Extension on 7 Day Law
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on May 12, 2020 QUESTION We were wondering whether the police and the registry are enforcing the 7 day plate registration transfer law. Dealers that aren’t on the drive program are having a very difficult time getting appointments for their transfers.…
PIP and Med Pay
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on May 12, 2020 QUESTION A client, a personal injury attorney, requested we remove $25000 of Medical Payment coverage from her auto policy because her company (Travelers) would not provide Medical payment until…..coverage was exhausted from PIP, her Personal Health policy,…
Tech Talk: Will This COVID-19 Good Deed Hurt Your Customer?
By Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, LIA, CRIS, CPIW — VP of Technical Affairs
Registry News: Springfield B2B Service Moving to Chicopee
Due to the evolving situation with COVID-19 (coronavirus) and in an effort to continue protecting RMV staff, customers, and business partners, the RMV is moving B2B service for Western Massachusetts to the Chicopee RMV Service Center, effective Monday, May 18. In following ‘social-distancing’ practices, the Chicopee RMV will exclusively perform drop-off B2B transactions / bundles only …
Registry News: Registration Renewals & Reactivations for Secondary Vehicles
CORRECTION The original RMV handout on Renewing and Reactivating Registrations had an incorrect mailing zip code. If you are mailing a Registration and Title Application (RTA) to the RMV, the correct address is: Registry of Motor VehiclesP.O. Box 55895Boston, MA 02205-5895The correct information is reflected in this revised handout. Registration renewals and reactivations for secondary vehicles such as…
Registry News: Class D & M Road Tests Canceled through May 18th
The MA RMV has canceled all passenger and motorcycle road tests (Class D & Class M) through Monday, May 18, 2020. (They previously had been canceled through May 4th.) However, Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) road tests are still being conducted. Please visit the MA Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) website at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/rmv-covid-19-information for the most…
MAP Coverage & License Suspension
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 27, 2020 QUESTION May I ask a question, please, about the MAP?If an insured is driving on a suspended license, are any of his coverages voided? We have an insured whose license was suspended and his reinstatement hearing, scheduled…
Registry News: Essential Transactions, Appointments & Where to Find Help
During the COVID-19 state of emergency, Massachusetts has gone from 30 RMV service center locations and multiple AAA locations down to eight locations for the entire state (plus two that are designated commercial-only) to maintain social-distancing for the safety of customers and staff. MAIA’s member relations advocate Kathy Cormier has compiled some facts and guidelines…
BAP and Covid-19
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 22, 2020 QUESTION Curious if you’ve had feedback/questions from agencies about commercial auto during Covid. Some carriers are “allowing” us to decrease limits on some or all vehicles until client is back to work. We are hesitant to offer…
RMV Non-Essential Transactions
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 22, 2020 QUESTION We have received a notice from the Springfield Registry that they will not register a trailer for one of our clients since it is “non-essential” vehicle. Is this true?
Registry News: Paying Vehicle/Trailer Sales Tax Online
With RMV service centers closed for all but essential services, sales tax for a motor vehicle, trailer, camper, motorcycle, etc. must be paid online to avoid late penalties or interest. The RMV has issued instructions and a link to the MA Department of Revenue (DOR ) MassTaxCollect site where these transactions can be completed. The…
RMV Appointments
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 22, 2020 QUESTION We have a customer trying to schedule an appointment on the Registry’s site, it seems there are no appointments available at any branch for a vehicle registration transaction (new or transfer), I tried it myself, only…
Dirt Bikes
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 21, 2020 QUESTION Do dirt bikes need a registration if they will only be used off road? Also does the trailer that carries it (250#) need a plate?
Registry Appointments
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 21, 2020 QUESTION What is going on with the registry? I have a client from out of state trying to make an appointment for new plate. There are zero appointments available for all locations. Are they totally closed. Not…
Out-of-State Violations
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 13, 2020 QUESTION As you are probably aware, the RMV’s efforts to clear the backlog of out-of-state violations is resulting in surcharges to current MA personal auto policies. So far, we’re seeing surcharge endorsements from Commerce and Plymouth Rock.…
Special Bulletin: Big ‘I’ Establishes Trusted Choice® COVID-19 Relief Fund to Assist Independent Agencies
Progressive donates $2 million to provide relief to independent insurance agencies facing pandemic challenges Our national association, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”), is pleased to announce that Progressive Insurance has donated $2 million dollars to establish the Trusted Choice® COVID-19 Relief Fund in response to the economic and operational…
Registry News: Further Extensions for Licenses, Permits, Inspection Stickers, and Passenger Registrations
Effective immediately, further extensions will be implemented for expiring motor vehicle inspection stickers, passenger plate registrations, professional credentials, and licenses and permits, including Commercial Driver’s Licenses and Permits (CDLs / CLPs).
RMV Branches – Who Can Go
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 13, 2020 QUESTION We have an insured who is currently in a rehab recovering from surgery. His vehicle is not working and his sister wants to gift him a vehicle. Will someone from his family be able to go…
Paying Parking Tickets
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 13, 2020 QUESTION Are people still able to pay parking tickets in person at the RMV?
Registry News: Additional COVID-19 RMV Changes
The MA RMV continues to implement measures to reduce customer volumes in physical locations and maintain proper social-distancing to keep residents and staff safe and healthy.
