Tips for driving in the snow

Posted on November 30, 2022November 30, 2022 by admin

If you’re one of the millions of people hitting the roads this winter, it’s important to be prepared for driving in the snow. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe while driving this winter.

Plan your route before you go. This is especially important if you’re driving in an area with common snowfall and icy conditions, as it can help you avoid treacherous roads and hazardous driving situations. Consider checking weather forecasts and traffic alerts in advance, so you know what to expect on your drive.
Slow down and use caution when driving in the snow. This is especially important during heavy snowfall, as it can be difficult for drivers to see and react quickly on slick roads. Keep an eye out for black ice, and take it slow when turning corners or braking suddenly.
Keep a safe distance from other cars. It can be easy to lose track of how far away other vehicles are in snowy conditions, so it’s important to give yourself plenty of space. Not only will this help you avoid accidents, but it can also allow you the extra time to react if something goes wrong on the road.
Know how to handle skids and slides. If your car starts to skid or falls on the road, remain calm and focus on steering in the direction that you want to go. Avoid slamming on the brakes, as this may worsen the situation, and never try to overcorrect your steering.

If you have questions about staying safe in the snow or want more auto safety tips, give ASZ International Inc. a call today. We proudly serve the Westchester, NY area.

Is it time to upgrade the commercial policy protecting your Westchester, NY area business?

Posted on October 31, 2022October 31, 2022 by admin

The team at ASZ International Inc. is here for the Westchester, NY area business community. Contact our office today if you have questions about your commercial insurance policy. We are happy to sit down with you, review your current policy, and help you determine if it’s time for an upgrade.

Is it time to upgrade your commercial insurance policy?

Owning a business takes a lot of time, energy, and dedication. Due to most business owners’ hectic and demanding schedules, it’s easy for something like upgrading an insurance policy to fall by the wayside. Without proper attention, a business can outgrow its commercial insurance policy, leaving the company uninsured and at risk.

For most businesses, it’s advisable to carefully all insurance policies at least once a year. During this review, you can determine if your policy is still fulfilling all of your needs, both as a policy type and at the level of protection it offers. It is not uncommon for business owners to overlook the fact that their company has outgrown its policy.

Sitting down to closely review your commercial insurance policies is a wise action to take. Don’t wait until it’s too late to realize that you no longer have the protection your company needs. Our team is here to help you with this review and help you determine if your current policy meets your current and future needs.

Contact our office today

ASZ International Inc. is proud to serve the greater Westchester, NY business community’s insurance needs. If you have questions about commercial insurance, we are here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about the insurance services we provide to our regional business community.

Tips for reducing the hazards in your home

Posted on September 29, 2022September 29, 2022 by admin

Home may be where the heart is, but it is also where many injuries happen. Many of them are avoidable if the hazards in your home are reduced. We believe in inspiring one American dream at a time at ASZ International Inc. in Westchester, NY. No matter the size of your dream. We are an independent agency, and service to our customers is what we specialize in.

Remove clutter

Falling is one of the most dangerous hazards in your home. Clutter makes falling a more significant risk than it needs to be. Try to keep clutter off of stairs and in hallways leading to stairs. Falls are the second leading cause of death in the home, resulting in 28,100 people losing their lives in 2020.

Improve lighting

To reduce the danger of hazards in your home, you need to be able to see them. It is dangerous to be stumbling around in a dark house.

Reduce fire risk

Fire is a hazard everyone wants to avoid. You should have your chimney cleaned and make sure that your smoke detector is working and has backup batteries. A working carbon monoxide detector is also vital to your safety and your family if you have a furnace.

Keep poison out of reach.

Poison is the number one killer in the home. Almost 70,000 people died from poisoning in 2020. There are things you can do in your home to avoid this hazard. Never leave cleaning supplies in an unlocked cabinet. Make sure they are locked away. Medicine should not be left where children and teens can get their hands on them. Any poisons you use to keep pets, weeds, or anything else must be kept in a very safe place.

Contact ASZ International Inc. in Westchester, NY to get the personalized customer service you deserve.

Higher Annual Costs of Vehicle Ownership…Not Driven by Insurance

Posted on September 19, 2022September 19, 2022 by Marc Zettl

Are you shocked by the high cost of owning a vehicle? You’re not alone. The annual cost of vehicle ownership has been on the rise for years and shows no signs of slowing down. But while many people assume that insurance is one of the main culprits behind these costs, this isn’t actually the case. In fact, insurance rates have remained relatively stable over the past few years. So what’s driving up the cost of owning a car? Keep reading to find out!

One of the biggest expenses associated with owning a car is the cost of gas. As you probably know, gas prices fluctuate pretty frequently. And while they’ve been relatively low over the past few years, they’re starting to creep back up again. This means that if you’re not careful, you could end up spending a lot of money on gas each month.

Another cost that has been on the rise is the cost of car repairs and maintenance. As cars become more complex, it’s becoming more expensive to keep them running properly. This is especially true if you own an older car that requires more frequent repairs.

