The Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents hosted 160 insurance professionals at its inaugural Women’s Summit, a sold-out event focused on leadership development, networking and advancing women in the insurance industry.
Main Content
Springfield’s Honor Capital and Ascend Announce Agreement to Merge
Springfield-based Honor Capital and Ascend have entered into a merger agreement that will create a platform combining premium financing, payments, accounting automation and insurance financial workflows.
Update: After Seven Years, the Division of Insurance Dropped Its Case to Revoke John Rapo’s License
The Massachusetts Division of Insurance has withdrawn its long-running enforcement action against former insurance producer John Rapo, ending the case without penalties, findings, or license revocation.
AI Search Is Changing How Prospects Find Agencies. The Fundamentals Haven’t
AI-powered search tools are reshaping how insurance agencies appear online, making accurate business information, specialized expertise and strong reviews more important than ever.
Guilty Plea in $6 Million Payroll Concealment Scheme
The owner of a Lowell temporary staffing agency pleaded guilty in federal court to concealing more than $6 million in payroll and obtaining workers’ compensation coverage using false payroll records.
ACORD Solutions Group Introduces AI-Ready Architecture for Insurance Transactions
ACORD Solutions Group launched an MCP-enabled architecture that allows AI agents to exchange data and support insurance workflows.
Insurance Confuses Many Mass. Residents New Survey Says
A new MAIA survey found many Massachusetts insurance consumers remain uncertain about flood coverage, homeowners insurance market changes, and other key policy provisions.
Liberty Mutual Launches Auto Insurance Quoting App in ChatGPT
Liberty Mutual launched a ChatGPT app enabling personalized auto insurance quotes in seven states, expanding to 40+ states by end of 2026.
Insurance Coverage Cases
Court Rules: ‘Regardless of Whether’ In Exclusion Creates Ambiguity
A Massachusetts Federal court finds insurer must defend Vineyard hangar operator after $1.45M propeller damage claim.
When Limited Market Access Meets Surplus Lines: An E&O Problem
Massachusetts producers face E&O risk when surplus lines placements lack documented diligent effort. A breakdown of BR-7, §168, and defensible file practices.
Insurance Fraud
Guilty Plea in $6 Million Payroll Concealment Scheme
The owner of a Lowell temporary staffing agency pleaded guilty in federal court to concealing more than $6 million in payroll and obtaining workers’ compensation coverage using false payroll records.
Texas Agency Agrees To Pay $5 Million In Restitution and Costs
A Texas-based health agency barred from Massachusetts and will pay $5M over three years for misleading consumers on health insurance coverage .
Ratings & Results
Best’s Special Report: Personal Auto and Homeowners Markets’ Stabilization Evident Despite a Decline in Approved Rate Changes
AM Best Downgrades Arrow Mutual Liability Insurance Company Ratings
Liberty Mutual Posts $2 Billion Quarter as It Shifts from Defense to Growth
$14.3M Q1 Loss For Safety: Back-To-Back Storms’ 1600 Claims Cost $42.7M
Record Q1 Results: The Hanover’s Combined Ratio Improves to 91.7%
Vermont Mutual Annual Meeting Shows Strong Results
New England Newswire
Davis & Towle Welcomes Turner Liberty Insurance to the Fold
By AC Editor
Statement from Commissioner Joan Cohen on Passing of Former Insurance Superintendent Eric Cioppa
By AC Editor
In Memoriam: Eric Cioppa, 1958-2026
By AC Editor
Vermont Mutual Annual Meeting Shows Strong Results
By AC Editor
Economic & Legislative News in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Jobless Rate Held at 4.7% in April
Massachusetts added 8,500 jobs in April while the unemployment rate remained at 4.7%, above the national rate, according to state officials.
App-Based Drivers’ Union Dives into Regulatory Thicket
Massachusetts’ newly certified app-based drivers’ union is urging regulators to delay proposed Uber and Lyft rules until contract negotiations begin.
Health Insurers Again Propose Double-Digit Premium Increases
Massachusetts health insurers are seeking an average 12.9% premium increase for 2027, raising affordability concerns for consumers and employers.
High holiday: Cannabis buyers took advantage of higher purchase limit
Massachusetts cannabis consumers quickly embraced the state’s new two-ounce purchase limit, helping marijuana businesses generate $7.32 million in sales on April 20 while regulators launched a newly restructured Cannabis Control Commission.
Property Owners Say Costs Outpacing Proposed Rent Caps
Massachusetts rent control debate heats up as Nov. 2026 ballot approaches, with small property owners and housing advocates at odds.
Report: Island Real Estate Fees Would Have ‘Minimal’ Impact on Prices
Transfer fee bills remain in committee as lawmakers mull additional responses to affordability crisis
Company Newswire
MassMutual turns 175, Marking Generations of Delivering on its Commitments
MassMutual marks its 175th anniversary, highlighting policyholder focus, $1T in coverage, and a legacy of dividends and community support.
FM and Disney Relaunch ‘Disney Wild About Safety,’ Presented by FM
FM and Disney relaunch the Wild About Safety program, expanding global safety education through updated content and enhanced storytelling.
Patriot Growth Insurance Services Refreshes Brand Identity
Patriot Growth Insurance Services debuts a new brand identity, highlighting its national platform, agency connections, and continued expansion.
BayCoast Insurance Renews Prestigious Five Star Agency Designation
BayCoast Insurance renews MAIA Five Star Agency designation, reflecting sustained excellence in operations, customer service, and agency performance.