Kathy Cormier joined Ashleigh McDonald to talk more Big Event! Saturday will be full of registry  information including two new registry-related classes  this year ... SR-22 & IID - What are they? Who Needs them? Is there coverage? and Salvage Vehicle Process. Plus, we're excited to have Registrar Erin Deveney speak about on Registry of Motor Vehicles & the ATLAS Program - the new web-based system rolling out with Real ID.

Massagent Now Podcast

The Big Event Mini-Series Episode #4

Melissa Murphy and Robin Federici talk "Big Event 2017" in this episode of The Big Event Mini-Series. In particular, Robin has included 2 hours this year on Liquor Liability Exposures - Personal and Commercial Lines. Think you know liquor exposures? There are some hidden elements that most agents just don't realize. PLUS...hear Robin's favorite part of The Big Event. Thanks to Plymouth Rock Assurance for sponsoring the The Big Event Podcast Mini-Series.

The Big Event Mini-Series Episode #3

We can't imagine The Big Event without Marshall Katz on the teaching roster. He sat down with Ashleigh and Hannah from MAIA to talk a little bit about the classes he's teaching this year (including a little series on Flood) and what he values about The Big Event.  Thanks to Plymouth Rock Assurance for sponsoring The Big Event Podcast Mini-Series. 

The Big Event Mini-Series Episode #2

Ashleigh and Hannah, who work in MAIA's marketing department are relative newcomers to The Big Event. To kick off the mini-series, Ashleigh asks Hannah what she can expect during her first trip to the premier conference and trade show for Mass. Independent Agents.  Thanks Plymouth Rock Assurance for sponsoring The Big Event Podcast mini-series!

The Big Event Mini-Series Episode #1

Inspired by the Pocket and Summary Guides recently published by ACT,the Mass Agent Now Podcast talks to two of the individuals who helped create these agent resources. Welcome Ron Berg, Executive Director of the Agents Council on Technology (ACT) at IIABA and Steve Aronson, local Mass Independent Agent, President & CEO of Aronson Insurance in Needham, who serves as the Security Issues Chair on ACT.    Steve and Ron were kind enough to answer the following questions in short time we had together.   1. We know it’s a threat to big box retailers and national banks...but is cyber security a real threat to independent insurance agencies - most of which are very small businesses? What are "hackers" looking for and are they finding it in small businesses?    2. Can you tell me briefly what ACT is and what the these resource guides have been designed for?   4. If you feel like your agency is in compliance with existing regulations like the MA laws, HIPPA, and Gramm-Leach-Bliley...is that enough?   5. For those that haven’t given this much thought yet….Where should agents start when getting their data security house in order? (general education, strong passwords, internet policing, virus protection software, eliminating personal devices?)   Steve and Ron both share the most helpful resource they think that is listed in the guides.   Resources Discussed in this episode:   ACT: Agents Council for Technology ACT's Planning & Security Section Pocket Guide Summary Guide Mintz-Levin - State Data Security Breach Notification Laws   ID Federation / Signon Once (Password Protection) 

Ep.10: Getting Your Security House in Order

In this episode of MassAgent Now Irene discusses how the Homeowners Policy responds to content when the insured is moving. Things to consider when "stuff" is in transit - are you moving it or is it in the care of movers? Who is legally responsible? And what are the limitations of the contract with the moving company? with Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, CRM, CRIS, CPIW, LIA, ARM, MAIA's Vice President of Technical Affairs

Insuring Contents During a Move

Solar panels certainly aren't new but are fast becoming a regular fixtures on roofs, fields and highway median strips in Massachusetts. In this episode of Massagent Now, Irene looks at things you should be thinking about when it comes to solar panels and the homeowners policy.  Questions like: Who owns the panels? Who is legally responsible for them? Who has the insurable interest? Are they considered part of the dwelling, an other structure or personal property? What is the value? and is there enough coverage in parts A, B or C? How is the homeowner being compensated, if at all? Could this be considered a business, requiring proper endorsements? If your home owners are having panels installed it's time to look at the contract, call the carrier and ask these questions. 

Solar Panels & the Homeowners Policy

On 9/17/14 licensing as we know it changed! MAIA's training department still takes many questions from agents regarding the changes in Mass. Producer Licensing...how to track CE credits, which courses qualify, license expiration dates an more. We asked Heather to take a few minutes to answer these common questions.    During her podcast, Heather refers to several screen shots - you can view the entire presentation here or watch the video podcast on youtube.   A few notes about prometric.com -  Remember the password changes every three months. You can always set up a new account. If you see your license number in red, you'll want to call us or the division. It means there is a problem. At this time the words "compliance date" on their site is not correct. Always use "renewal date".   Please remember that noncompliance can result in fines and/or license suspension. It pays to be aware of your license status and requirements.      Contact MAIA's Training Department - Heather Kramer, Debbie White or Carol Nelson at 800.972.9312.

ep.7 The Latest in Mass. Producer Licensing

In the last of our series with the Registrar, Erin Deveney and Donna McKenna, VP of Communications at MAIA answer some questions agents will want to hear answers to regarding EVR.  What is the EVR program? Who can participate? What are the steps an agent takes to get on board? What are the recent changes to the EVR program? What are the transactions available to EVR participants? How is the integrity of the program kept in tact? How does MAIA assist with keeping the integrity of the program intact?

