Year-End Brings 3 More Federal Wins for Independent Agents!
Year-End Brings 3 More Federal Wins for Independent Agents! 2019 was a banner legislative year for independent agents, largely thanks to the federal advocacy team of our national association, the Big “I.” The year started with the huge win giving independent agencies access to significant tax relief, and ended with a trifecta of longtime priorities…
Med Pay – Motorcycle
Med Pay – Motorcycle QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on December 26, 2019
Hit and Run Surcharge?
Hit and Run Surcharge? QUESTION This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on December 26, 2019
RMV ATLAS Webinar Made Specifically for Insurance Agents
RMV ATLAS Webinar Made Specifically for Insurance Agents The RMV recently hosted an ATLAS webinar specifically for insurance agents that provided an update on key topics Insurance Policy Management (IPM, formerly UMS) program, and a demonstration of eService Portal functionality. The webinar recording is now available for on-demand viewing.
Looking Back on 2019, Looking Forward to 2020
Looking Back on 2019, Looking Forward to 2020 Greetings of the Season! Like most organizations, MAIA closes out each year with a look back at the challenges and successes of the previous 12 months. For us, the key question is always, “What did we accomplish for our members this year?” Here are some highlights of…
Give to InsurPac by December 31st
Give to InsurPac by December 31st As one of the most respected non-partisan industry PACs in the country, InsurPac-funding gives our Big “I” lobbyists in DC the credibility and power to influence legislative and policy matters on behalf of independent insurance agents. InsurPac gives every MAIA member a voice, and we ask every MAIA member…
Every Kiss Begins with… Jewelry Insurance!
Every Kiss Begins with… Jewelry Insurance! Gift-giving season is in full swing and Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, which means lots of new jewelry and fancy watches floating around out there. Now’s the perfect time to offer your clients a standalone jewelry insurance policy from Jewelers Mutual. MAIA members can access this specialized…
Latest News on ACORD Forms Access
Latest News on ACORD Forms Access With January 1st fast approaching, MAIA has been fielding lots of questions from MA agents! ACORD and some of the agency management system companies are still finalizing the logistics, and they assure us that despite any authentication problems, MAIA/Big “I” members covered by the agreement will not have to…
No More RMV-1 Forms Allowed… Except from DRIVE Dealers
No More RMV-1 Forms Allowed… Except from DRIVE Dealers As of Monday, December 16, 2019, the Registration & Title Application (RTA) is the required form for all MA Registry transactions. (The RTA is the new ATLAS form that combines and replaces the former RMV-1 and RMV-3 forms). However, DRIVE Dealers will still be sending agents the…
Houston Insurance Collects Supplies for the Homeless
Houston Insurance Collects Supplies for the Homeless Houston Insurance celebrated their 125th anniversary last weekend! They marked this huge milestone occasion by celebrating with their clients and the community. Houston Insurance asked that people who came to the celebration bring in items for The Sun Will Rise Foundation’s Fill A Backpack For The Homeless Drive.
RMV Postpones USDOT Number Requirement on Some Commercial Vehicles
RMV Postpones USDOT Number Requirement on Some Commercial Vehicles The December 16 deadline we reported last week has passed, but the RMV has extended the deadline, which means that commercial vehicles under 10,001 lbs. and personal vehicles over 10,001 lbs. will NOT require a USDOT Number to register until early next year. The RMV will…
DOT Number Recipients Getting Fraudulent Marketing Calls
DOT Number Recipients Getting Fraudulent Marketing Calls The Problem: When your client secures a USDOT number, it becomes public record and there are companies out there that will immediately begin aggressively and fraudulently marketing to them, trying to get the client to pay them hundreds of dollars “to be in compliance” with federal regulations.
Victory – No More Duplicative Anti-Arson Forms
Victory – No More Duplicative Anti-Arson Forms Dear Members: I am pleased to report a significant win for our Association and the independent agents, carriers, and consumers of the Commonwealth. The Massachusetts Division of Insurance (DOI) has removed the requirement to complete a supplemental (and duplicative) anti-arson form when applying for fire insurance. (Read DOI…
Tech Talk: “I Don’t NEED Much Liability Insurance … and Certainly Not an Umbrella!”
Tech Talk: “I Don’t NEED Much Liability Insurance … and Certainly Not an Umbrella!” By Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, LIA, CRIS, CPIW — VP of Technical Affairs
Streaming E&O Class on 1/15 Qualifies for Swiss Re Loss Control Credits
Streaming E&O Class on 1/15 Qualifies for Swiss Re Loss Control Credits MAIA’s Number One Agency is happy to share one of the exciting changes in MAIA’s 2020 Education schedule: a new live stream class called “E&O Changes” with the latest policies and practices to help your agency staff manage E&O risks. The first class…
RMV to Host ATLAS Webinar on Wednesday
RMV to Host ATLAS Webinar on Wednesday The RMV is hosting an ATLAS webinar for Insurance Agents on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. EST.
Why Truck Owners with Commercial Plates Should Renew NOW!
Why Truck Owners with Commercial Plates Should Renew NOW! As of December 16, 2019, ATLAS will require USDOT numbers for every commercial registration in order to renew. This new RMV practice affects two vehicle categories that are NOT required to have USDOT numbers: 1) trucks that are used in commerce in MA but weigh under…
2020 To-Do List: Refresh Your Benefits & Retirement Plans
2020 To-Do List: Refresh Your Benefits & Retirement Plans A fresh, new year is a great time for a fresh look at your employee benefits, long-term care, and retirement options. As a MAIA and Big “I” member, you have access to Group Health, Dental, and Vision through MAIA’s Number One Agency, and Group Term Life,…