LDW/CDW vs Hired Car Coverage on a BAP
June 24, 2024 Written By: Laura J. Poulin, AILP, AINS, AAM, CPIW, CRIS, MLIS, Director of Curriculum and Technical Affairs, MAIA In theory, Hired Car Liability, Symbol 8, and Hired Car Physical Damage should do the trick; however, typically, the rental contract makes the Insured responsible for things beyond what the Insurance will pay, making…
2024 Low Plate Lottery
June 17, 2024 The 2024 RMV Low Plate Lottery begins on Monday, June 17, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. Customers can enter the plate lottery online at Mass.Gov/myRMV. The lottery is online submission only; there is no paper application available. The deadline to enter the lottery is Friday, August 16, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. This year, there are…
In-Law Apartment vs. Two-Family
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations, and statutes in effect as of May 2024. Question Hope all is well – we are having a lively discussion in our office and can’t agree, so I said I will ask MAIA, “What is the difference between a one-family with an in-law apartment and a…
Bulletin 2024-06 Re: Inducements, Rebates, & Affiliated Entities
The DOI has released Bulletin 2024-06 regarding the Massachusetts anti-rebating law. We believe this language clarifies that certain lender practices are, in fact, rebating. We will be contacting these entities again, referencing this bulletin, and asking that they change their current practices. View Bulletin 2024-06 here.
Updated Company Auto Filings – June 2024
June 10, 2024 MAIA periodically visits the Division of Insurance to collect the latest information about each company’s private passenger automobile insurance rules, rates, and forms filings. Recent changes and updates are presented here. Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353 or via email at [email protected].
Earth Movement Exclusion & Blasting Operations
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations & statutes in effect as of May 2024. Question We had an interesting call last week from a prospect. The individual lives near a quarry where blasting takes place on a regular basis. If the blasting causes any damage to his home or pool, would it…
2024 MAIA Advocacy Fund Contributors
We sincerely thank the following independent agents for contributing to the 2024 MAIA Advocacy Fund. Your contributions will directly support efforts to protect your business interests and ensure a fair legislative and regulatory environment. THANK YOU! A David Risman Insurance Agency, Inc. A J Marchionne Insurance Agcy Inc. Acacia Insurance Inc. Affordable Insurance Agency Inc.…
Garagekeepers vs. On-Hook Coverage
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations & statutes in effect as of May 2024. Question If an Insured already has Garagekeepers Legal Liability coverage, does it also need On-Hook Coverage CA0402 or is On-Hook Coverage for a pure towing operation that does nothing more than pick up and deliver autos between other…
DocuSigned RTA Forms
May 28, 2024 GEICO recently began utilizing DocuSign to electronically stamp the Registration and Title Application (RTA). These stamps have a partial frame around them with the letters “DS” at the top. DocuSign stamps are acceptable and comply with our stamp acceptance specifications. Read the full update here. Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353 or via…
HO-3 Coverage
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations & statutes in effect as of April 2024. Question Here’s a story and just trying to see if there is any chance of HO-3 coverage. Policyholders’ 9 yr old is visiting his 15 yr old cousin in Brockton (postage stamp lots). The older kid (that lives…
Trusts & the HO Policy
May 20, 2024 Written By: Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, CRIS, MLIS, LIA, CPIW – Consultant, Technical Affairs, MAIA An agent emailed saying his client had put their personal assets, including their home, into a trust, and the lawyer is requiring the HO 05 43 Residence Held in Trust endorsement to be added to…
MA Fair Plan
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations & statutes in effect as of April 2024. Question I hope you are well! We quoted some MPIUA homes last week, and today, two were rejected because they said we didn’t use the new RCT info from 2/24. Coverage A went up over $300K on one!…
RTA Questions & Answers
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations & statutes in effect as of April 2024. Questions & Answers A few questions have come up at our agency, and I was hoping you could help. If a dealership (non-drive) sells a vehicle, is that dealership responsible for completing the RTA? If it is a…
AAA North Andover Road Tests
April 29, 2024 AAA will soon end road test services at its North Andover location. May 3rd is the last day tests will be conducted. The road test public schedule has been adjusted, and Mass.Gov/RMV will be updated to reflect this change in availability. Customers are currently unable to book road tests at the AAA North Andover…
Lease Buyout and Plate Reassignment
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations & statutes in effect as of April 2024. Question Quick question for you. I’ve noticed recently that the registry has allowed folks buying out their leases to keep the same plates. Can you tell me what we check off on the RTA to indicate this? Answers…
Loss Assessment
April 23, 2024 Written By: Laura J. Poulin, AILP, AINS, AAM, CPIW, CRIS, MLIS, Director of Curriculum and Technical Affairs, MAIA Which coverage does a unit owner need to purchase to cover an Association deductible – building Coverage A or loss assessment coverage? Let’s start with Loss Assessment coverage. There are three requirements to trigger…
AAA Greenfield Closing
April 23, 2024 Effective 5:00 pm on April 26, the AAA Greenfield location will close. After that date, it will be permanently closed, and no RMV transactions will be processed. All other AAA locations that process RMV transactions will continue to do so. The RMV and AAA websites will be updated. Read the full update here.…
WC Classification
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations & statutes in effect as of March 2024. Question I have an insured who operates a not-for-profit cemetery. They want to appeal the assignment of class code 9220; see the email excerpt below. I have been on the DIA website and called their general number but…