The cost of purchasing a vehicle has also climbed over the last couple of years. While there are a number of factors that contribute to this, one of the biggest is that cars are becoming more and more technologically advanced. This means that they’re often packed with features that drive up the price tag.

So what does all this mean for you? If you’re looking to save money on the cost of owning a car, you’ll need to be extra careful about how you spend your money. Gas, repairs, and purchasing a new car can all add up quickly. But if you’re smart about your spending, you can keep the cost of owning a car under control.

Additional forms of auto insurance coverage in New York

Posted on August 31, 2022August 31, 2022 by admin

Basic liability coverage to protect others against the damage caused by any driver is always a requirement in Westchester, NY, and other areas. However, auto insurance companies can provide additional services and coverage to protect against various losses drivers may experience. In many cases, it is recommended to research these other types of coverage, as they can be instrumental, and it is financially beneficial to pay into a policy rather than have to pay a large sum for a vehicle repair or other forms of damage all at once. ASZ International Inc. can help with any of these coverage types.

Comprehensive coverage

There is the possibility of damage to a vehicle in situations that do not involve an accident with another vehicle. This tends to be because of theft, vandalism, damage from wild animals, severe weather, or fire. Comprehensive coverage is helpful for most drivers because a car is always exposed to the elements, and there is a risk of damage even when the vehicle is not being driven.

Underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage

A driver who does not have any auto insurance coverage may cause an accident. It can be challenging to get any compensation for losses in these situations unless the victim has already planned for this possibility with uninsured motorist coverage. In other situations, an accident may cause more damage than the driver’s insurance policy will pay for. An underinsured motorist policy can help pay additional medical costs or lost wages beyond the settlement amount.

Learning more about auto insurance

Agents with ASZ International Inc. who serve the Westchester, NY area are available to provide more information. Drivers can contact them today to get an insurance quote and learn more about what kind of auto coverage is best in their situation.

Tips on Avoiding Wire Fraud

Posted on July 29, 2022September 19, 2022 by Marc Zettl

The number of wire fraud cases is on the increase globally, and this includes within the insurance industry. As a reminder of best practices for reducing the likelihood that you will be victimized by this type of crime, we share the following information.

When it comes to wire fraud, prevention is key. To help protect yourself and your business, take the following steps:

-Ensure that all employees who handle wires are properly trained on how to spot red flags and identify fraudulent activity.

-Implement dual approval procedures for all wire transfers, so that no single individual has sole control over the process.

-Verify the wiring instructions with the intended recipient by telephone or in-person before sending any money. Do not rely on email communications alone.

-Never send wires in response to unsolicited requests, even if they appear to be from someone you know and trust. If you are unsure about a request, confirm it with the person directly before taking any action.

By following these simple steps, you can help protect yourself and your business from wire fraud. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your insurance agent or broker. Thank you for your time and attention to this important issue.

What is inflation and how does it affect the insurance industry and your premiums?

Posted on July 29, 2022September 19, 2022 by Marc Zettl

Inflation is a term that is thrown around a lot in the news, but what does it actually mean? In short, inflation is when prices for goods and services increase. In the world of insurance, this can have a big impact on premiums. In this blog post, we will discuss how inflation affects premiums and why it’s important to keep track of changes in the rate of inflation.

There are a few different ways to measure inflation, but the most common is the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The CPI measures changes in the prices of a basket of goods and services that are commonly consumed by households. In the United States, the CPI is released on a monthly basis by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

When the CPI goes up, it means that prices are rising and the purchasing power of your dollar is decreasing. In other words, it takes more money to buy the same amount of goods or services. Inflation can have a major impact on your insurance premiums because insurance companies use something called the “cost of living adjustment” (COLA) to account for changes in the CPI.

The COLA is a percentage increase or decrease that is applied to your insurance premiums to keep them in line with the rising cost of living. For example, if the CPI goes up by two percent, your insurance company may raise your premiums by two percent as well. Inflation can also affect the insurance industry in other ways. Another example would be, that if the cost of medical care goes up, it would be likely that you would see an increase in your health insurance premiums. In addition, inflation can erode the value of investments that insurance companies hold, which can impact their financial stability and ability to pay claims.

While there are a number of factors that can affect your insurance premiums, inflation is one of the most important to keep in mind. While this may seem like a disadvantage for consumers, it’s important to remember that insurance is designed to protect you from financial loss in the event of an unforeseen circumstance. In other words, while your premiums may go up in response to inflation, so will the payouts you receive if you need to make a claim. In the end, this ensures that insurance remains an effective way to protect yourself and your family from financial hardship.

If you have any questions about how inflation affects your insurance premiums, or if you would like to learn more about how insurance works, we encourage you to speak with one of our experienced agents. We would be happy to help! In the meantime, please check out our blog for more informative articles like this one.

Thank you for reading!!!

Debunking Common Myths About Recreational Insurance

Posted on July 27, 2022July 27, 2022 by admin

Insurance is one of those topics that everyone knows they need, but few people understand. As a result, there are a lot of myths and misunderstandings about what recreational insurance covers. This blog post will set the record straight and debunk some of the most common myths about recreational insurance.

