Registry News: New October Passenger Plate Mask
Registry News: New October Passenger Plate Mask Effective November 2018, a new plate mask will be used for October passenger plates. The new plate mask will consist of two numbers, followed by one letter, followed by three numbers. The last number will be 0 (zero). The letters I, O, Q, and U will NOT be used. …
How to Play Insurmania Live! (Official Instructions)
How to Play Insurmania Live! (Official Instructions) We’re Looking For Insurmania Contestants. Insurmania is the live trivia game show we’re playing during The Big Event at The Safety Zone’s Game Night Reception. Join our host, Young Agent Co-Chair, Paul Ostrander for this one of a kind competition. The winning team will walk away with a…
RMV: New Guidelines for Fleet Registration Renewals
RMV: New Guidelines for Fleet Registration Renewals The end of the year is peak season for registration renewals, and the Mass. Registry has released important new guidelines to help ensure that your Fleet Renewal transactions will be processed on time. The guidelines include detailed submission procedures, mailing and drop-off times, and reminders for making sure…
Berry Insurance Serves Up Smiles With Kindness Rocks
Berry Insurance Serves Up Smiles With Kindness Rocks In an effort to help spread compassion and positivity throughout the Franklin community, Berry Insurance took to cultivating their own special kind-of garden.
Leslie S. Ray Insurance Agency Renews Five Star Agency Designation
Leslie S. Ray Insurance Agency Renews Five Star Agency Designation The Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA) is proud to announce that Leslie S. Ray Insurance Agency, Inc. of Beverly, MA, has renewed their Five Star Agency Designation. They have been a Five Star Agency since 2003 and continue to demonstrate excellence in the five imperatives…
E&O: Accountability: A Missing Piece in Many Agencies
E&O: Accountability: A Missing Piece in Many Agencies Utica National Insurance Group brings monthly loss control articles to MAIA members directly from the risk management team. Read the article below or download this month’s article in PDF format.
Dual-Rear-Wheel Pickup Trucks May Not Need Commercial Plates
Dual-Rear-Wheel Pickup Trucks May Not Need Commercial Plates A change in the law has eliminated the requirement that all vehicles with five or more wheels on the ground have commercial plates. This is good news for the customer who owns a pickup truck with dual rear wheels strictly for personal use — they can now get passenger plates…
The Big Event 2018 – Program eBook
The Big Event 2018 – Program eBook Your One Stop Shop for Everything at The Big Event 2018!
New Hours of Service at Quincy RMV Headquarters
New Hours of Service at Quincy RMV Headquarters Effective Monday, October 15, 2018, the business hours at the Quincy RMV Headquarters will change as follows: Service Counter: Open Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Previously open until 5:00 p.m.) IRP Transactions: Available until 3:00 p.m. (Previously available until 4:00 p.m.)
MAIA’s Number One Agency to Administer RLI Program for NH Association
MAIA’s Number One Agency to Administer RLI Program for NH Association You can now enjoy one-stop shopping for MA and NH RLI Personal Umbrella and Home Business Insurance! MAIA’s Number One Insurance Agency is proud to announce a partnership with the NHAIA to administer the association’s RLI book of business in New Hampshire. Effective October…
Reminder: Proof of Residency Documents
Reminder: Proof of Residency Documents A reminder that the address printed on a document presented for proof of residency must always match the customer’s current address which will be printed on the issued credential.
REAL ID Update: Documents Not Acceptable for REAL ID
REAL ID Update: Documents Not Acceptable for REAL ID The Department of Homeland Security has advised that the Re-Entry Permit (I-327) and Refugee Travel Document (I-571) are NOT acceptable for the issuance of a REAL ID:
Changes to Surplus Lines Tax Collection
Changes to Surplus Lines Tax Collection Recent Bill Changes Collection of Surplus Lines Tax in MA
FBInsure Renews Five Star Agency Designation!
FBInsure Renews Five Star Agency Designation! The Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA), is proud to announce that FBinsure of Attleboro, Dartmouth, Dighton, Fall River, Freetown, Middleboro, New Bedford, Rehoboth, and Taunton, MA has renewed their Five Star Agency Designation. They have been a Five Star Agency since 2006 and continue to demonstrate excellence in…
Tech Talk: Bailment and Physical Damage Coverage Under the Auto Policy
Tech Talk: Bailment and Physical Damage Coverage Under the Auto Policy By Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, LIA, CRIS, CPIW – VP of Technical Affairs, MAIA
Merrimack Valley Gas Explosions
Merrimack Valley Gas Explosions MAIA wanted to take a moment to recognize and acknowledge those people affected by the gas explosions in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover on September 13th, especially those who live and work in the Merrimack Valley. We know that many of our members and carrier partners have been working hard to assist…
RMV: ATLAS Release 2 Coming Soon
RMV: ATLAS Release 2 Coming Soon The following communication was released this morning by the RMV to business partners concerning the the upcoming Release 2 of ATLAS.
