Redesigned Disability Placards
January 12, 2026 Effective January 15, the RMV’s Medical Affairs division will begin issuing redesigned Disability Placards (see sample on official update). These newly redesigned placards will enhance accessibility, reduce fraud, and streamline production. Read the official update here. Registry Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353 or [email protected]
Revised IRP New and Amend Account Application
January 12, 2026 The International Registration Plan (IRP) New and Amend Account Application (IRP101) has been revised. Changes to the application include the following: Revised the definitions of “Established Place of Business” and “Established Resident of Massachusetts” on page 1 of the Instructions section. The changes are a requirement Read the official update here. Registry…
Duplicate for Stolen Plate
*This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on October 14, 2025 Question I have a question for a client. He had his wife’s Low Number Plate stolen off her car last week. He did a police report and the RMV is showing Stolen Plates. However, he wants to keep…
Compliance Update: New Attorney General Regulation Requires Notice of Agent Fees and Policies that Automatically Renew
Effective September 2, 2025, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell issued a new regulation, 940 CMR 38.00, Unfair and Deceptive Fees. The Regulation applies to the sale and marketing of personal lines property and casualty insurance to consumers for personal, household, or family use. The Regulation adds new requirements to how agents notify clients (1) about agent fees and…
Electronic Signatures on Titles and MCOs – Temporary Process
December 30, 2025 Effective January 1, 2026, a temporary limited use policy will be implemented for accepting Electronic Signatures (E-Signatures) on paper Certificates of Title and Manufacturer Certificates of Origin (MCOs) submitted by Class 1 and 2 car dealerships to the RMV through the Electronic Vehicle Registration (EVR) program. Read the official update here. Registry…
2025 Q3 Massachusetts P&C Marketplace Summary
You are receiving this 2025 Q3 Massachusetts Quarterly P&C Marketplace Summary as a benefit of your membership in the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents. This report provides up-to-date property and casualty (P&C) data, offering you a “real-time” view of trends in the Massachusetts insurance marketplace. Like the 2025 Massachusetts Annual P&C Marketplace Summary, this quarterly…
Odometer Discrepancy
Question I am transferring a car from my mother to myself. The current front of the title has “odometer discrepancy” and lists 9,999,999 as the mileage. My question is, on the back of the title with the odometer disclosure statement… do I put 9,999,999 and check off odometer discrepancy or do I put what the odometer…
MA Out of State Temporary Plate Proof of Insurance – Sample Template
December 16, 2025 The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles has approved the use of Out-of-State Temporary Plates for Massachusetts Residents. Attached is a form that agents can use as “Proof of Insurance” for your customers who are purchasing vehicles from Out-of-State. This form can be printed on your agency letterhead. Download the form here. It…
Replacement Cost Covers the Building—So Why Ordinance or Law Coverage?
December 12, 2025 Written By: Laura J. Poulin, AILP, AINS, AAM, CPIW, CRIS, MLIS, Director of Curriculum and Technical Affairs, MAIA Many insureds, and more than a few agents, assume replacement cost means full rebuilding cost. But replacement cost pays to rebuild what physically existed. Ordinance or Law coverage pays for what the law now…
Registry Procedures Manual Update!
