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  

Registry News: Service Center Relocation

Registry News: Service Center Relocation

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…

Tech Talk: It’s all about price ….really??

Tech Talk: It’s all about price ….really?? By Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, LIA, CRIS, CPIW  – VP of Technical Affairs, MAIA  

MPIUA Announces Revisions to Dwelling and HO Deductible Rules (Rule 406)

MPIUA Announces Revisions to Dwelling and HO Deductible Rules (Rule 406) The Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriters Association (MPIUA) has recently received approval from the Mass. Division of Insurance (DOI) to implement revisions to the Homeowners Deductible Rule and Dwelling Deductible Rule (both Rule 406). The revision is effective September 1, 2018 and replaces the current…

WC News: WCRIB Special Bulletins Residual Market Loss Ratio and Burden Estimate

WC News: WCRIB Special Bulletins Residual Market Loss Ratio and Burden Estimate  

Updated Company Auto Insurance Filings – August 2018

Updated Company Auto Insurance Filings – August 2018

It’s Time for The Big Event 2018

It’s Time for The Big Event 2018     Winning the insurance game takes more than chance and a little bit of luck.  Win BIG at the Big Event 2018 – the largest gathering of independent agents in New England. On Thursday, October 25 thru Sunday October 28, join approximately 1,800 professional independent insurance agents and…

MAIA Announces 2018 Annual Meeting

MAIA Announces 2018 Annual Meeting NOTICE TO THE MEMBERS OF THE MASSACHUSETTS ASSOCIATION OF INSURANCE AGENTS OF THE 2018 ANNUAL MEETING

E&O: Analysis of an Actual Claim and the Lessons to Be Learned

E&O: Analysis of an Actual Claim and the Lessons to Be Learned 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. 

MPIUA News – Homeowners Clearinghouse

MPIUA News – Homeowners Clearinghouse The Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association (MPIUA) has announced a decision by its Board of Directors to  pursue additional strategies to depopulate. A recent MPIUA notice explains that its Board of Directors has “authorized the creation of a Clearinghouse to assist in the facilitation of the depopulation effort.”

Young Agents to Host YAC Night Out at Boston Winery

Young Agents to Host YAC Night Out at Boston Winery On Thursday, September 13, 2018 the Young Agents Committee of Massachusetts will host a YAC Night Out at Boston Winery. The event will serve as an opportunity for those to network, socialize, and refine their wine palate! We’ll also be taking donations for InsurPAC while…

Trusted Choice and Young Agents Committee to Sponsor 6th Annual Wine & Wishes Event

Trusted Choice and Young Agents Committee to Sponsor 6th Annual Wine & Wishes Event MAIA is proud to announce that Trusted Choice and the MA Young Agents Committee will again support Make-A-Wish MA/RI as the Presenting Sponsor of the 6th Annual Wine & Wishes fundraising event. Wine & Wishes is an evening of wine and whiskey…

US Treasury Issues Draft Regulations on New 20 Percent Deduction for Pass-Through Businesses

US Treasury Issues Draft Regulations on New 20 Percent Deduction for Pass-Through Businesses The Government Affairs team at The Big ‘I’ (IIABA), forwarded the following with respect to the issuance of Draft Regulations on the new 20 percent deduction for pass-through businesses by The U.S. Treasury.

Phil Richard Insurance Help Feed the Hungry

Phil Richard Insurance Help Feed the Hungry A warm meal and a welcoming smile.  Those are two things you can expect when staff members of Phil Richard Insurance are volunteering at Ellis Square Friends, a local organization aiming to feed those who are homeless or in need in Beverly, MA. 

Office Closing for Summer Outing

Office Closing for Summer Outing  

MAIA’s Career HQ Provides Insurance Professionals With Opportunities

MAIA’s Career HQ Provides Insurance Professionals With Opportunities Along with many of the products and classes MAIA offers, members have access to our service that allows users to search for and post job opportunities.

Big “I” Praises Senate Passage of NFIP Extension

Big “I” Praises Senate Passage of NFIP Extension Senate passes bill to extend the NFIP through the end of hurricane season.

HMIC Liquor Liability Audit Change

HMIC Liquor Liability Audit Change Effective 10/1/2018: Hospitality Mutual Insurance Group is discontinuing the practice of annual audits for each liquor liability policy. Instead, the information needed to maintain accurate pricing has been added into their newly updated New Business and Renewal Business Applications. 

RMV: Updated Identification Documents Checklist

RMV: Updated Identification Documents Checklist The MA RMV has made an updated version of the Identification Documents Checklist available.

RMV: 7D (Pupil Transport) Requirement Changes

RMV: 7D (Pupil Transport) Requirement Changes Beginning October 1, 2018, and continuing over the next three years, changes to school pupil transport (7D) training and vehicle requirements will take effect.  Information about these changes have been sent to pupil transport companies.