New Plate Mask for Veteran Plates
May 23, 2023 Effective May 22, a new plate mask will be used for Veteran (Flag and No Flag) plates. The new plates will be delivered to service centers soon. The new Veteran plate mask will be: @#@#@ – letter, number, letter, number, letter. Previously issued Veteran plates will remain valid. Read the full update here.…
The BAP and a Personal Trailer
May 22, 2023 Written By: Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, CRIS, MLIS, LIA, CPIW – Vice President of Technical Affairs, MAIA I have a question… We have a client who owns a pickup in his name, but it’s on his commercial auto policy due to weight/signage. He is buying a camper trailer, and the…
MAIA Board Nominations
The Board of Directors Nominating Committee seeks experienced, energetic nominees to serve on MAIA’s Board. Strengthen your professional network and impact legislation that affects our industry and livelihood. Collaborate on practical solutions to help members address challenges such as talent recruitment, technology, and how to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. To serve on MAIA’s Board…
Redesigned Red Sox Plates
Beginning May 8, a redesigned version of the Red Sox special plate will be available on the RMV website (www.mass.gov/rmv) and can be ordered through RMV Service Centers. The new plate design features a pair of red socks with a blue heart between them. Read the full update here. Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353 or…
2023 MAIA Advocacy Fund
As a valued member of MAIA, you can rest assured that you have a dedicated team of advocates working tirelessly on your behalf. We understand the challenges that regulatory and legislative issues can pose to your business, and we are committed to achieving results that benefit you. With your help, we can continue to make…
MAIA Visits Congressional Delegation in DC
Last week, we met with our Congressional Delegation to discuss numerous issues at the Big “I” Legislative Conference. We discussed priorities impacting independent agents, including small business tax fairness, reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and concerns regarding the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Non-Compete proposal. Read the complete Issue Summary here.
Cassandra Koegel Receives the YAC Champion Award
Last week during the Emerging Leaders Luncheon at the Big “I” Legislative Conference, the achievements of our Young Agents were recognized. Our very own YAC Co-Chair, Cassandra Koegel, AVP of Business Development at Eastern Insurance Group, received the Young Agent Champion Award. This award is selected by the Big “I” National Young Agents Committee (YAC)…
B2B Requirements
To establish standards for Business-to-Business (B2B) service and operation in the Service Centers, effective May 2, 2023, the requirements described in this training update will apply to all Service Centers offering B2B service and to the use of B2B service by dealerships, insurance companies, fleets, and “runners.” View the updated B2B Requirements here. View the…
Taxi Registration Requirements
Beginning May 1, 2023, the RMV will require and verify that all applicants for a taxi registration either carry the required commercial insurance coverage for a taxi OR be “self-insured” through the process available through the State Treasurer (pursuant to General Laws Chapter 90, § 34D-F). Also, effective May 1, 2023, the RMV will require…
Redesigned Quebec Registrations
In February 2023, Quebec redesigned its Registration Certificates. The most notable change is that certificates are now printed on plain white paper; they were previously printed on green paper. Also, the new certificates only display fields that are relevant (for example, axles, unit number, and vehicle status). Both the new white certificates and old green certificates will…
Host Liquor Coverage and the ISO Homeowners Policy
April 19, 2023 Written By: Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, CRIS, MLIS, LIA, CPIW – Vice President of Technical Affairs, MAIA An agent recently asked: We have been questioning if MPIUA has an exclusion for Host Liquor Liability. Someone has brought it to our attention, but we have read the policy form, and we…
Congratulations, 2023 Scholarship Winners!
AILP Bobbi Driscoll – Gaudette Insurance George Bitsakis – First American Insurance Holly Lafountaine – Aquadro & Assoc Inc Keri Rusicano – The Dowd Agencies Kim Johnson – The Hills Insurance Agency CIC Cheryl Mawaka – Laporte Shea Borys Insurance Agency Inc. Gregory Silva – Amazonia Insurance Agency Julie Osborne – O’Donoghue Insurance CISR Brittni Robidoux – Moulton Insurance Yu-Husan (Cindy)Chang – Soo Hoo Insurance Agency Kelli White – First…
Congratulations, New AILP Designees For March 2023!
