For the benefit of our clients, DeSanctis Insurance Agency periodically releases information letters informing about new rates, industry changes, or other developments you should be aware of. More will be added to this page in the months ahead. Please select from the following, organized by date.

July 2010
Massachusetts Worker's Compensation Rate Change
The Commissioner of Insurance has approved a revision of Workers' Compensation rates, effiective September 1, 2010, applicable to policies that are new or renew on or after that date.
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City of Boston Street Permit Bonds
We were recently made aware of the fact that Boston was increasing their Street Permit Bond requirements from $5,000 to $20,000, effective July 1, 2010.
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Importance of Continuity Plan
The recent, unexpected death of one of our Agency's long-time clients brought to the forefront the absolute need for business owners to have an establised Continuity Plan in place.
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June 2010
Privacy Notice
This privacy statement contains a description of the types of information DeSanctis Insurance collects about you, and how that information is used and protected.
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EIFS Work Excluded
There have been a fair amount of jobs offered for bid lately that include EIFS work. We thought it would be an appropriate time to remind all that such work is not covered by General Liability Policies.
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May 2010
Strict New EPA Lead Paint Rule
On April 22, 2010 the new EPA Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Program (RRP) went into effect aimed at protecting children during renovation, repair, and painting activities that disturb lead-based paint.
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February 2010
Coverage Verification Site for Workers' Compensation
The Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) has launched a new web site where anyone can now see if any business operating in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has Workers' Compensation coverage.
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February 2010
Wrap Ups: Are You Covered?
More and more of our Contractor insureds seem to be getting involved in Owner or Contractor controlled insurance programs, or Wrap Ups. Under such programs the owner or GC provide most of the important lines of coverage for all contractors involved in a single project. Once limited to only the largest of projects, Wrap Ups are appearing on smaller ones as well.
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August 2009
Crime Coverage & Employment Related Liability
We would like you to take a moment to think about your Crime and Employment Related Liability exposures as coverage is typically excluded or very limited under your Property and General Liability policies.
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February 2009
Workers' Compensation: You May Not Have Coverage In New Hampshire
It has been brought to our attention that New Hampshire recently began enforcing its Workers' Compensation law requiring employers to provide New Hampshire workers' compensation for any non-resident employee who works in the state for even one day. The provisions in the WC law that said that the chapter did not apply to non-resident employees was repealed back in 2006, but they have only recently begun enforcing it.
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February 2009
Workers' Compensation: You May Not Have Coverage In "Other States"
You should be aware that your Workers' Compensation and Employers' Liability policy may only pay benefits required of certain states, those listed in item 3.A. of your policy's Information Page. That list should include all the states in which you were performing operations at the inception of your policy term, and any states in which you began operations during the term. Those listed states are the only states for which the carrier has shown classifications and rates on your policy schedule. Your coverage for any of the "Other States" not listed in item 3.A. has limitations or is excluded.
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December 2008
Business Interruption Insurance
Many of you have already protected assets on your balance sheet from direct loss caused by fire, wind, theft, etc. by securing insurance on your real estate and business personal property. However, you may also incur a loss of income or an increase in expenses as a result of not being able to use the damaged property while it is being repaired or replaced. Business Interruption coverage can help protect your income statement from those types of losses and should not be overlooked.
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November 2008
Massachusetts Now Requires Enhanced Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Inspections & RMV Eliminates Mailings Including License Renewal Notices
We want to make sure that everyone is aware of the relatively new enhanced Commercial Vehicle inspection requirements. As announced by the Registry of Motor Vehicles, commercial vehicles, trailers and converter dollies are now subject to the enhanced Mass. Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspection beginning 10/1/08. This inspection will be the equivalent to the annual Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) "DOT" inspection.
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May 2008
Massachusetts Worker's Compensation Rate Change
As was announced last month, The Commissioner of Insurance has approved a revision of Worker's Compensation rates, effective September 1st, 2008, applicable to policies that are new or renewed on or after that date. The specific changes and the actual rates for individual classifications have just been released.
more...

April 2008
Pollution & Professional Liability Coverage
We have advised you in the past how important it is that you consider adding Pollution Coverage to your insurance program to protect your assets. Unfortunately, as the legal environment surrounding Pollution and Mold claims continues to worsen, it is our absolute belief that all companies, especially contractors, need to protect themselves against these exposures.
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February 2008
Contract Problems? Required Additional Insured Forms May Create One
Problems with additional insured requirements have been surfacing more and more of late. Some Owners and General Contractors (Bovis & Suffolk for example) have been insisting that you provide Additional Insured status for them on versions of Additional Insured forms that the carriers will not provide or for which they will charge a significant additional premium.
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July 2007
Massachusetts Worker's Compensation Rate Change
As we announced to you last month, the Commissioner of Insurance has approved a revision of Workers' Compensation Rates, effective September 1, 2007, applicable to policies that are new or renew on or after that date. With this mailing we have enclosed a listing of the actual rates for the most common construction classifications.
more...