WC News: WCRIB Implements Test Audit Program
WC News: WCRIB Implements Test Audit Program The WCRIBMA’s Governing Committee has approved implementation of a Test Audit Program to be rolled out in January 2019. Circular Letter No. 2337 outlines the program in greater detail.
Take Advantage of Big “I” Trusted Choice Tools & Services
Take Advantage of Big “I” Trusted Choice Tools & Services Trusted Choice is the national brand strategy for independent insurance agents – designed to amplify the marketing and highlight the value that independent insurance agents bring to consumers.
Registry-Focused Round-up at The Big Event 2018
Registry-Focused Round-up at The Big Event 2018 The Big Event 2018 has a number of registry and auto-focused sessions based on our members most frequently asked questions taking place on Saturday, October 27th. MAIA is happy to have the RMV team, including Registrar Deveney, along with MAIA’s in-house expert, Kathy Cormier on the speaking roster.…
RMV: eServices Claims History Walk Through
RMV: eServices Claims History Walk Through There has been some confusion with respect to the viewing of claims in the eServices Portal, mainly with claims which have been reversed by the Board of Appeals. Due to the confusion, the Merit Rating Bureau has sent the attached document which walks agents through the process.
RMV: New Special Plate – Habitat and Heritage
RMV: New Special Plate – Habitat and Heritage The Habitat and Heritage plate is a new two-year passenger special (PAS) plate.
WAHVE – The Case for Unretirement
WAHVE – The Case for Unretirement Since 2000, the number of people aged 65 and over who continue to remain employed has increased steadily. A large number of these professionals have gone through what economists call “unretirement,” the term for taking the employment U-turn from retired to back to work. For instance, a 2017 survey…
Gaudette Insurance Agency Gives Back with New England Pride
Gaudette Insurance Agency Gives Back with New England Pride The New England Patriots may not have won Super Bowl LII, but thanks to the Gaudette Insurance Agency, Inc., Northbridge Food Pantry still scored a notable touchdown! During this past football season’s playoffs, the Gaudette Insurance staff were given the option to represent their New England…
E&O: Documentation!
E&O: Documentation! Utica National Insurance Group brings monthly loss control articles to MAIA members directly from the risk management team. Read the article below or download this month’s article in PDF format.
Big “I” to Host Free Tax Reform Webinar
Big “I” to Host Free Tax Reform Webinar Following a new tax reform legislation signed by President Trump, new federal tax regulations are expected to impact your business. Find out how during a free webinar hosted by the Big “I.” The webinar will provide a brief introduction to the tax law and its impact on C-corps,…
Enforcement of USDOT Number Requirement
Enforcement of USDOT Number Requirement The Mass. RMV has issued a Law Enforcement Training Update with respect to the enforcement of the New USDOT Number Requirement, which took effect on September 1, 2018.
Offices Closing Early for Labor Day Weekend
Offices Closing Early for Labor Day Weekend Our offices will be closing early Friday, August 31 at 2 p.m. for Labor Day Weekend. We will re-open Tuesday, September 4th during our business hours.
Joe Leahy Installed as Chairman of The Big “I”
Joe Leahy Installed as Chairman of The Big “I” National independent insurance agency leadership converged in downtown Springfield, MA at the annual Big “I” Fall Leadership Conference last week. The conference included the installation of Joe Leahy of Leahy and Brown Insurance + Reality as Chairman of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America.…
YAC Night Out at Smith’s Billiards
YAC Night Out at Smith’s Billiards Following the first night of The Big “I” Fall Leadership Conference on Thursday, August 23, the Massachusetts Young Agents Committee hosted a Night Out at Smith’s Billiards in Springfield for fellow YAC members from across the country. Attendees were greeted with great food, craft brews, live music, games, and…
Taking Nominations for Young Agent of the Year 2018
Taking Nominations for Young Agent of the Year 2018 The Young Agent Committee of Massachusetts is awarding one young agent with the Young Agent of the Year Award at The Big Event’s Young Agents Kick-Off Reception on Thursday night from 4:45 pm – 5:45 pm. Candidates should be active participants in MAIA/YAC events, be a…
CAR News – Recent Bulletins
CAR News – Recent Bulletins Commonwealth Automobile Reinsurers (CAR) recently released the following Bulletins:
2017-2018 Legislative Session Report
2017-2018 Legislative Session Report The 2017-2018 MA legislative session officially wrapped up on July 31st.
Reminder: More Vehicles Subject to US DOT Numbers – Effective September 1, 2018
Reminder: More Vehicles Subject to US DOT Numbers – Effective September 1, 2018 There has been a change to the Massachusetts State Markings Regulation 540 CMR 2:22 (regulation text below) that will take effect on September 1, 2018 for all commercial motor vehicles that weigh 10,001 lbs. or more used in Intrastate commerce.
In Memory of Ernie Bates
In Memory of Ernie Bates Long-time member of MAIA, Ernest “Ernie” Bates, passed away June 11, 2018. Ernie was the owner and founder of Bates-Fullam Insurance Agency in Springfield. He served the insurance industry through volunteerism as a member of MAIA’s Board of Directors and as Past President of the Hampden County Insurance Agency Association. Some…