MA Homeowners Who Operate Short-Term Rentals Must Now Register, Tax & Insure their Properties
MA Homeowners Who Operate Short-Term Rentals Must Now Register, Tax & Insure their Properties On December 28, MAIA issued a Special Legislative Bulletin regarding revisions to the MA short-term rentals (“Airbnb”) bill, noting that the MA legislature had agreed to allow a tax exemption for properties rented less than two weeks per year. On December…
Temporary Auto and Coverage
Temporary Auto and Coverage QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on December 13, 2018 Happy Holidays! I need your brain!!! Our above insured who is a trucker who owns his cab but not his trailer rolled his truck. He has been renting a truck from a sand…
Violation Codes
Violation Codes QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on December 13, 2018 MAIA has received may inquiries on the ATLAS Violation Codes as they are now listed differently. We reached out to the Merit Rating Bureau for detail.
RMV Issues New Registration Form for Motorized Bicycles (Mopeds)
RMV Issues New Registration Form for Motorized Bicycles (Mopeds)
Operator Exclusion Form
Operator Exclusion Form QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on December 13, 2018 Kathy- Hope all is well with you. I have a customer who is 92 with the vehicle still in her name, but her license expired and she no longer drives (and she won’t be…
WC News: WCRIBMA Approves Updated Pension Tables for USRs
WC News: WCRIBMA Approves Updated Pension Tables for USRs The Workers’ Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau (WCRIB) released Circular Letter No. 2345, which states that the Commissioner of Insurance has approved revised pension tables to be used for Unit Statistical Reporting (USR) of fatal and permanent total claims that are evaluated on or after July…
Philbin Insurance Group Renews Five Star Agency Designation
Philbin Insurance Group Renews Five Star Agency Designation The Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA), is proud to announce that Philbin Insurance Group of Beverly, Burlington, Everett, Lynnfield, and Malden, MA has renewed their Five Star Agency Designation. They have been a Five Star Agency since 2005 and continue to demonstrate excellence in the five…
Fuel Oil Dealer’s FR Requirements in MA
Fuel Oil Dealer’s FR Requirements in MA QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on December 10, 2018 Hi Irene, I’m happy you are still working! I figured I would end up speaking with you since you are the “go to” person in MA for insurance!!! We are…
Trailer with NO Auto
Trailer with NO Auto QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on December 10, 2018 I have a client (for both personal and commercial lines) that purchased a personal camper trailer. He does not have a Mass Personal Auto policy, just a Hagarty antique policy. He does have…
Claim Denial
Claim Denial QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on December 11, 2018 We have an insured that has this claim scenario: Vehicle pulled into their parking lot as they were having issues with their vehicle. Vehicle parked under a light pole owned by our insured. Vehicle ended…
Flood Update: NFIP is Back in Business as FEMA Reverses Decision
Flood Update: NFIP is Back in Business as FEMA Reverses Decision Believe it or not, the NFIP situation has changed AGAIN, and this time the news is good! After a tremendous amount of behind-the-scenes work and pressure from the insurance marketplace (largely organized by the Big “I”) and our allies in Congress, the National Flood…
Compromise Reached on MA Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb) Legislation
Compromise Reached on MA Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb) Legislation The Massachusetts House and Senate reached a compromise on the short-term rentals bill that taxes and regulates short-term rentals through websites like Airbnb, including language that exempts owners who rent out their properties fewer than 15 days a year. Governor Baker signed the bill into law on…
Flood Update: Lapse in FEMA Appropriations Causes NFIP Lapse
Flood Update: Lapse in FEMA Appropriations Causes NFIP Lapse Despite the extension the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through May 31, 2019, FEMA has unexpectedly halted appropriation funding for the program, effectively creating an NFIP lapse.
Flood Update: NFIP Extended Through May 2019
Flood Update: NFIP Extended Through May 2019 We are pleased to report that, despite the partial Government shutdown, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) did NOT lapse. Late in the evening of Friday, December 21, 2018, Congress passed legislation to extend the program through May 31, 2019, and the President signed the extension into law.
What an NFIP Lapse Will Mean to Mass. Agents
What an NFIP Lapse Will Mean to Mass. Agents As of this writing (Friday afternoon, 12/21/18), a government shutdown is still looming. If the shutdown happens, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) reauthorization will lapse at midnight tonight. (Reauthorization of NFIP is tied into the funding bill). If a lapse does occur, existing NFIP flood policies…
Christmas Closure
Christmas Closure Our offices will be closed Monday, December 24th, and Tuesday, December 25th for the Christmas holiday. Our offices will re-open 10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 26th.
The Impact of Driverless Cars and The Insurance Market
The Impact of Driverless Cars and The Insurance Market A world where autonomous vehicles are ‘the new normal’ may still be many years in the future, but our industry is keeping a close eye on this emerging topic. In this recent article from IA Magazine, Senior Editor Jacquelyn Connelly spoke to Michael Klein of Travelers…
E&O: Agency Producers: We Need Your Total E&O Commitment
E&O: Agency Producers: We Need Your Total E&O Commitment 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.
