We have made the following updates to our Personal Lines Homeowners, Dwelling Fire and Auto programs:   

Named Storm Deductible Guideline Changes - Homeowners and Dwelling Fire

After careful review of our competitive position within the marketplace and agent feedback, our guidelines are being updated, effective June 1, 2014. Our goal is to ensure we are positioned fairly within the marketplace and not stricter or more lenient than other carriers. The following outlines the changes to the named storm deductible requirements:

• Marion, Mattapoisett and Wareham:  Add a 1% Named Storm deductible requirement in the 2-3 mile distance to coast band.
• Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket Counties:  Increase the Named Storm deductible requirement from 2% to 3%.
• Coastal Essex:  Remove the 2% Named Storm deductible requirement in the 1-2 mile distance to coast band.
• Additionally, flat dollar amount Named Storm deductibles will no longer be offered for new business in our coastal territories.
• All other current coastal risk eligibility and Named Storm deductible guidelines not noted above remain unchanged.

Existing policies in all coastal areas that do not already meet the updated coastal guidelines will be endorsed with new or revised named storm percentage deductibles at renewal and a policyholder notice will be sent within the renewal packet. Consideration will be applied to certain renewal policies, such as recent new business and policies currently with no Named Storm deductible. Please contact your territory manager and underwriter to review policies that are subject to change.

Vehicle Pre-Inspections Are Discontinued - MA Personal Auto

Arbella is pleased to share some exciting news which will save time for both you and your Arbella clients!  Beginning with new business and policy changes processed on February 22, 2014 and later, our pre-inspection program is being discontinued and vehicle pre-inspections are no longer required.

• Arbella's e-application and policy change screens will no longer have the pre-inspection fields available.
• Our Massachusetts Private Passenger Auto Insurance Rules Manual (located in the PL Reference Center), Rule 55, has been updated to reflect this new enhancement.

All updates will be available on Arbella Connect™ on Saturday, February 22, 2014. If you have any questions, please contact your territory manager or underwriter.