Before hopping on your motorcycle and enjoying the thrill of the open road, ensure your insurance is up-to-date. Motorcycle insurance is much more than a legal requirement; it’s a smart layer of protection. Just like wearing the right helmet and riding gear, the ASZ International Inc. Westchester, NY team encourages you to review your policy and get the right coverage for any unexpected event.
Why Review and Update Your Motorcycle Insurance?
Life changes all the time, and so does insurance coverage. If you reduce your coverage to only comprehensive during the off-season when your bike is parked, you’ll need to add collision insurance before riding again. Additionally, if you plan on taking passengers along for the ride or have modified your motorcycle, these should be covered, too.
Here’s a helpful checklist:
Comprehensive Insurance Coverage: Comprehensive coverage protects you from non-collision damages like fire, theft, and vandalism. This is perfect for long periods when you aren’t riding your motorcycle.
Collision Coverage: Collision coverage protects you from accidents that occur while riding your motorcycle. Before riding again, reinstate you removed the coverage.
Liability Insurance: If you plan to allow passengers to ride along, you should have liability insurance that covers any injuries you might cause to others while riding with you.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: Unfortunately, many drivers on the road don’t have any insurance coverage. Uninsured and underinsured insurance covers you for damages caused by others who don’t have any or enough coverage.
Protect Yourself With Proper Insurance Coverage
Get the right insurance coverage in New York and New Jersey. Our expert team at ASZ International Inc. in West Chester, NY is here to help you with your motorcycle and insurance needs. Contact us today.
The US auto insurance sector stands at a pivotal crossroads, grappling with an unprecedented crisis that’s reshaping the industry’s dynamics and impacting insurers and policyholders alike. This evolving landscape is characterized by mounting losses and a significant surge in insurance premiums, ushering in a period of adaptation and strategic navigation. This abrupt shift injects an element of unpredictability into personal finances, underscoring the importance of strategic financial planning.
As life edges back towards pre-pandemic routines, the auto insurance industry encounters a spectrum of challenges. The resurgence in daily commuting and travel has resulted in a surge of accidents, claims, and road incidents. This surge not only strains insurers’ resources but also contributes to a rise in litigation and medical expenses associated with accidents.
Lawsuits, a prevalent hallmark of our society, contribute significantly to the crescendo of insurance premiums. The United States, acclaimed as one of the globe’s most litigious nations, bears the burden of a legal flurry. The consequence? A ripple effect on insurance premiums, necessitated by the mounting costs of legal defense, settlements, and indemnities.
The lease understood, inflation, a pervasive economic force, stealthily influences the escalation of insurance premiums. As the value of currency dwindles, insurance companies recalibrate their pricing to match the inflated cost of goods and services.
The ripple effects of this crisis extend across the spectrum. Policyholders find themselves adjusting their financial plans to accommodate rising premiums, while insurers are engaged in reevaluating their strategies to mitigate unforeseen losses. This crisis has ignited a broader conversation about the intricate mechanics of insurance pricing and management when confronted with unforeseen challenges.
Ultimately, navigating the maze of mounting insurance premiums is best achieved alongside seasoned insurance agents. These professionals offer a compass through the labyrinth, steering individuals toward optimal coverage choices in line with their financial capabilities and requirements. In a landscape marked by ever-escalating premiums, their counsel is a beacon of protection and prudence.
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The views expressed in this communication are solely those of the individual creators in their individual capacities and do not represent the opinions of ASZ International, Inc. doing business as ASZ Associates. Any actions taken or refrained from, based on the contents of this communication, are undertaken at your own risk, and all liability with respect to such actions or inactions is hereby expressly disclaimed.
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As a passionate rider, you know that the freedom and excitement of motorcycling are unmatched by any other mode of transportation. However, it’s crucial to understand that every bike and rider is unique, and so are their insurance needs. At ASZ International Inc. in Westchester, NY, we help our clients find the right coverage that suits their specific requirements and keeps you protected on the open road.
Different types of bikes and riders have distinct insurance needs. For instance, a cruiser rider may require additional coverage than a sportbike enthusiast. Additionally, a commuting motorcycle may require more protection than one mainly used for leisurely weekend rides. It’s vital to consider factors such as the make and model of your bike, its age, the purpose for which it’s used, and your personal riding experience when selecting your insurance policy.
When shopping for motorcycle insurance, paying attention to the various coverage options is essential. These include liability coverage, collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. By working with a knowledgeable agent at ASZ International Inc. in Westchester, NY, you can better understand these options and choose the right combination of coverages that suits your unique needs as a rider.