1. Myth: Recreation Vehicle Insurance is Expensive

The cost of recreational vehicle insurance is often one of the biggest concerns for people considering coverage. However, the reality is that recreation vehicle insurance can be very affordable, especially when you compare it to the cost of repairs or replacements if something goes wrong.

2. Myth: I Don’t Need Insurance if I’m Not Going to Use My RV Very Much

Many people believe they don’t need insurance for their recreational vehicle if they’re not going to use it very often. However, this isn’t the case. Even if you only take your RV out a few times a year, it’s still essential to have insurance in case of an accident or other unforeseen event.

3. Myth: All Recreational Vehicle Insurance Is the Same

Not all recreational vehicle insurance is the same. There are several different types of recreational vehicle insurance, each of which offers various coverage options. The type of insurance you need will depend on your recreational vehicle and how you use it. For example, if you own a motorhome, you’ll need a different kind of insurance than if you own a travel trailer.

4. Myth: I Don’t Need Insurance if I Have Homeowners Insurance

You might think your homeowner’s insurance would cover any damage to your recreational vehicle, but that’s not always the case. Many homeowners insurance policies exclude coverage for recreational vehicles or provide only limited coverage. To be sure you’re adequately covered, you’ll need a separate policy for your recreational vehicle.

Get Recreational Insurance in Westchester, NY

If you’re considering buying a recreational vehicle, it’s essential to understand the ins and outs of recreational insurance. Don’t let common myths about cost, coverage, and exclusions deter you from getting the protection you need. At ASZ International Inc., we can help you find the right recreational insurance policy for your needs. Contact us today for a free quote.

Catastrophic Events

Posted on July 13, 2022September 19, 2022 by Marc Zettl

We are officially in hurricane season, and along with hurricanes also come disasters like flooding, severe storms, and even wildfires. Informing our clients on how to be prepared for events like this, through purchasing the right coverage, is something we strive to do. Though it may not seem like something that could happen to you and your home, you never know when a storm may blow through. According to Asta (2022), in 2021 there were 18 weather and climate disasters in which damages were around $1 billion or more.

Something important that all homeowners should know is that your homeowner’s policy might cover many natural disasters such as hail, windstorms, and lightning, but what it likely does not cover is floods, earthquakes, and/or tsunamis (Asta, 2022). Flood insurance is coverage we always suggest to our customers, as we feel it is very beneficial. We’re also able to provide standalone wind coverage. For our clients who live in coastal areas, this policy provides coverage for damage from hail and wind, regardless of whether the damage is from a named storm or an everyday storm (Orchid).

Now, although flood and wind coverage is something all homeowners should look into purchasing, it’s also an important thing for business owners to consider as well. Catastrophic events don’t just affect homes, they destroy anything in their path. As a business owner, you want to make sure you plan in advance by making educated choices on what insurance coverage you really need (Asta, 2022).

One final way you can help protect your home, business, family, and employees from catastrophic events is to have a plan of action. If a disaster does strike, your family members and employees should know the procedure. For example, where to take shelter in the event of a tornado, where the fire extinguisher and emergency exits are located, or where to meet if everyone must evacuate the premises (Asta, 2022).

If you don’t already have flood or wind coverage, give us a call today so we can get you a fast and easy quote!

References:
Asta, Donna (March 1, 2022) Planning for the Future with Catastrophic Insurance. Big I Independent Agent. https://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2022/march/planning-for-the-future-with-catastrophic-insurance
Orchid. www.orchidinsurance.com. Accessed July 5, 2022.

Fraud in Florida

Posted on July 8, 2022September 19, 2022 by Marc Zettl

The state of Florida is definitely known for many things, and one of those things is bad storms! High winds, hard rain, hail, and more are many of the frequent natural disasters that hit Florida. Homeowners and business owners are constantly looking for contractors to help them when in need of damage repaired. But one thing Floridians need to be aware of is the scammers!

According to Schuppe (2002), there are local contractors knocking on doors offering to inspect homeowners’ roofs for storm damage. “They say they can help get a roof replacement covered by insurance, and they persuade the homeowners to sign away their rights to file the claims themselves. The contractors then file fraudulent damage claims, and when the insurance companies balk, the contractors sue” (para. 7).

As these scammers continue to prey on Floridians, increased insurance rates continue to skyrocket as the carriers are being heavily impacted by this. This is one of the leading factors for why carriers are fleeing the state of Florida. “Those (carriers) that remain have sought rate increases ranging from 15 percent to 96 percent and have become more selective about who they will cover” (para. 15).

Something needs to be done to address this urgent matter. In the meantime, Florida residents, please keep this scam in mind!

Reference:

Schuppe, Jon. (2022, May 21). Florida lawmakers Scramble to Fix a Property Insurance Crisis Before Hurricane Season. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/roofing-scams-florida-property-insurance-hurricane-rcna29649

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Tips for driving in the snow

Is it time to upgrade the commercial policy protecting your Westchester, NY area business?