RMV Branches for Runners
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 13, 2020 QUESTION I hope you are safe and well! Just checking in to see the latest update on runners. Last I spoke with you agents/runners could go to Wilmington/Milford RMV’s to drop off runs. Is that still the…
Personal Auto Rebates During Covid-19
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 13, 2020 QUESTION Our agency has had a number of inquiries asking if they will get a discount due to the fact they are not driving as much during the pandemic. I am aware of a few of the…
Registration Renewal
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 7, 2020 QUESTION Do you know if a client can mail in their RTA renewal or does it need to be brought to the Registry?
Update Address for Commercial Client
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 8, 2020 QUESTION I have a likely easy question – my commercial client needs to update their mailing address. I don’t see that I can do this on line. Can you confirm before we go through the efforts of…
Driver Retraining Classes
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on April 8, 2020 QUESTION One of our younger customers had three recent driving incidents and needs to attend additional driver’s education classes to keep her driver’s license. Is the RMV still holding these classes or are they on hold?
Merit Rating Board Message Re: Adding Driving Violations After Policy Renewal
The Massachusetts Merit Rating Board (MRB) recently sent a communication to all companies which MAIA would like to share with our members. The MRB message states:
Tech Talk: MAIA Member PSA: Look What’s Available at Your Virtual Fingertips
MAIA Member PSA: Look What’s Available at Your Virtual Fingertips By Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, LIA, CRIS, CPIW — VP of Technical Affairs
RMV Insurance Stamp
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on March 25, 2020 QUESTION Is the RMV allowing faxed copies of the stamped RTA for clients purchasing vehicle from private sale? Some clients don’t have printers. I know they allow for dealers to do it this way. I thought I…
Family Exemption
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on March 2, 2020 QUESTION We have a title in the mother and sons name. The mother wants her name off the title loan is paid off. Does the son now have to pay sales tax on the car?
CAR Bulletin No. 1097 – Guidance for Servicing Carriers and Exclusive Representative Producers during the COVID-19 Public Health Crisis
CAR Bulletin No. 1097 – Guidance for Servicing Carriers and Exclusive Representative Producers during the COVID-19 Public Health Crisis According to Commonwealth Automobile Reinsurers (CAR) Bulletin 1097, the Registry of Motor Vehicles has requested that CAR issue a bulletin to advise industry participants of the RMV’s new Registration and Title Application (RTA).
RMV Extends Registrations by 60 Days for March/April Expirations
RMV Extends Registrations by 60 Days for March/April Expirations Effective immediately, the RMV has extended all passenger plates/registrations that expired in March and that are due to expire in April for 60 days. Customers who have not renewed a registration that expired on March 31, 2020 have been extended until May 31, 2020. Customers who…
PAN or AHN
PAN or AHN This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on March 10, 2020 QUESTION I have a client who has welded a slide-on camper to his pickup truck. I’ve been informed the slide-on does have a running toilet. Is this pickup truck now a camper that will…
Event Cancellation – Coronavirus
Event Cancellation – Coronavirus This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on March 10, 2020 QUESTION I am looking to find coverage for a one-day event if it were to get a canceled due to the Corna virus. My insured is planning an engagement party in May at…
E&O Risk Management: What Agents Should NOT Say About Coverage
E&O Risk Management: What Agents Should NOT Say About Coverage This E&O Risk Management Alert from Utica National gives advice for agents and producers to help avoid E&O claims: “During this time of crisis, it is imperative that insurance agents and producers do not make any statements or representations to their clients regarding the potential…
FFCRA & CARES Act: Resources for Independent Agents
FFCRA & CARES Act: Resources for Independent Agents The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act open up many new avenues of assistance to help prevent more workers from losing their jobs and small businesses from going under. These resources will help you understand and benefit from…
InsurBanc Will Work with Eligible Agencies to Obtain PPP Loans
InsurBanc Will Work with Eligible Agencies to Obtain PPP Loans As you know, Congress recently approved $350 billion through various SBA lending programs to help small businesses survive and recover from losses suffered during this crisis. InsurBanc is prepared to work with eligible agencies to obtain the emergency financing offered through the Paycheck Protection Program. This program…
WCRIBMA Issues Changes to Workers’ Comp Rates & Codes
WCRIBMA Issues Changes to Workers’ Comp Rates & Codes On March 31, the Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau (WCRIBMA) issued four Circular Letters (Nos. 2362-2365) on the following workers’ compensation topics: General Revision of Rates Applicable to New and Renewal Business; Changes in Manual Rates by Class; Manual Rates and Rating Values; and COVID-19…
Spread Positivity! #19ActsofKindness
Spread Positivity! #19ActsofKindness Venmo coffee money to a friend who’s a nurse, doctor or first responder. Leave essential products on your porch for delivery drivers. Those are just two ideas from a list of 19 Acts of Kindness developed to create positive experiences during the COVID-19 crisis. MAIA is joining with the Big “I” Young…
New Vehicle – No Title
New Vehicle – No Title This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on February 11, 2020 QUESTION Quick question for you. I have an insured that called me last week & said he was getting a 2018 truck. He picked it up Friday 2/7/20 & I haven’t received the…
FEMA Extends Grace Period for Flood Insurance Renewals
FEMA Extends Grace Period for Flood Insurance Renewals To help serve its National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) customers who may be experiencing financial hardships related to the COVID-19 pandemic, FEMA is extending the grace period to renew flood insurance policies from 30 to 120 days. This extension applies to NFIP flood insurance policies with an…