Tech Talk: Homes Put in Personal Trust … How to Insure?
Tech Talk: Homes Put in Personal Trust … How to Insure? By Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, LIA, CRIS, CPIW — VP of Technical Affairs, MAIA
Hannon-Murphy Insurance Runs Juice Box Drive for School Kids in Pembroke
Hannon-Murphy Insurance Runs Juice Box Drive for School Kids in Pembroke Students in a local Pembroke community were able to return to class this school year with a little extra in their lunchboxes thanks to Hannon-Murphy Insurance.
CAR Outlines Proposed Changes to the Rules of Operation
CAR Outlines Proposed Changes to the Rules of Operation The Governing Committee of Commonwealth Automobile Reinsurers (CAR) has approved proposed changes to the Rules of Operation to go to the Division of Insurance for final approval. Rule 29 – Assignment Process is looking at the classification/territory combinations eligible for MAIP quota share credit. The residual market…
DOI Issues New FAQs for Property Claims Related to Merrimack Valley Gas Explosions
DOI Issues New FAQs for Property Claims Related to Merrimack Valley Gas Explosions On November 15th, the MA Division of Insurance (DOI) issued a document titled “Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Homeowner’s Insurance Claims” to respond to questions about property claims associated with the September 13th gas line explosions and fires in Andover, North Andover, and…
Updated Company Auto Insurance Filings – November 2018
Updated Company Auto Insurance Filings – November 2018
E&O: Producers Don’t Know What They Don’t Know
E&O: Producers Don’t Know What They Don’t Know 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.
Partners Insurance Group Teams Up to Save Lives
Partners Insurance Group Teams Up to Save Lives Partners Insurance Group, LLC has proved that they’re the star of the show. Over the past three years they’ve teamed up with STARR Saving Lives Capital Campaign, and over those three years has pledged $10,000.
CAR Implements Ineligible Risk Database
CAR Implements Ineligible Risk Database Commonwealth Auto Reinsurers (CAR) has announced the implementation of the Ineligible Risk Database, a new website application that will allow Servicing Carriers to share information on ceded risks that have been declined, non-renewed, or cancelled as a result of being ineligible for coverage in the Massachusetts commercial residual market.
WC News: DOI Approves Notifying Policyholders of Pending Expiration of TRIPRA
WC News: DOI Approves Notifying Policyholders of Pending Expiration of TRIPRA
WC News: WCRIB Special Bulletins Residual Market Loss Ratio and Burden Estimate — October Update
WC News: WCRIB Special Bulletins Residual Market Loss Ratio and Burden Estimate — October Update
Meet a Young Agent – Scott Ellis
Meet a Young Agent – Scott Ellis 2018 is more than half over but we still have a lot of work to do! I joined the Young Agents Committee in 2017 shortly after starting at Bright Insurance in Milford, MA as the Operations Manager. Being on the committee has allowed me to meet and get…
Tech Talk: MA Operator Exclusion Endorsement M-0106-S Revisited
Tech Talk: MA Operator Exclusion Endorsement M-0106-S Revisited By Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, LIA, CRIS, CPIW – VP of Technical Affairs, MAIA
NEW Massachusetts License and ID Issuance Number Format Changes Effective 11/13/2018
NEW Massachusetts License and ID Issuance Number Format Changes Effective 11/13/2018
Make Your InsurPac Contribution Before 12/31/18
Make Your InsurPac Contribution Before 12/31/18 InsurPac is the non-partisan federal political action committee (PAC) that complements the legislative efforts of our national association, the Big “I.” InsurPac is one of the most effective and well-respected small-business PACs in the country. “We’re very fortunate to have this powerhouse representing us on Capitol Hill,” says…
Registry News: Magnetic Signs Are Acceptable on Commercial Vehicles
Registry News: Magnetic Signs Are Acceptable on Commercial Vehicles
Registry News: New Danvers RMV Service Center Opens 10/29/18
Registry News: New Danvers RMV Service Center Opens 10/29/18
Registry News: Revised Law Affects Foreign Driver’s Licenses in MA
Registry News: Revised Law Affects Foreign Driver’s Licenses in MA As of July 2018, licensed drivers from any foreign country may operate a motor vehicle in Massachusetts, as long as they meet the requirements.
New WC Coverage Payroll Limits for Individuals, Partnerships, LLCs, and Officers
New WC Coverage Payroll Limits for Individuals, Partnerships, LLCs, and Officers As they do every year, the Workers’ Compensation Rating & Inspection Bureau of Massachusetts (WCRIBMA) has updated the payroll determinations used as the basis for WC insurance premiums for individuals, partnerships, and LLCs, as well as the minimum and maximum payroll limitations for executive officers…
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…