parking Placard/Plate

Revised Application for Disabled Parking Placard/Plate The RMV has revised the Application for Disabled Parking Placard/Plate (Form MAB100). Revisions include a new field in Section A for customers to enter their gender, and new text in Section A to indicate that all fields must be completed. The revised form has a date of 0821 in…