December 9, 2025 This online “flipbook” manual is a MUST for every agent who writes MA automobile insurance and deals with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles! The Registry Procedures Manual (RPM) allows subscribers to utilize keyword searches to find what they need and is automatically updated regularly throughout the year. Check out what’s new HERE.…
Massachusetts Sales Tax Receipts for Out-of-State Residents
December 9, 2025 When an out-of-state resident purchases a motor vehicle from a Massachusetts dealer and takes delivery in Massachusetts, they can be issued a temporary Massachusetts registration for 15 days to enable them to drive the vehicle back to their home state for permanent registration. As part of this process, the customer is required to…
Reselling and Delivery Exposures – Auto, Homeowners, and Workers’ Comp Considerations
*This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations, & statutes in effect as of October 1, 2025. Question I had a question about personal lines, Mass Auto, and reselling. More customers are reselling from yard sales or Facebook marketplace, and I’m wondering what kind of coverage they should have for that exposure. Should they…
Updated New Jersey Title Stock
December 1, 2025 The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) is implementing the following color and watermark updates to their vehicle title stock paper to more easily verify the authenticity of vehicle titles and reduce the risk of fraud. Read the official update here. Registry Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353 or via email at [email protected]
Adding A Logon To eServices Portal
December 1, 2025 Effective November 20, 2025, all eServices Administrators will see updated wording when a web login is added using the eServices Portal. The new wording will remind eService Administrators of the guidelines when adding additional users to their business accounts. Users where Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is available for the following programs must…
Kubota Skid Steer
*This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect as of October 2025. Question I have a client asking if he can register the attached Kubota skid steer with a commercial plate for snow removal (parking lots). The skid steer has tracks, not tires, so I’m a little thrown off on…
Students, Off-Campus Housing, and their Parents’ Homeowners Policy
November 17, 2025 Written By: Laura J. Poulin, AILP, AINS, AAM, CPIW, CRIS, MLIS, Director of Curriculum and Technical Affairs, MAIA The recent fire in Amherst that displaced more than 200 apartment residents, many of them college students, has sparked an important question: Are students covered by their parents’ homeowner’s insurance? The answer is sometimes,…
Unlisted HHMs
*This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect as of October 2025. Question We have an instance where a customer called to get a quote to add their daughter to their auto policy. They said she was moving back home and would be using their vehicles. He then said that…
Apportioned Plate
*This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect as of August 2024. Question Who is a good source to ask apportion plate questions to? I have a client who is purchasing a 16,000 lb truck. When he attaches the trailer that he uses for business, the total weight is 36000…
2025 Q2 Massachusetts P&C Marketplace Summary
You are receiving this 2025 Q2 Massachusetts Quarterly P&C Marketplace Summary as a benefit of your membership in the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents. This report provides up-to-date property and casualty (P&C) data, offering you a “real-time” view of trends in the Massachusetts insurance marketplace. Like the 2025 Massachusetts Annual P&C Marketplace Summary, this quarterly…
When $8,000 Isn’t $8,000: The Truth About PIP and Health Insurance Coordination
October 27, 2025 Written By: Laura J. Poulin, AILP, AINS, AAM, CPIW, CRIS, MLIS, Director of Curriculum and Technical Affairs, MAIA Massachusetts’ no-fault law was supposed to simplify medical payments after an accident, but for many insureds, it’s anything but. Clients are shocked when PIP stops at $2,000, and the next bill lands with their…
Why Independent Insurance Agents Benefit from Business Consulting
November 10, 2025 Running an independent insurance agency is both rewarding and demanding. You work hard to protect your clients, grow your book of business, and provide personalized service in a very competitive marketplace. However, like many business owners, you may feel stretched thin, balancing sales, operations, staffing, compliance, and technology. Even the most seasoned…
Carrier RMV Codes
*This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 31, 2025 Question Is there an updated document list for carrier codes for the companies that write in MA? I used to have one with all the codes, and have not been able to put my fingers on it. If…
Home Health Aid Using Own Vehicle
This question was answered based on current rules, regulations, and statutes in effect as of July 2025. Question Could you direct me to resources for considering a home health aide who uses their own vehicle? Answer Laura Poulin: You’re right to be cautious here; this is a gray area that requires thoughtful consideration. At a…
Starting Your Own Independent Insurance Agency in Massachusetts
October 9, 2025 How MAIA’s Agency Launch Program Helps You Build the Foundation for Success For many insurance professionals, the idea of opening an independent agency is both exciting and daunting. You’ve likely imagined the freedom of being your own boss, the pride of building a business from the ground up, and the satisfaction of…
Remote Driver’s Education Parent/Guardian Class
October 6, 2025 On September 22, the remote (virtual) option for Driver’s Education classes ended and all classes are now in-person. However, effective October 2, the option for remote classes for the Parent/Guardian class was reinstated. Read the official update here. Registry Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353 or via email at [email protected]
