What Every New York Resident Should Know about Flood Insurance

Posted on February 29, 2020February 29, 2020 by admin

The weather in Westchester, NY keeps changing and getting worse by the day. Tropical storms, Nor’easters, and severe thunderstorms have deluged the county with higher intensity and frequency.

At ASZ International, Inc., we recommend checking your area to find out if it is in a flood zone and taking the necessary safety and precautionary measures to lessen the effects caused by floods on residential homes and business premises. Here is what to do if you find out that you live in a flood-prone area.

If you are under a flood warning, evacuate and find shelter immediately.
Do not try to drive or walk through flooded waters and keep off bridges with fast-moving waters.
Determine how you can stay safe based on the type of flooding. You can evacuate, move to higher grounds, or stay where you are till help comes.
If flash floods are a risk in your area, monitor potential signs like heavy rains and stay up to date with the weather forecast.
Gather supplies in case you need to leave the house immediately while keeping in mind the unique needs for every occupant in that house, like medication and pet food. Have external phone batteries and other critical equipment.
Keep relevant and essential documents in a safe, waterproof container and create a password for digital copies.
If you have enough time, move your property, including valuables, to safer areas. Declutter all gutters and drains.
Depending on where you are and the effects and warnings provided by the government, determine a safe area to go or prepare an emergency exit plan for floods.
If you have been told to evacuate, don’t hesitate or waste too much time packing. Do so immediately.
If your vehicle is trapped in moving water, stay inside, but if the water is rising inside, seek refuge through the roof.

Another important thing on your things-to-do before flooding begins is to purchase flood insurance. Floods are not covered under homeowners’ insurance; therefore, it’s prudent that you have this separate.

In case you feel stranded or need further clarification on how to stay safe from floods, speak to ASZ International, Inc., and we will answer all your questions.

What Is Covered With Condo Insurance?

Posted on January 29, 2020January 29, 2020 by admin

Many insurance companies offer condo insurance policies but what it covers is different from one company to the other, as well as the premium. However, when you purchase your condo insurance from ASZ International, Inc., serving people from New York to Connecticut, it will come with the following coverage.

Loss Assessment

You will be compensated for your portion of any losses allotted to you by the association. An accident can happen at any time where your residents incur some losses. In such a situation, the association will share the losses proportionately. In such a situation, you’ll fall back to your condo insurance policy.

Loss of Use

If your apartment is uninhabitable, for some reason, you may have to lodge elsewhere depending on when it can be fixed. You will be compensated for the cost of lodging elsewhere and the cost of your transportation to the location.

Personal Liability

If you’re being sued for any damages, you’ll be compensated for your legal expenses from the claims against you, should you be found culpable. This is the most important coverage in the insurance policy as a single lawsuit could plunge you into debt.

Personal Property

When your furniture, electronics, and other movable goods get damaged or stolen, you will be paid the cost. In case your apartment is razed by fire or it gets flooded, many of your appliances will be damaged. This is where this coverage comes in handy.

Building Property

This coverage is for the unit itself and this also includes the fixtures and walls.

Bear in mind that this coverage can vary slightly across states and insurance companies. So, before you purchase it, always take the time to check what it covers. Initially, it may sound expensive, but in the long run, you will enjoy it. In fact, it is worth the cost.

Some associations make it mandatory for condo buyers to purchase the policy. For more information, contact ASZ International, Inc. in Westchester, NY.

Navigating Open Enrollment for Healthcare

Posted on December 31, 2019January 1, 2020 by admin

Figuring out the best healthcare plan for either yourself, your family, or your business doesn’t have to be a challenge. At ASZ International, Inc. in Westchester, NY, we want to make the process as easy as possible, so keep reading to learn about open enrollment.

What is Open Enrollment?

Open Enrollment is the annual period during which people can enroll in a healthcare plan. For 2020, that period runs between November 1 and December 15, 2019. Want to enroll in a healthcare plan outside this period? People are only able to enroll in a health insurance plan outside of these dates if they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period based on certain life events such as getting married, having a baby, or losing their existing healthcare coverage.

Who is Eligible for the Health Insurance Marketplace?

People must meet three requirements to enroll in health coverage during the 11/1 to 12/15 period:

Must live in the United States
Must be a U.S. citizen or national
Must not be incarcerated

What is the New York State of Health (NYSOH)?

The NY State of Health is an online marketplace designed to help New York residents shop for and enroll in health insurance coverage. Anyone from families to individuals to small businesses are encouraged to use the marketplace to compare insurance plans, determine costs, and select the coverage that best suits their needs. Through the online portal, people can check their eligibility for specialized health care programs like Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan. In addition, applicants will be told what level of financial assistance they qualify for to help afford the health insurance plans provided by the NYSOH.

Whether you are in Westchester, NY, or one of our surrounding communities, ASZ International, Inc. can help you find a health insurance plan that meets all your needs. Give us a call or stop by our office today for more information.

Do I need auto insurance in New York?

