Personal Trailer/Insurance
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 16, 2020 QUESTION We write a commercial account and a personal lines auto twist question has come up and I’d like to run it by you for some help. I’m not deeply versed in personal lines so reaching out to…
COI Question
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 19, 2020 QUESTION We had a contractor do some work for us. I neglected to request a COI prior to the job. (I know I know ). There was no issue. Happy with the work. I just want a COI…
Live Classes Return to Milford – Starting Next Week!
Strict safety protocols are in place, our building is sanitized and rearranged for plenty of personal space, and our instructors are ready to inform and enlighten you… in person! MAIA’s gone above and beyond to keep us all as safe as possible as we ease back into live learning. If you’ve been missing the classroom…
Thinking of Hiring a New Producer? Watch This Video
Navigating the cost of hiring a new producer is no small feat. Whether the person will be on the road or in the office selling insurance, the upfront costs of that new hire can cause a strain on your agency’s cash flow. In this video, InsurBanc’s Patricia Smith explains how an Agency Producer Development Loan…
Near, Far, Wherever You Are – Flood Can Happen!
Celine Dion may live on, but when it comes to flood, can your insureds live with the thousands of dollars in damage a single flood can cause to their home? Or, can you live with knowing you could have offered them flood insurance, but they had no coverage when the flood struck? (Not to mention,…
Motorcycle Question
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 21, 2020 QUESTION This question came up and I was wondering what your thoughts were. Where the companies are charging different rates for motorcycles and there are different date first licensed on bikes…etc If my customer only had a auto…
CARVANA
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 21, 2020 QUESTION Got a Carvana question for you. Our insured is buying a vehicle from Carvana and getting new plates. They are telling our agency that section K5 on the RTA (Policy Change Date) must be completed. We are…
RMV Error: Titles Printed Twice
MA RMV customers or business partners who were mailed a Certificate of Title printed on 7/21/2020 received two titles with the same information and title number. The Registry is sending a letter to the 748 affected customers, instructing them to destroy one of the copies of the title. The letter is being mailed to the…
Ceded MA Auto – Waiver of Subrogation
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 22, 2020 QUESTION We continue to run into an issue where our ceded auto carrier will not provide a waiver of subrogation. Do you know if ceded carriers can refuse to add this endorsement in MA? Any alternative suggestions for…
Travel Trailer
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 24, 2020 QUESTION I have a client that works for a business and is allowed to use one of the business vehicles for her own personal use. This client just purchased a 20’ travel trailer but needs an insurance stamp…
Dealer Plate
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 28, 2020 QUESTION I just picked up a high net worth client. As I was doing my review the client mentioned that he has almost 50 high end and exotic cars. They are titled to him, but not registered or…
WCRIBMA Adds New Features to Class Code Lookup Tool
Agents who write workers’ comp will appreciate the recent enhancements to WCRIBMA’s Class Code Lookup Tool. In addition to the associated phraseologies and current and historical rating information for each class code, users can now get a full description of the operations covered under each classification; all of the applicable filed and approved footnotes that…
Watch Your Website Language! It Could Lead to an E&O Claim (YES, REALLY!)
Warning: The language you use on your website might be used against you in an E&O claim! We have to admit, we at MAIA’s Number One Agency didn’t take this all that seriously, even when we shared the article below in The Mass Agent’s May 5th edition. But we’ve had a couple of recent wakeup…
RV for Commercial Use
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 29, 2020 QUESTION We have a commercial real estate client that is buying an RV to use for the real estate business. They are going to set it up as a mobile office, so the RV will be wrapped advertising…
Help Your Clients Save Lives AND Money with Crash Prevention Training
In Control is a nonprofit organization offering state-certified, closed-course, hands-on crash prevention training that helps save lives and lessen claims. MAIA has made arrangements for In Control to provide our members with promotional materials that you can share with your clients. Starting with back-to-school driving tips (available now), In Control’s content offers a timely touch…
New Vehicle Purchase/Loan Pay Off
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 30, 2020 QUESTION One of my account managers has a situation. I know we have provided the correct info but just wanted to run by you… We have a client who is purchasing a vehicle through private sale. The SELLER…
Wednesdays in September for Age 75+ License/ID Renewals
Five of the MA RMV service center locations will be reserving Wednesdays in September exclusively for “Senior License Renewal” appointments. Customers 75 years of age or older whose licenses or IDs expire in September are eligible, including those whose licenses/IDs expired in March, April, or May but were extended until September. Hours and start dates…
North Adams RMV Opening for Registration Drop-Offs; Pittsfield & Haymarket Changing Hours
The following RMV Service Centers are either opening for certain transactions or changing their hours:
Cancellations
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on August 5, 2020 QUESTION I need your help, I have an insured that got cancelled and then reinstated with the finance company. The carrier once they received the reinstatement decided to not reinstate due to poor payment history and claims. My…
Driving Records
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on August 13, 2020 QUESTION I insure a business looking to add an employee as a driver, but the employee’s personal insurance agent refuses to give him a print out of his own driving record. Is there something you can share with…
Vehicle in name of a Trust
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on August 7, 2020 QUESTION We have an insured who is requesting to transfer their auto title to a trust? Is that possible, and if so, how do we go about doing that?
