Registry News: Class D & M Road Tests Canceled through May 18th
The MA RMV has canceled all passenger and motorcycle road tests (Class D & Class M) through Monday, May 18, 2020. (They previously had been canceled through May 4th.) However, Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) road tests are still being conducted. Please visit the MA Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) website at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/rmv-covid-19-information for the most…
Registry News: Essential Transactions, Appointments & Where to Find Help
During the COVID-19 state of emergency, Massachusetts has gone from 30 RMV service center locations and multiple AAA locations down to eight locations for the entire state (plus two that are designated commercial-only) to maintain social-distancing for the safety of customers and staff. MAIA’s member relations advocate Kathy Cormier has compiled some facts and guidelines…
Hartford Flood Launches New Online Portal
If your agency is a Hartford Flood broker through MAIA’s Number One Insurance Agency, don’t forget that Hartford Flood will be moving to a new online portal on Friday, May 1, 2020. All users will receive two separate welcome emails delivered to their emails on file on April 30th & May 1st with instructions for…
Hospitality Liquor Coverage During COVID-19
MAIA’s Number One Insurance Agency wants to remind agents that we are here to help you with access to Hospitality Mutual coverage if you need it! Hospitality has done an excellent job with accommodating insureds during the COVID-19 crisis. They have:
Registry News: Paying Vehicle/Trailer Sales Tax Online
With RMV service centers closed for all but essential services, sales tax for a motor vehicle, trailer, camper, motorcycle, etc. must be paid online to avoid late penalties or interest. The RMV has issued instructions and a link to the MA Department of Revenue (DOR ) MassTaxCollect site where these transactions can be completed. The…
MAIA’s Registry Procedures Manual – The MA Auto Writer’s Bible!
If you write auto insurance in Massachusetts, MAIA’s Registry Procedures Manual (RPM) might just be your dream come true. Imagine an all-in-one online RMV resource that’s easy to navigate, keyword-searchable, well-organized, and automatically updated whenever things change. It’s got all the latest ATLAS forms and instructions, and even a brand new COVID-19 section. First-time subscribers…
Reminder: Insurance Licenses WILL NOT Expire During the COVID-19 Emergency
As long as your MA insurance license was in good standing as of March 10, 2020 (the day Governor Baker declared a state of emergency in MA), it is extended and will remain valid until 90 days after the state of emergency is lifted, even if it would otherwise have expired. Although you MAY renew…
Massachusetts Private Passenger Auto Insurance Refunds in Response to COVID-19
With so many people in MA following stay-at-home orders, many insurers are seeing decreases in loss frequency in their personal lines auto books and setting up processes to refund or credit their customers’ premiums. MAIA has put together a list of Massachusetts Private Passenger Auto Insurance Refunds in Response to COVID-19.
Special Bulletin: Big ‘I’ Establishes Trusted Choice® COVID-19 Relief Fund to Assist Independent Agencies
Progressive donates $2 million to provide relief to independent insurance agencies facing pandemic challenges Our national association, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”), is pleased to announce that Progressive Insurance has donated $2 million dollars to establish the Trusted Choice® COVID-19 Relief Fund in response to the economic and operational…
Registry News: Further Extensions for Licenses, Permits, Inspection Stickers, and Passenger Registrations
Effective immediately, further extensions will be implemented for expiring motor vehicle inspection stickers, passenger plate registrations, professional credentials, and licenses and permits, including Commercial Driver’s Licenses and Permits (CDLs / CLPs).
Registry News: Additional COVID-19 RMV Changes
The MA RMV continues to implement measures to reduce customer volumes in physical locations and maintain proper social-distancing to keep residents and staff safe and healthy.
Hospitality Extends Liquor Liability Policies to Include Alcohol Sales with Takeout Food
Governor Baker recently signed legislation allowing beer and wine sales with takeout food orders in Massachusetts during the COVID-19 emergency. In response, Hospitality Insurance Group has extended its Liquor Liability policies to cover this exposure, in accordance with the governor’s provision.
Paycheck Protection Program – 2 On-Demand Webinars for Independent Agencies
Created specifically for MAIA/Big “I” members, these two recorded webinars explain the new Paycheck Protection Program, which provides forgivable SBA loans for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll during the COVID-19 crisis. (that’s you!):
ePayPolicy Gives MAIA Members First Month Free!
You’re doing all that you can to serve your clients. We’re here to support you and give you the resources you need to continue to operate. Our preferred digital payment processor ePayPolicy can help! Insureds still need to make payments, and ePayPolicy provides your agency with a digital, branded payment page that eliminates the need for…
Cybercriminals Are Having a Field Day! Protect Your Agency
Cybercrime is growing as hackers prey on our coronavirus fears and exploit security gaps from disrupted business routines, relocated staff, and our shift to online connections with clients and carriers. Don’t be the insurance agent that doesn’t have the coverage you need! If you haven’t yet purchased cyber protection for your agency, or you want…
Tech Talk: MAIA Member PSA: Look What’s Available at Your Virtual Fingertips
MAIA Member PSA: Look What’s Available at Your Virtual Fingertips By Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, LIA, CRIS, CPIW — VP of Technical Affairs
DOI Bulletin: Individual Insurance Licensing During COVID-19
The MA Department of Insurance (DOI) has issued Bulletin 2020-12, which confirms the news we shared last week, that all insurance licenses that were “in good standing” as of March 10 will remain valid for 90 days after the Emergency Declaration is lifted. The DOI encourages licensees to complete CE requirements in advance of their…
CAR Bulletin No. 1097 – Guidance for Servicing Carriers and Exclusive Representative Producers during the COVID-19 Public Health Crisis
CAR Bulletin No. 1097 – Guidance for Servicing Carriers and Exclusive Representative Producers during the COVID-19 Public Health Crisis According to Commonwealth Automobile Reinsurers (CAR) Bulletin 1097, the Registry of Motor Vehicles has requested that CAR issue a bulletin to advise industry participants of the RMV’s new Registration and Title Application (RTA).