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ASZ International, Inc.

200 Summit Lake Drive
Suite 220
Valhalla, NY 10595

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Independent Agents vs Captive Agents

When looking for insurance, it can be incredibly stressful trying to decide which provider is right for you and your family. The entire process can be overwhelming, from narrowing down a provider, to getting the right coverage you need, and of course trying to stay within an affordable budget. Many people do not even know where to begin, and if that’s how you feel, don’t worry, you’re not alone.

This is where insurance agents come into play. First, let’s go over the difference between a captive insurance agent versus an independent insurance agent. A captive insurance agent is contracted to work for one insurance company and can only sell that one specific company’s policy (West Bend, n.d.). For example, if you reach out to a Nationwide insurance agent, they would only be able to get you quotes with Nationwide. Whereas an independent insurance agent is contracted to work with a variety of insurance companies and can sell policies from multiple providers (West Bend, n.d.). For example, if you reach out to us here at ASZ International, Inc., we can get you quotes from many different carriers like Nationwide, Lemonade, Erie, Travelers, and more, and then we compare them, apples to apples for you. This way you know exactly what each company has to offer, and it allows you to make a more educated decision on which policy is absolutely right for you.

Working with an independent insurance agent, in our opinion, is much more beneficial. Not only does your agent have the ability to go to different carriers who sometimes vary in the coverage they provide, but they can also shop around for you to see where they can get you the right coverage at the most affordable price. Another benefit is that when it comes time for your renewal, your agent will keep an eye out to see if they can get you a cheaper rate with another carrier. If they can, they’ll switch your coverage over and continue to be your assigned rep. Which leads me to another benefit of working with an independent insurance agency, not having to wait on hold or talk to a 1-800 representative. Instead, you get to call a real person, who is there to support, educate, and guide you throughout the whole process.

Here at ASZ International, that is exactly the kind of people we strive to be. We are here to work with you and for you. We don’t work for any specific insurance company, that’s not our job. Our job is to help you, the policy holder.



Reference:
West Bend. (n.d.) Does Your Insurance Agent Have Your Best Interests At Heart? The Silver Lining. https://www.thesilverlining.com/common-topics/independent-agents-versus-captive-agents

The Basics and Benefits of Insurance

Let’s talk about insurance, and why it’s so important. Do you own a home, apartment, vehicle, or any type of personal belongings? If you do, then you want to make sure those things are protected in case of a loss. When you buy insurance, you’re transferring the cost of a potential loss or accident to the insurance company in exchange for a fee. You’re buying yourself protection at a fraction of the price of what it would cost to get back those belongings. If you suffer a loss that is covered by your policy and you file a claim, insurance is there to help you pay for that loss based on the terms of your policy (Grange Insurance, n.d.).

Insurance not only provides protection against theft and damage from perils like fire and water, but it also protects you from the financial responsibility that could result from a visitor or guest being accidentally injured on your property. In a nutshell, insurance is very important. Though it is something you hope you never have to use, because nobody wants something bad to happen to them, it is something that you don’t want to be without if you end up suffering a loss.

So how does insurance work? When you purchase insurance, you are known as the policyholder. When multiple policyholders purchase insurance with the same insurance company/carrier, the insurance company uses the money collected from the policyholders and other investments, to pay for its operations and claims made by its policyholders (Grange Insurance, n.d.). So when you buy insurance, the payments you make are in exchange for being covered from certain risks (Araujo, 2021).

Next, we’ll dive into how to choose the right insurance provider for you and your family.


References:
Araujo, Mila. (2021, July 12). Get the Basics to Learn How Insurance Works. The Balance. https://www.thebalance.com/basics-to-help-you-understand-how-insurance-works-4783595


Grange Insurance. (n.d.). What is insurance and why is it important? The Grange Guide to Insurance. https://www.grangeinsurance.com/tips/what-is-insurance-why-is-it-important

Does My Landlord’s Insurance Cover My Apartment?

While landlords in Westchester, NY are legally required to obtain dwelling insurance for their rental properties, this does not necessarily mean tenants are fully protected. Let ASZ International Inc. explain more about the risks tenants face and how you can protect yourself.

What Your Landlord is Required to Insure

The law says landlords must obtain dwelling coverage. But what does that mean? A landlord’s dwelling coverage is a policy that protects the structure of the building. In the event of a covered peril, such as fire, the policy will pay for the cost of repairing the damage to the structure.

This does not mean your personal property is covered.

What Your Landlord is NOT Required to Insure

Tenants are not protected against losses to their personal property. That means if your property is damaged, even in the same event, you will not be able to recover the value of your belongings. At least not without your own insurance.

Renter’s insurance is not required by law, but getting it is a good idea. It covers you and your property from perils such as:

  • Personal Property Loss (due to natural disaster or theft)
  • Loss of Use
  • Personal Liability & Medical

Some of these risks can even be covered when you are not home. For example, if your bike is stolen off the rack at the park, your renter’s insurance policy would cover that loss.

How Much Renter’s Insurance Do You Need?

The amount of renter’s insurance you need will depend on several factors, such as your income and the value of your personal property. ASZ International Inc. can help you determine the right amount of coverage for you. We will also help you understand how to compare multiple policies to find the best deal.

If you’re a tenant or about to become one in Westchester, NY, contact us today to get started!


  • Abacus
  • Aetna
  • AIG
  • American Modern Insurance
  • AmTrust
  • American Modern Insurance
  • Attune
  • biBerk
  • Chubb
  • Cigna
  • Citizens
  • CNA
  • Coterie
  • Cowbell Cyber
  • CV Starr
  • Employers
  • Erie
  • Fast Comp
  • Flood Risk Solutions
  • Foremost
  • Foremost Star
  • Great American
  • Guard
  • Hagerty
  • Hanover
  • Hiscox
  • Jewelers Mutual
  • JIBNA
  • K&K
  • Lemonade
  • Liberty Mutual
  • MetLife
  • Nationwide
  • Neptune Flood
  • AIG
  • NYSIF
  • Onust
  • Openly
  • OpenTrack
  • Prime Insurance Company
  • Progressive
  • Pure Insurance
  • RLI
  • Safeco
  • Selective Insurance
  • ShelterPoint
  • Standard Security
  • The Hartford
  • Thimble
  • Travelers
  • US Assure
  • USLI
  • V3ins.com
  • Zurich

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