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…
Liability Non Listed Operators
Question Liability Non Listed Operators This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 16, 2021 If there is a policy with Progressive in place and all drivers in HH are not listed but have insurance with another company (Commerce), and a non listed driver has a minor fender bender…
Livery Plate or Commercial Plate
Question Livery Plate or Commercial Plate This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 16, 2021 We have a new customer whose policy becomes effective on 07.28, but he has a Livery plate that needs to be changed to a Commercial plate before the underwriter will sign off on…
U.S. Passport Numbers Beginning with a Letter
The U.S. Department of State began issuing “next generation” U.S. passports in March 2021. The newly issued passports use a numbering system that begins with an upper-case letter (A, X, Y, or Z, depending on the passport type), followed by eight numbers. Download the August 6, 2021, RMV Training Update for full details: Passport Numbers…
U.S. Passport Numbers Beginning with a Letter
The U.S. Department of State began issuing “next generation” U.S. passports in March 2021. The newly issued passports use a numbering system that begins with an upper-case letter (A, X, Y, or Z, depending on the passport type), followed by eight numbers. Download the August 6, 2021, RMV Training Update for full details: Passport Numbers…
Motorcycle Coverage on MAP
Question Motorcycle Coverage on MAP This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 21, 2021 I have question regarding coverage for under a Mass Auto policy. I have an insured who has a Mass auto policy covering one private passenger auto. She is looking at possibly purchasing a motorcycle…
Claim Question Uncooperative Driver
Question Claim Question – Uncooperative Driver This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 21, 2021 I have an automobile claims question. I have a client that owns a commercial building surrounded by a chain link fence. Two months ago a vehicle took a wrong turn going up a one way street…
Motorcycle Accident no Contact
Question Motorcycle Accident no Contact This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 27, 2021 I had a customer get into an accident this afternoon on his motorcycle. Someone pulled out in front of him but he was able to dump the bike without hitting the vehicle. The lady…
Glass Coverage for Dealer Vehicles
Question Glass Coverage for Dealer Vehicles This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 29, 2021 I have an account, 5 dealer plates, no vehicles with Dealers Physical damage coverage. The dealer called and advised that one of his vehicles had a cracked or broken windshield and was asking…
How Vulnerable is YOUR Home Plate? Keep Your Agency Covered
How Vulnerable is YOUR Home Plate? Keep Your Agency Covered Between the Red Sox and the Olympics, we’ve been thinking a lot about baseball and protecting your “home plate.” MAIA’s Number One Agency is the leader in E&O for MA insurance agents, but E&O alone may not protect your agency’s home plate from ALL of…
Garaging Commercial Vehicles
Question Garaging – Business Vehicles This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 29, 2021 We are having a problem with one carrier regarding garaging on vehicles registered to a business entity. They won’t change garaging on the business auto policy unless the insured changes it in the RMV…
Garaging Business Vehicles
Question Garaging – Business Vehicles This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 29, 2021 We are having a problem with one carrier regarding garaging on vehicles registered to a business entity. They won’t change garaging on the business auto policy unless the insured changes it in the RMV…
OOS Purchase – Camper and Coverage
Question OOS Purchase – Camper and Coverage This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 22, 2021 Late breaking client no notice purchase! We have a client getting a $75K camper van in Ohio and driving it back on a dealer plate. Will be for personal use. If we…
Solar Panels
Question Solar Panels This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 23, 2021 We’re receiving more and more calls on solar panels and have a question. We’ve been advised by at least one carrier that if the solar panels are owned by the insured the HO3 perils apply and…
Blank Checks with RMV
Question Blank Check with RMV This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 26, 2021 We wish to thank you for all your help with the registry. We do have a question on what the registry is currently doing. If an insured buys a vehicle from a non-dealer you…
New Features Make RLI’s Personal Umbrella Even Easier
New Features Make RLI’s Personal Umbrella Even Easier Who needs a personal umbrella? In a word, EVERYBODY. Anyone who has a job, a car, or property can lose everything if they are found liable in a lawsuit. Judgments often go well above the limits of underlying policies, with potential results ranging from selling assets, to…
New Features Make RLI’s Personal Umbrella Even Easier
New Features Make RLI’s Personal Umbrella Even Easier Who needs a personal umbrella? In a word, EVERYBODY. Anyone who has a job, a car, or property can lose everything if they are found liable in a lawsuit. Judgments often go well above the limits of underlying policies, with potential results ranging from selling assets, to…
2021 Outstanding CSR of The Year Award State Winners!
2021 Outstanding CSR of The Year Award State Winners! Big congratulations to Debra Gerraughty, CISR, CRIS, CPIA, PWCAM, of C&S Insurance, on being named the 2021 Outstanding CSR of the Year for Massachusetts! Presented by The National Alliance, OCSRY Awards honor customer service representatives and account managers who have made significant contributions to the insurance…
Ever Dreamed of Becoming a MAIA Instructor? Now’s Your Chance!
Ever Dreamed of Becoming a MAIA Instructor? Now’s Your Chance! MAIA has instructor openings coming up, and we’re actively seeking new candidates! If you’ve got the insurance knowledge and experience, we’ve got the training to help get you started! Our Train-the-Trainer sessions start in September so don’t delay! Apply now! Send your qualifications to MAIA’s Education Director, Lynne…
RMV Low Number Plate Lottery Kicks-off!
RMV Low Number Plate Lottery Kicks-off! The MA RMV is now accepting online applications for the 2021 Low Number Plate Lottery. Applicants must apply by August 27. Winners will be notified after the virtual drawing September 8. There is no fee to apply. The complete list of plates, including eligibility and rules, can be found HERE.
RMV Low Number Plate Lottery Kicks-off!
RMV Low Number Plate Lottery Kicks-off! The MA RMV is now accepting online applications for the 2021 Low Number Plate Lottery. Applicants must apply by August 27. Winners will be notified after the virtual drawing September 8. There is no fee to apply. The complete list of plates, including eligibility and rules, can be found HERE.
Easthampton, Lowell & Southbridge Open for ALL Transactions on 8/2
Easthampton, Lowell & Southbridge Open for ALL Transactions on 8/2 On Monday, August 2, the Easthampton, Lowell, and Southbridge RMV Service Centers will open for appointments for all transaction types. They will all have hours of 9am-5pm. Lowell will also remain a fulfillment center. For a full list of open service centers, hours, and transactions:…
Easthampton, Lowell & Southbridge Open for ALL Transactions on 8/2
Easthampton, Lowell & Southbridge Open for ALL Transactions on 8/2 On Monday, August 2, the Easthampton, Lowell, and Southbridge RMV Service Centers will open for appointments for all transaction types. They will all have hours of 9am-5pm. Lowell will also remain a fulfillment center. For a full list of open service centers, hours, and transactions:…