May 2007
Renting a Vehicle? Are you covered? Is it Automobile or Contractors’ Equipment?
Whenever you rent or lease a vehicle it is important that you tell us. Often you are asked to provide a Certificate of Insurance to the rental/leasing company evidencing coverage, but sometimes you are not. Either way it is important that you know what coverages your rental/lease agreements require and communicate that to us.
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March 2007
Certificates of Insurance New Requirements for Sole Proprietors and Partnerships
The Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Bureau and The Division of Insurance have recently announced new Mandatory Procedures for Issuing Certificates of Insurance for Sole Proprietors and Partnerships (Procedures). We will soon begin implementing those procedures in the Certificates we issue. (This new procedure has not yet been mandated for LLCs.)
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March 2007
Pollution Liability Coverage and Mold Protection
We have advised you in the past how important it is that you consider adding the above coverages to your asset protection program (insurance). Unfortunately, as the legal environment surrounding Pollution and Mold claims continues to worsen, it is our absolute belief that all companies, especially contractors, need to protect themselves against these exposures.
more...

January 2007
Contractor's Equipment Excluded from General Liability Policy When Subject to Motor Vehicle Insurance Laws
Insurance carriers are beginning to use a new General Liability (GL) policy form that eliminates coverage for “mobile equipment”, such as construction equipment, that is subject to motor vehicle registration requirements and to the state's compulsory insurance or financial responsibility laws.
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December 2006
Terrorism Coverage under TRIEA Uncertain Past 12/31/07
Last January we sent you a notice that President Bush had signed the Terrorism Risk Insurance Extension Act (TRIEA), which provided a two-year extension of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) through December 31, 2007.
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September 2006
Workers' Compensation...SECOND DEGREE FELONY FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY
Attached is a copy of the letter we sent you in May regarding "Other States" Coverage. It mentions the importance of telling us whenever you have work in another State not currently listed on your policy so that we can properly add that State.
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May 2006
Workers' Compensation...You May Not Have Coverage In "Other States"
You should be aware that your Workers' Compensation and Employers' Liability policy may only pay benefits required of the states listed in item 3.A. of your policy's Information Page.
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March 2006
Carbon Monoxide Alarms Required in Residential Buildings
Important notice for Residential Property Owners, especially rental property... Nicole's law will increase your liability exposure if you do not install Carbon Monoxide alarms by 3/31/06
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February 2006
Melanie's Law CAUTION - It's Not Just About Drunk Drivers
Melanie's Law, the Act increasing penalties for drunk drivers in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, went into effect on October 28, 2005.
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February 2006
Residential Projects - Be Cautious- Clarify Coverage
When working on Residential Projects, it's a good idea to clarify that the General Liability coverage of those working for you has no prohibition for Residential Work.
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January 2006
Terrorism Act Extended - Commercial Auto Now Excluded
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January 2006
Terrorism Act Extended
As you may all know, President Bush has signed the Terrorism Risk Insurance Extension Act, which will provide a two-year extension of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) through December 31, 2007
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December 2005
Pollution Liability Coverage and Mold Protection
We have advised you in the past how important it is that you consider adding the above coverages to your asset protection program (insurance)
More...

September 2005
New Workers' Compensation Rates For Massachusetts
3% Average Rate Level Decrease Effective 9/1/05
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View a table of the most common construction classifications and the current Massachusetts Workers' Compensation rates effective 9/1/05.
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April 2005
How to File a Declaration of Homestead
A Declaration of Homestead is an easy, inexpensive way to protect your home in the case you are sued
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March 2005
Insurance Requirements & Optional Coverages
Recent transactions have highlighted the issue of matching your insurance coverages to project specification requirements.
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March 2005
Massachusetts Independent Contractor Law Amended
We thought you should be aware of a recent change to the Massachusetts Independent Contractor Law.
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November 2004
Public Construcion Reform
Updates regarding the new Filed Sub-Bid Laws and prequalification process.
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November 2004
Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Public Construcion Reform Law
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September 2004
Flood Insurance
With the Atlantic Hurricane Season upon us and the devastation being caused in Florida we are compelled to remind you of the need for Flood Insurance. The probability of one or more major hurricanes hitting the North East should not be underestimated...
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February 2004
Massachusetts Worker’s Compensation Coverage Now Available for Members of Limited Liability Companies
The State of Massachusetts has recently clarified its position regarding the availability of Workers' Compensation Coverage for Members of Limited Liability Companies.
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October 2003
Drive Other Car Coverage
Read these important details on the Business Auto Policy Liability coverage, including adding "Drive Other Car Coverage".
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September 2003
New Workers’ Compensation Rates For Massachusetts
As many of you have heard, the Division of Insurance announced a 4% average decrease in Workers' Compensation rates to be effective September 1, 2003 for all policies that are newly issued or renewed on or after that date.
More...

View a table of the most common construction classifications and the current Massachusetts Workers' Compensation rates effective 9/1/03.
More...