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…
Exclusive Discount on Academy of Insurance for On-Demand Learning
Exclusive Discount on Academy of Insurance for On-Demand Learning MAIA has negotiated special pricing for our members to join the Academy and access their on-demand insurance library! The webinars, while not CE-generating, are a high-quality option for training agency staff. MAIA’s VP of Technical Affairs, Irene Morrill, is a big fan. She has listened to…
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…
Tech Talk: Banks and Binders – Can They Really Ask for THAT?
Tech Talk: Banks and Binders – Can They Really Ask for THAT? by Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, MLIS, CRIS, LIA, CPIW VP Technical Affairs, MAIA August 23, 2021 I have had a plethora of questions from MA agents about mortgagee companies, banks, and binders and what they want to see. This topic…
OOS Vehicle Purchase
Question OOS Vehicle Purchase – 08/23/21 Personal This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on August 4, 2021 Kathy Cormier response in red: This is a two-fold question. We have customer in PA purchasing a new vehicle, she asks for coverage to be added as she is having it hauled…
Lease Buy Out
Question Lease Buy Out This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on August 4, 2021 I hope this email finds you well and your enjoying summer! I’m running into a situation with a lease buy out. I’ve heard that there are 2 types of leases buy outs one a stamped…
Non-Listed HHMs and Claim
Question Non Listed HHMs and Claim This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on August 10, 2021 Hope your having a great day. We have a client whose son borrowed his vehicle for the one time because his vehicle broke down. He had a minor fender bender while driving his parent’s…
Got Lawyer Clients? Get Them the Coverage They Deserve
Got Lawyer Clients? Get Them the Coverage They Deserve The changing business climate in 2020 and 2021 has made lawyers professional liability insurance (LPLI) more important than ever. If you’re providing a lawyer client with Workers’ Comp (WC) but not LPLI, take the opportunity to grow your book and improve your value to the client…
FREE Workshops to Make Your Customer Experience Skyrocket? Yes, Please!
FREE Workshops to Make Your Customer Experience Skyrocket? Yes, Please! Customer expectations have changed. A lot. That’s why MAIA is working with Hamilton Cornell on FREE, top-quality CX (customer experience) training workshops for agency employees. The program has options for any sized agency, and is fully funded by the MA Workforce Training Fund. Build important…
Removing Operator
Question Removing Operator This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on August 10, 2021 My daughter has an insurance policy with Geico (don’t even get me started on that one), and a couple of months ago, added her father on as the primary driver, as he was going to just…
Got Lawyer Clients? Get Them the Coverage They Deserve
Got Lawyer Clients? Get Them the Coverage They Deserve The changing business climate in 2020 and 2021 has made lawyers professional liability insurance (LPLI) more important than ever. If you’re providing a lawyer client with Workers’ Comp (WC) but not LPLI, take the opportunity to grow your book and improve your value to the client…
ATLAS Documents Updated with Registrar Ogilvie’s Name
ATLAS Documents Updated with Registrar Ogilvie’s Name As of August 13th, newly appointed RMV Registrar Colleen Ogilvie’s name and signature are displayed on all documents that are system-generated through ATLAS. The RMV will provide further updates regarding new cards and Registrar Stamp distribution when they become available. Revised documents include: Temporary Licenses/IDs Learner’s Permits Registration…
RMV & FMCSA Coming to MAIA’s Big Event!
RMV & FMCSA Coming to MAIA’s Big Event! Saturday, October 30th, at the Big Event is your chance to get up to speed on road-related topics! Registrar Ogilvie will be presenting a Registry Update and a Q&A. In addition, you can hear from Matthew Poirier, Highway Safety Specialist for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration…
Application Not Signed and Coverage
Question Application Not Signed and Coverage This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on August 9, 2021 I hope this message finds you well. What should I do in this situation? The client paid in full for the GL policy via check payable to the agency. The agency deposited the…
ATLAS Documents Updated with Registrar Ogilvie’s Name
ATLAS Documents Updated with Registrar Ogilvie’s Name As of August 13th, newly appointed RMV Registrar Colleen Ogilvie’s name and signature are displayed on all documents that are system-generated through ATLAS. The RMV will provide further updates regarding new cards and Registrar Stamp distribution when they become available. Revised documents include: Temporary Licenses/IDs Learner’s Permits Registration…
RMV & FMCSA Coming to MAIA’s Big Event!
RMV & FMCSA Coming to MAIA’s Big Event! Saturday, October 30th, at the Big Event is your chance to get up to speed on road-related topics! Registrar Ogilvie will be presenting a Registry Update and a Q&A. In addition, you can hear from Matthew Poirier, Highway Safety Specialist for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration…
Interpreter Needed
Question Interpreter Needed This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on August 9, 2021 We seem to have more and more auto leads coming in from “out of town” (Boston). I understand we are not allowed to decline the business solely based on the territory. Some of these people do…
3rd Party Rental 2
Question 3rd. Party Rental This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 16, 2021 Simon Smith was in an accident and he was rear-ended by another vehicle. That person has progressive and Progressive is stating they don’t pay for 3rd party rentals, even though our insured is NOT at fault.…
Important Updates on NFIP Risk Rating 2.0
Important Updates on NFIP Risk Rating 2.0 The October 1st implementation of Risk Rating 2.0, FEMA’s all-new pricing methodology for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), is approaching! Quoting and policy issuance for Phase 1 of Risk Rating 2.0 has been pushed back from August 1st to at least August 16th. Flood is tricky in…