Q&A on EVR with Registrar Erin Deveney & Donna McKenna

In the 3rd installment of this 4-part series, Registrar Deveney talks about key items agents will be interested in regarding the RMV Modernization project.  New 'My RMV Account' which will provide customers with license and registration info, real time status update, the ability to manage personal information, and more. Eye test screenings will be able to be sent on-line from eye care professionals. Case management system that will allow customer interactions to be managed and tracked internally.  Additional EVR transactions including duplicate title, registration reinstatements, plate swaps, registration amend, and duplicate registration plate return receipt. .........and more Please contact RMVM Communications Lead Susan Butler with inquiries about this process at  susan.butler@state.ma.us. 

RMV Modernization with Registrar Erin Deveney

In the second installment of our visit with Registrar Deveney, she discusses something familiar to most agents...the RMV1.   As the folks at the RMV move toward a better customer service experience they have found that approximately 14% of incomplete RMV1 forms come from insurance agencies. Registrar Deveney encourages everyone to "Skip the Second Trip" and points out the 4 most common mistakes that occur.  

Ep4: Mistakes Can Be Made: the RMV1 with Registrar Erin Deveney

 Our first industry guest, Erin Deveney, Registrar of Motor Vehicles. She joined Donna McKenna, MAIA’s VP of Communication, to talk about what's going on at the Massachusetts RMV under the Baker Administration.    In the first of our 4 part series, Registrar Deveney addresses initiatives being taken to address customer service concerns, wait times, the use of alternative service options and online transactions and the RMV's use of social media and marketing tools to communicate more effectively. Registrar Deveney urges agents and customers alike to "See Us Online...Instead of In Line". We hear about the Fast Track (self-service licensing kiosks, which are similar to self-service airline kiosks), the 30+ transactions that are available online and more.  PLUS for those interested ... the LOW PLATE LOTTERY application becomes available on June 19th. Applications must be received by August 21st. The drawing will be held prior to September 15, 2015.  Contact information and links discussed in Episode 3: Web: massrmv.com  Liz Rizzuto, RMV Registration Manager, Elizabeth.Rizzuto@state.ma.us Gretchen Daley, Director of Registrations and Titles, Gretchen.Daley@state.ma.us 

Ep3: Changing the Image of the RMV with Industry Guest, Registrar Erin Deveney

 Episode 2: Your MAP While You're on Vacation with Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, CRM, CRIS, CPIW, LIA, ARM MAIA's Vice President of Technical Affairs imorrill@massagent.com   You may take a vacation, but your MAP doesn't get any time off.   See how the Mass. Auto Policy (MAP) responds to this question brought to Irene:  I rented a car while on vacation. My resident daughter is at home driving the vehicle. Are we both covered? Can I be covered AND can my car be covered at the same time?  As a bonus Irene also describes how the MAP responds to the "Old Woman Who Lives in a Shoe".   Keep in mind...This is not a comprehensive topic about auto rentals and the different scenarios. That's a topic for a different day.   Thanks for listening to the Episode 2 of the Massagent Now Podcast. Let us know what topics you'd like to hear next. Contact Melissa at mmurphy@massagent.com.     The content in the Massagent Now Podcast is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information regarding the subject matter covered. It is provided with the understanding that the presenter is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent, professional person should be sought.

Ep2: Your MAP (Mass. Auto Policy) While Your On Vacation

Episode 1: What's the Law...Listing Operators on the Mass. Auto Policy with Irene Morrill, CPCU, CIC, CRM, CRIS, CPIW, LIA, ARM  MAIA's Vice President of Technical Affairs, imorrill@massagent.com   Irene addresses the question and occasional insured objection to "Who needs to be listed on this mass. auto policy?" What does the law say about listing operators on the mass auto policy? Hint: Honesty is the Best Policy Here....and the truth is that "creative auto rating" just isn't worth it. And why updating the policy with changes as they happen is also important.    The Laws discussed in this episode.... MGL c.175 s.186 - Misrepresentation or warranty by insured. MGL c.266 s.111B - Motor vehicle insurance policies; penalties for fraudulent claims. MGL c.90 s.34O - Property damage liability insurance or bonds.   Irene is quick to point out that answering the application honestly and completely is key and reminds us that it's always cheaper to pay the true premium than to be denied coverage. "It's always cheaper to pay the right premium, than to not pay a claim".    Thanks for listening to the Episode 1 of the Massagent Now Podcast. Let us know what topics you'd like to hear next. Contact Melissa at mmurphy@massagent.com.   The content in the Massagent Now Podcast is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information regarding the subject matter covered. It is provided with the understanding that the presenter is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent, professional person should be sought. 

Ep1: What's the Law...Listing Operators on the Mass Auto Policy

Welcome to the Massagent Now podcast from MAIA. A new channel for Massachusetts agents to get the latest in insurance, business and legislative information. At 10 - 20 minutes in length, you'll find "bite-sized" pieces of topical info that the Massachusetts insurance agent can take on the go. Listen in an audio only format or watch the video episode on youtube. Topics include frequently asked questions from the Tech Hotline, to breaking legislative news, to technology, marketing and business. Hear from MAIA staff including our technical experts, Irene Morrill and Donna McKenna, as well as industry guests.

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Massagent Now Podcast

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