Accredited Insurance Lines Professional (AILP) is MAIA’s premier designation program for experienced insurance pros. AILP/PL and AILP/CL are monoline designations in personal and commercial lines, respectively, while a complete AILP designation covers both. By completing the rigorous curriculum, these individuals have increased their value to their customers and employers! March 2023 Designees: AILP/PL Ashley Dixon,…
Young Agents & Principal Night a Great Success!
Last week our Young Agent Committee hosted its first event of 2023 – the Young Agent & Principal Night at Apex Center in Marlborough, MA. With over 60 attendees, we heard from guest speakers Anurag Shah, CEO of Aureus Analytics, and Angelo Padin. A special thank you to our sponsors, ShelterPoint and RT Specialty! Stay…
Non-Resident Short-Term Registration
Effective April 5, a new Non-Resident Short-Term Registration transaction will be available to issue short-term registrations to out-of-state residents purchasing a vehicle from a dealer in Massachusetts. These registrations will be valid for nine days from the transaction date and will allow the customer to take possession of the vehicle and drive it home. Customers will…
Updated Company Auto Insurance Filings – March 2023
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.
MAIA Welcomes Our New Members! – March 2023
We are excited to welcome the following agencies as new Full and Associate Members of MAIA! Full Members Al Ponte Insurance Agency BR Risk Group specialty Insurance C.Pina Insurance Agency DLB Insurance Fazza Insurance First Boston Insurance Agency FR Insurance & Benefits Group James W Hennigan Insurance Agency JB Insurance Agency KMS Warren Insurance Agency…
Seven New Learner’s Permit Exam Languages
Effective March 16, Class D and M Learner’s Permit Exams are available in seven new languages. These exams will be available through the Automated Testing Stations (ATS) in RMV Service Centers (appointment required) or online at Mass.Gov/RMV. Read the full update here.
2023 Annual Privacy Notice – Please Review!
At the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents and Number One Insurance Agency – our members’ and clients’ privacy is a top priority. Each year, we ask that you review our annual privacy statement. You can view the 2023 Annual Privacy Statement here. Questions? Concerns? Please contact Heather Kramer, Vice President and COO.
Meet with our Member Engagement Manager!
Do you know ALL of the membership benefits you have access to as a MAIA member? Do you have questions on a specific benefit or resource? Meet with Lori! Lori is our Member Engagement Manager and has visited members weekly to learn more about their agency and how we can help! Schedule your visit with…
Change to ID Requirements for Registration
Effective Friday, December 23rd, out-of-country driver’s licenses are no longer acceptable as a form of identification for customers applying for a motor vehicle or trailer registration. The only exception is driver’s licenses from Canada, which are still acceptable. Any transactions submitted on December 22nd or earlier will still be processed with out-of-country licenses as the…
TURO, UBER, LYFT, DOORDASH, GRUBHUB, and the Business Auto Policy?
March 22, 2023 Written By: Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, CRIS, MLIS, LIA, CPIW – Vice President of Technical Affairs, MAIA We have had multiple Tech Talks in the past regarding these business activities and the personal Massachusetts Auto Policy. These are business activities that are NOT designed to be covered under the Massachusetts…
Big ‘I’ Testifies Before Congress on NFIP Funding, Potential Reforms
IIABA (the Big “I”) testified at a hearing before the U.S. House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance entitled “How Do We Encourage Greater Flood Insurance in America?” Chris Heidrick, CPCU, ANFI, CFP®, owner and principal of Heidrick & Company Insurance and Risk Management Services in Sanibel, Florida, and former chair of the Big…
Get Involved! Ask Your Legislator to Co-Sponsor MAIA’S Priority Legislation!
Our priority legislation HD3359/SD650, “An Act relative to the compulsory automobile insurance limits,” has been filed by Representative Michael Finn (D-West Springfield) and Senator Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn). This bill would increase the compulsory bodily injury insurance limit for injury or death to one person from $20,000 to $50,000 and the limit for any one accident from $40,000 to…
CAR – Bulletin No. 1150 – Private Passenger Residual Market Modifications to Manual Rules Approved
On February 22, 2023, the Division of Insurance placed on file modifications to the Private Passenger Residual Market Automobile Insurance Manual effective May 1, 2023. Amendments to Rule 27 – Private Passenger Definition. Read the full update here.