Out of State Titles – Revised
October 6, 2025 When a customer is unable to produce their current Out of State Title because it is held by a lienholder, they must present the current Out of State Registration Certificate and any one of the following supporting documents to accompany a Registration and Title Application (RTA): A photocopy of the current Out…
Non-Domiciled CLP and CDL Eligibility
October 6, 2025 “Non-Domiciled” customers are residents of foreign countries who have temporary lawful presence in the United States. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has amended the eligibility and issuance requirements for Non-Domiciled Commercial Learner Permits (CLPs) and Commercial Driver Licenses (CDLs). Read the official update here. Registry Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at…
Trailer Personal or Commercial
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations, and statutes in effect as of July 2025. Question I created an RTA for one of our insureds for a trailer that he purchased for personal use. When I checked the RMV portal, it showed that the trailer is registered under a commercial registration. I was…
2025 Massachusetts P&C LOB Profitability Summary
You are being provided with this 2025 Massachusetts P&C Line of Business Profitability Summary as a benefit of your membership in the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents. This Summary is a graphic and numeric presentation of the profitability and rankings data for the 25 Lines of Business primarily focused on by independent insurance agents and…
Sales Tax with Penalties & Interest
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations, and statutes in effect as of July 2025. Question RMV Insured has a title for a camper. The date of the sale is October 20, 2016. The RMV said that a penalty would be applied. Would you know how much the RMV penalty is for this?…
Recognitions and Awards Given at MAIA’s 2025 Annual Meeting
The following individuals were honored during MAIA’s Annual Meeting: Henry F. Barry, Jr. Memorial Pacesetter of the Year: Lisa Hirbour, CIC, CPCU Board of Directors’ Award: Tricia L. Sabulis, CISR, CIC, AAI-M, CRIS Distinguished Service Awards: Patrick Dempsey MAIA’s Chair Award: Chris Fitts, CIC, CPIA, CPRM James O. Herrick, Jr. Memorial Young Agent of the…
Unlicensed Staff: Staying Compliant in Massachusetts
September 22, 2025 Written By: Laura J. Poulin, AILP, AINS, AAM, CPIW, CRIS, MLIS, Director of Curriculum and Technical Affairs, MAIA Massachusetts insurance agencies rely heavily on Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) and other support staff to keep business running smoothly. However, not every team member is licensed, which creates a risk. Misunderstanding what an unlicensed…
Vehicle Sale from Estate
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations, and statutes in effect as of July 2025. Question I have a client who is the personal representative for her late father, and she is putting his vehicle in her own name. On the back of the title, does she sign as the seller, as well…
We Want To Hear From You: Out-of-State Temp Plates
September 9, 2025 As you may know, the RMV recently announced a new policy regarding the operation of vehicles by Massachusetts residents with out-of-state temporary registrations. We understand that this change has caused confusion and concern for both agents and consumers, and we want to update you on MAIA’s ongoing advocacy on your behalf. MAIA…
Effective Immediately: Out-of-State Temporary Registration Reciprocity
September 8, 2025 In response to feedback from vehicle dealers, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) has updated the policy regarding the operation of vehicles by Massachusetts residents with out-of-state temporary registration to align with a law change from April 2023. Section 2D of Chapter 90 of the Massachusetts General Laws (M.G.L.) was revised to allow out-of-state residents to…
House Put In Trust
This question was answered based on current rules, regulations, and statutes in effect as of July 2025. Question I have a client for whom I have a homeowners’ insurance policy. I just received information from an attorney’s office that the house was put in a trust. But at the same time, they sent me the…
New Braintree RMV Service Center
September 6, 2025 On Monday, September 22, the Braintree RMV Service Center will move to a new fully accessible location. The new address is 60 Columbian Street (West). The final day at the current location will be Friday, September 19. Read the official update here. Registry Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353 or via email…
MassDEP LEV Requirements
*This question was answered based on current rules, regulations, and statutes in effect as of July 2025. Question We’ve had a client reach out regarding the MassDEP LEV requirements that went into effect on January 1, 2025, as they own many diesel-powered vehicles. I’ve done some research, and it appears that only certain diesel-powered model…
Food Delivery Apps and the Public or Livery Exclusion – Why DoorDash Isn’t Just “Incidental Delivery”
August 25, 2025 Written By: Laura J. Poulin, AILP, AINS, AAM, CPIW, CRIS, MLIS, Director of Curriculum and Technical Affairs, MAIA In my last Tech Talk, Delivery Use and Incidental Confusion, we explored how MAP eligibility and policy language often create traps when agents assume “incidental delivery” is covered. That article highlighted the very narrow…
REMINDER! RTA Acceptance Requirements
August 18, 2025 To ensure that Registration and Title Applications (RTAs) are completed properly and that vehicles are lawfully registered and titled, the RMV and its business partners responsible for registration and title transaction processing have certain requirements, including acceptable insurance stamps. Read the official update here. Registry Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353 or…