Posted on November 29, 2019December 1, 2019 by admin

At ASZ International Inc. in Westchester, NY, our agents often get this question, "do I need auto insurance?"

The answer is yes, New York State mandates minimum coverages. You are required to carry no-fault personal injury insurance (PIP) of at least $50,000 per person. Liability of $25,000 per person for injury and $50,000 if the injury resulted in death and $50,000 for two or more injured persons and $100,000 for two or more deaths. Finally uninsured motorist coverage to the same limit as the personal injury. These are just basic liability coverages. For many people, this will not be enough auto insurance to feel protected.

If you have an auto loan, your lender will require you to protect their investment. The same is true for a leased vehicle. This will mean that you will need to carry collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision protects the vehicle from damage that is the result of an accident with another vehicle when you are the party who is at fault. It will pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged beyond repair after the deductible has been met.

Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from other damage. It can be caused by weather-related events such as high winds that bring down tree limbs, (sometimes on your vehicle) or hail. It also covers things like vandalism, and in the event that your vehicle is stolen, it will replace the vehicle up to the limit of the policy.

When you are ready to get your auto insurance or would just like someone to look at your coverage, ASZ International Inc.in Westchester, NY is ready to help you find the right policy for your needs and your wallet. You can reach us on our website or give our office a call to get a no-obligation quote.

Must-Have Commercial Insurance Types Every Small Business Owner Needs

Posted on October 23, 2019October 23, 2019 by admin

From the very first day you start a business in Westchester, NY, as an entrepreneur, you expose yourself to certain risks. Because your business is exposed to risks, it’s crucial to have the right insurance in place even before you hire your first employee – one catastrophic event or lawsuit could have a devastating effect on your business and finances. It could be enough to wipe out a business before it even has a chance to hit the ground running.

The good news is that there is a wide range of commercial insurance policies available to protect yourself and your new business from danger! Here are some must-have insurance types that a small business should have in place from the beginning.

Property Insurance

Whether you own your own space or lease from others, protecting your property is paramount in the event of losses due to theft, storm damage, or fires. While a standard property insurance policy will protect you from basic losses, natural destruction events such as earthquakes and floods will require separate policies. If your business is located in an area prone to these issues, check with ASZ Internationa, Inc. for information about a separate policy.

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional liability insurance, or as it is also called, “errors and omissions” insurance will cover your new business against claims of negligence due to failure to perform or simple mistakes. Your policy will be custom-tailored to meet the concerns of your specific industry.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Once you’ve hired your first employee, you’ll need to add workers’ compensation insurance to your business’s insurance policy. Workers’ compensation insurance covers the disability, medical treatment, and death benefits for employees in the event they are injured or die as a result of their work with your business. Even low-risk employees can suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome or suffer from a slip-and-fall accident that results in a claim.

Product Liability Insurance

Product liability insurance protection is crucial if your new business manufactures products or provides products for sale on the general market. You can take every measure possible to ensure your products are safe yet still find your business named in a lawsuit due to claims of damage caused by one of your products.

Home-Based Businesses

Many entrepreneurs begin their small businesses under their own roof. Still, your homeowner’s policy doesn’t cover your home-based business and protect your inventory and equipment the way a commercial property insurance policy does.

Small Business Insurance

If you have the right insurance in place, you can avoid a significant financial loss due to a catastrophic event, claim, or lawsuit. Call ASZ International, Inc. in Westchester, NY today to find out what insurance is advised for your industry or type of business.

Does Home Insurance Cover Outbuildings?

Posted on September 20, 2019September 20, 2019 by admin

When homeowners purchase home owner’s insurance policies, they must be well informed and read all of the fine print before choosing a provider. Homeowners who are considering adding an outbuilding, or already own one, should consult with an insurance agent to guarantee their property is covered.

Does Home Insurance Cover Out Buildings?

Some insurance policies will cover an outbuilding of a particular specification without having to add an additional policy or rider. However, not all home insurance policies are the same. Some companies won’t provide that type of coverage. Make sure that you are presented with options that will cover sheds, pool houses, and even guesthouses. This is crucial if you have one or are considering having one built.

Covering Your Needs

Anyone who is searching for top quality coverage for their home and separate structures should speak with an agent at ASZ International Inc. serving the residents in and around the Fairfield, CT. Our experts can help sift through the options and then present you with policies that may fit your current insurance needs. We can also assist with any policy adjustments or claims that need to be filed in the future. We are committed to providing excellent customer service and making sure that policyholders are well informed before the purchase. This can help prevent gaps in coverage and potential losses.

Homeowners who are looking for insurance coverage to protect their home and other structures on their property should call or stop by ASZ International Inc. and speak to an agent. We are ready to provide residents of Fairfield, CT with top quality, flexible insurance coverage to cover your home and structures on your property.

ASZ International, Inc.

Get a Quote Instantly

Compare your unique insurance quotes
online via our comparative quoting form.

Author: admin

What Every New York Resident Should Know about Flood Insurance