Tailoring your motorcycle insurance policy to your specific needs as a rider and the type of bike you own is critical for ensuring your safety and financial protection on the road. If you’re interested in learning more about motorcycle insurance and how ASZ International Inc. can help you find the perfect policy in the Westchester, NY, area, don’t hesitate to contact our team of experts. We are dedicated to providing personalized insurance solutions that keep you riding confidently and securely, mile after mile.
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.
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.
So, now that you have a little background knowledge on insurance, such as why it’s important to have, and which type of agent you should work with, it’s time to start thinking about getting insurance quotes. Before you start calling around to different agencies, you should first know what types of insurance you’re looking for. If you own a house, apartment, or condo, you will need homeowners’ insurance. If you rent a house, apartment, or condo you’ll need renters’/tenants’ insurance. If you own a vehicle or motorcycle, you’ll need car or motorcycle insurance. The list goes on…so take a minute to stop and think about the major things you own, rent or lease. If you’re still unsure of what coverage you need, plan to have a conversation with the agent you speak with, they can help guide you.
Next, do some research about agencies near you. Google and social media can be a good place to start. Once you find an agency, you may want to review their website and look over reviews. Once you’re ready to call, you may want to start by asking which specific carriers the agency works with. The more carriers, the more opportunity the agent will have to find you the best quote for your needs.
Many agencies will ask you questions like your first and last name, your date of birth, driver’s license number (if you’re looking for auto insurance), your marital status, and who your current carrier is. Here at ASZ International, we ask that you provide us with your declaration pages. This simply outlines the coverage you have in place right now, so we can make sure that when we look into a new policy for you, we are not giving you anything less. If you don’t want us to know how much your current premium is, we totally understand that, feel free to cross it out on your paperwork.
Now the tedious part is over. Your agent will begin to look into quotes for you. Again, if you work through an independent agent, they will plug your information into a comparative rater which will populate many different options. This is beneficial to you as it will allow you to compare coverage apples to apples with more than one carrier.
If you’re ready to start looking into quotes, download our app by clicking here and then following the on-screen instructions. We would be more than happy to assist you in finding the right coverage for you and your family!
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
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
At ASZ International Inc., serving the greater Westchester, NY area, motorcycle insurance is one of the types of insurance products that we offer our customers. One of the questions that we are frequently asked is whether you legally have to carry motorcycle insurance or whether motorcycle insurance is optional. Learning the truth can help you obtain the insurance you need to ensure you are complying with local laws.
Do You Have to Carry Motorcycle Insurance in New York?
In New York, you are required to obtain motorcycle insurance to register your bike. You are also legally required to get insurance and have insurance on the motorcycle any time you are operating it. The fines can be the same as auto drivers for motorcycle riders who do not obtain insurance.
What Can Happen If You Do Not Carry Motorcycle Insurance?
In New York, you can experience a wide array of issues if you do not obtain motorcycle insurance. If your car is not insured, you can be denied the vehicle’s ability to register. A law enforcement officer can also cite you for operating a motorcycle, something that carries a hefty fine. Finally, if you are involved in an accident and do not have insurance, you can be held financially liable out of your own pocket.
If you are looking for motorcycle insurance in the greater Westchester, NY area, ASZ International Inc. would love the opportunity to help you. Reach out to us today to discuss your motorcycle insurance needs, and let us provide you with an estimate for a policy.
Most states, including New York, require drivers to have the minimum bodily injury and property damage liability. However, there are still drivers driving around public roads without insurance. So what happens when you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist in Westchester, NY? Find out how you can handle the situation like a pro.
Call the police
Whether there are injuries or not, it’s always wise to call the police. If you’re dealing with an uninsured driver, it’s even more important as the report will help you get the compensation you deserve and make the claim process easier.
Stay at the scene of the accident
Even if there is no damage or visible injuries and the accident seems minor, don’t leave the scene until the police have arrived.
Don’t accept money
At ASZ International Inc., we understand that auto insurance is not cheap, and neither are claims. However, that doesn’t mean anyone can drive around without insurance. The driver may attempt to pay you a specific amount to silence you and avoid legal repercussions. Don’t accept, even if there is no damage or injury.
Swap information
The other driver may not have their insurance information, but they have their contact information, vehicle details, and other relevant information you might need. Don’t forget to speak to witnesses and get their contact information as well.
Document the damage
Capture any damage done to your car and take pictures and videos of the other vehicle. You should also note down the location, time, traffic signs, and the direction in each vehicle was traveling. You will need this information during the claim process.
Having enough auto insurance is the best way to stay out of trouble with the law in Westchester, NY. If you need to update your policy and increase your limits, ASZ International Inc. is always ready to help. Call us today!
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