Limited Lines Licenses

Self-Service Storage Agent License

A Self-Service Storage Agent License allows self-service storage facility operators to offer insurance to customers in connection with the rental of storage space. Insurance may cover loss of or damage to personal property stored at the facility.

Who Needs This License? You need a Self-Service Storage Agent License if you operate a self-service storage facility and offer insurance to customers renting storage units.

Good to Know

• No examination is required.
• Employees and authorized representatives may offer insurance under the facility's license and do not need individual insurance licenses.
• Employees and authorized representatives must be at least 18 years old.
• The license only authorizes insurance sales related to self-service storage rentals.

Apply for a License

To apply, submit:

• A completed Self-Service Storage Agent application
• A list of all Massachusetts storage facility locations where insurance will be offered
• A copy of the insurance certificate, endorsement, or evidence of coverage provided to customers
• Copies of brochures or written materials describing the coverage
• A list of employees and authorized representatives who will offer insurance
• A description of the training program provided to employees and authorized representatives

Business Entity Requirements

Before applying, the business entity must complete the Massachusetts Business Entity licensing process. Learn about Business Entity Licensing Requirements

Employee Training Requirements: Self-Service Storage Agents must provide training to employees and authorized representatives who offer insurance under the license. The training must provide basic instruction about the insurance coverage being offered.

Continuing education requirements do not apply to Self-Service Storage Agent licenses.

Consumer Disclosure Requirements: Before offering insurance, licensees must provide written materials approved by the Commissioner of Insurance. Customers must also receive proof of coverage or a coverage declination form, as required.

These materials must explain:

• Coverage, deductibles, exclusions, and conditions
• The identity of the insurer
• The cost of coverage
• How to file a claim
• Cancellation and refund rights
• Whether the coverage may duplicate existing insurance
• That other insurance coverage may satisfy any insurance requirement

Facility Changes: If a new storage facility location will operate under the license, or a location stops operating under the license, the Division must be notified at least 15 days before the change. A separate license is not required for each facility location.

Premium Collection: Self-Service Storage Agents may bill and collect insurance premiums from customers. Any insurance charges that are separate from rental charges must be listed separately on the customer's bill. If insurance is included in the rental fee, that must be clearly disclosed to the customer.

Portable Electronics Insurance License

A Portable Electronics Insurance License allows vendors to offer insurance that covers portable electronic devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and similar devices. Coverage may include loss, theft, mechanical failure, malfunction, damage, and other covered causes of loss.

Who Needs This License? You need a Portable Electronics Insurance License if you sell or lease portable electronic devices and offer Portable Electronics Insurance to customers.

Good to Know

• No examination is required.
• The license is valid for 2 years.
• Employees and authorized representatives may offer insurance under the vendor's license and do not need individual insurance licenses.
• The license only authorizes the sale of Portable Electronics Insurance.

Apply for a License

Submit:

• A completed Portable Electronics Insurance License application
• The required licensing fee
• The name and address of the individual responsible for compliance with Massachusetts law

Business Entity Requirements

Before applying, the business entity must complete the Massachusetts Business Entity licensing process. Learn about Business Entity Licensing Requirements

Employee Training Requirements: Employees and authorized representatives may sell Portable Electronics Insurance under the vendor's license. The insurer or supervising entity must provide training to individuals who offer insurance. Training may be provided electronically.

Training must include:

• Basic information about the insurance coverage
• Required consumer disclosures
• Information needed to explain the coverage to customers

Consumer Disclosure Requirements: Before offering insurance, vendors must make approved written materials available to customers.

These materials must explain:

• Coverage, deductibles, exclusions, and conditions
• The identity of the insurer
• The identity of the supervising entity
• How to file a claim
• Cancellation and refund rights
• Whether the coverage may duplicate existing insurance
• That purchasing insurance is not required to buy or lease a device

Billing and Premium Collection: Vendors may bill and collect insurance premiums from customers. Insurance charges that are separate from the purchase or lease of a device must be listed separately on the customer's bill. If insurance coverage is included with the purchase or lease of a device, that must be clearly disclosed to the customer.

Need Help? Producer Licensing Department at producerupdate.mailbox@mass.gov