GAP Insurance
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on August 11, 2020 QUESTION I’m thinking of leasing a new Ford. The dealership told me that Gap insurance was mandatory and they would include it in the lease payments since “Gap is included to protect Cab East LLC the leasing wing…
Tech Talk – Golf Carts and Campgrounds: Is There HO Coverage?
By Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, ARM, CRM, LIA, CRIS, CPIW — VP of Technical Affairs
Big “I” COVID-19 Survey Reveals Agencies’ Areas of Greatest Need
Earlier this month, the Big “I” conducted a national survey of leadership agencies (including MAIA members) to gauge the effects of the COVID-19 crisis on their day-to-day operations. Top findings from the survey include:
Boost Your Remote Capabilities with Special Discounts on Agency Tools
Thanks to MAIA’s partnerships, affiliations, and connections with trusted vendors, the help you need may be right here at your fingertips! Check out these resources to assist your agency with banking, electronic signatures, marketing, working with the RMV, accepting online payments, payroll, promotions, social media, and more!
It’s 2020… Your Insureds Need an Extra Layer of Protection
Peace of mind is hard to come by these days. In a year where “the unheard of” has become the norm, people are looking for some measure of control over whatever might come next. Through MAIA’s Number One Agency, you can offer your insureds an extra layer of affordable liability protection with a personal umbrella…
Scooters
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on August 11, 2020 QUESTION Hope you’re staying safe & healthy during these difficult days. I have an insured that is purchasing a Scooter 49CC’s, maximum speed 30. I do not believe it can be registered as a M/C; therefore we cannot…
License Surrendered and Auto Policy
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on August 11, 2020 QUESTION One of our insured was in an recent accident and is paralyzed from the waist down… He has an auto policy… 2 cars and the titles are just in his name… First, he received a letter from…
SR-22
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on August 12, 2020 QUESTION Quick question do all Massachusetts auto carriers have to write an SR22?
Farm Plate
This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on August 12, 2020 QUESTION Hello insurance guru!!! I hope your pandemic summer is going fabulous!!! Riddle me this!!! We have an insured, Mary Jo, who has a farmer’s plate. It is in the name of her deceased husband and it has…
REGULATORY REMINDER: Responding to Oil or Hazardous Material Releases During Floods and Other Disasters
Rising sea levels, floods and extreme weather events are occurring with increased frequency and magnitude due to global warming, presenting many risks for property owners and operators. One risk to be aware of during floods and other natural disasters is the release of oil or hazardous materials (OHM). To protect public health, safety, and the…
Gov. Baker Extends RMV Deadlines Until Emergency is Lifted
Certain RMV extensions, which had been set to expire on August 12 according to Gov. Baker’s executive order, have been extended through the end of the state of emergency. The extensions apply to the REAL ID fee waiver, registration transfer grace period, and changes to the 6-hour observation requirements for drivers with a junior operator…
RMV Plate Lottery Now Open
We just got word that the 2020 RMV Plate Lottery begins today, Wednesday August 12, 2020. Customers can enter the plate lottery online at Mass.Gov/RMV using the Online Service Center. The deadline to enter the lottery is September 6, 2020. This year, the lottery is online only; there is no paper application form.
RMV Updates Registration Drop Off Form & Info Sheet
As of August 10th, the Registration Drop Off Center Form and the Registration Drop Off Center Information Sheet have both been revised to make it more clear that customers will receive an email to make payment online, and that transactions will not be ready for pickup until payment is confirmed. Individual customers no longer have…
Could Your Agency Protection Use Some Backup?
Has your agency’s insurance coverage kept pace with how you operate today? Is your old coverage still adequate? MAIA’s Number One Insurance Agency exists for one reason – to protect and serve independent insurance agents and brokers. In addition to Agents’ E&O, we can help you with other important coverages like Cyber and EPLI, Agency…