CAR – Bulletin No. 1149 – Electronic MAIP Stamp
CAR is pleased to announce the implementation of an electronic stamp (E-Stamp) for use on registration and insurance certifications for MAIP policies. On March 1st, agents can log in to their MAIP account for complete instructions on how to use the electronic stamp. Read the full update here.
Have You Reached Out To Our Team and Not Heard Back?
Have you ever lost a voicemail message? Does your email sometimes go to a ‘black hole’? Ours too! We want you to know that we are ALWAYS here for you and our team is eager to assist you! If you contact us and do not hear back within 24 hours, please reach out again! Be sure to CC [email protected] or…
Out-of-State Registrations and Titles with a Massachusetts Address
Effective immediately, the RMV will require additional documentation for OOS registrations and/or OOS titles that contain a Massachusetts address. These transactions can only be processed in RMV Service Centers. The Title Division will review and determine whether the documentation provided is sufficient to register or title the vehicle in Massachusetts. Read the full update here.…
Crash Data System Replacement
Effective February 21, the Crash Data System, including the online Crash Report Request Transaction, has been replaced with a new system. Customers can once again request crash reports online after this was temporarily unavailable during the switchover to the new system. The replacement system will optimize the acceptance, maintenance, and accessibility of Massachusetts crash reports. Read the…
REVISED! Vanity Plate Application
Business entities cannot request vanity plates through the Online Service Center. Therefore, the Request for Vanity Plates will continue as was previously announced. However, it has been revised, and effective February 21, it can ONLY be used by business entities. View the Revised Vanity Plate Application here. Read the full update here. Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353 or…
Progressive / Geico
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations & statutes in effect as of January 2023. Question Quick question. We offer Progressive at our agency. Something that both Progressive and Geico offer that all of our other carriers don’t is they allow you to write all the cars from a household on one policy.…
How important is an application question?
February 22, 2023 Written By: Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, CRIS, MLIS, LIA, CPIW – Vice President of Technical Affairs, MAIA I receive many insurance emails daily from various business, insurance, and legal organizations and publications. The other day, I read an article about “the importance of underwriting questions in cyber apps.” And then,…
myRMV Homepage Changes
Effective Thursday, February 16, the myRMV homepage will be redesigned, and the layout will be more streamlined. The box for each section will have up to three links. If the section has more than three transactions, a “More” option will display at the end; this will take the customer to a full list of transactions for…
Adding Additional Insurance to HO Policy
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations & statutes in effect as of August 2022. Question I have an insured that is going to install a generator for their house in Scituate, and the only place to put it is next to their neighbor’s generator on their neighbor’s property. The neighbors are okay…
Vanity Plate Application
Effective February 21, vanity plates can only be requested through the Online Service Center on Mass.Gov/RMV. The paper (mail-in) Request for Vanity Plates (document REG104) will be discontinued and removed from the website and Print on Demand. Please recycle/destroy any printed copies you have on that date. Read more. Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353 or via email at [email protected].
System Replacement Coming
The Crash Data System, including the online Crash Reports Portal, is being replaced over the next few weeks. The replacement system will optimize the acceptance, maintenance, and accessibility of Massachusetts crash reports for an overall improved customer service experience. During the migration process, the RMV is temporarily pausing the processing and accessing of crash reports and the online…
Business Auto and DOC
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations & statutes in effect as of January 2023. Question Does a business auto policy have to have doc coverage if employees driving company vehicles are also listed as drivers on their spouse’s personal auto policies? Answer Irene Morrill: A DOC is an optional endorsement that a…
Five Star Renewals
Last week we had TWO agencies receive their Five Star renewal award presented by our very own President & CEO, Nick Fyntrilakis, and Agency Consultant, Erin Schaff. Matt Phaneuf, President of Bell & Hudson Insurance Agency, and his team were awarded their Five Star Renewal last week in Belchertown, MA! The Lapointe Insurance team was…
Massachusetts Legislative Update
We are pleased to report that the 2023-24 Legislative Session has kicked off with the swearing-in of all 200 State Representatives and Senators, including 26 new Legislators and a new Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and State Auditor. Last Friday marked the legislature’s bill filing deadline, with over six thousand bills filed for the session.…
Emailing the FID Department
Effectively immediately, all FID correspondence should be emailed to the FID direct email box. Please do not fax or send emails to personal email addresses. The FID email is [email protected] – This email box is monitored and will result in a quicker response. Read more here. Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353 or via email at [email protected].