Is it always a good idea to have umbrella insurance when I am in New York?

Posted on March 29, 2024March 19, 2024 by admin

When you live in the Westchester, NY, area, you will always want to know that you have appropriate personal insurance. One type of coverage everyone here should consider getting is umbrella insurance, which offers helpful liability insurance support. There are a lot of reasons always to consider getting this coverage.

Prepared for Unexpected

One reason you should always have umbrella insurance when you live here is to ensure you are prepared for the unexpected. Liability insurance is also important. While you might have some coverage through home and auto policies, these plans would not cover other types of risks. An umbrella policy offers blanket protection and will ensure you are prepared for risks you are not even thinking about today.

Major Claim Support

Getting umbrella insurance is also a good idea to ensure you are prepared for significant claims. Even if you have other types of liability coverage, there will be coverage caps. When you also have umbrella insurance, it will provide support on top of the existing policies. This ensures that you have additional support if you are found liable for an accident that comes with extremely significant damage.

When you are trying to protect yourself in the Westchester, NY, area, you need to make sure that you are properly insured at all times. A great way to do this is to call our team at ASZ International Inc. to learn more about umbrella coverage. Our professionals at ASZ International Inc. offer any support you need to ensure you have appropriate insurance and liability risk mitigation.

Three things you might not know about umbrella insurance

Posted on March 30, 2023March 30, 2023 by admin

You should consider purchasing umbrella insurance if you’re concerned about losing assets if you get sued. In this scenario, umbrella insurance from ASZ International Inc. can provide liability coverage to protect you financially.

Know these three things about umbrella insurance in Westchester, NY.

Umbrella insurance expands upon the coverage offered by your auto and home policies.

While your auto and home insurance can cover you for liability expenses you face, there are limits on these policies. Umbrella insurance policies address the fact that these policies limit coverage by covering costs you incur more than your auto and home insurance policy limits.

You can choose the amount of umbrella insurance coverage you need.

Consumers will typically choose enough umbrella insurance coverage to cover the value of their total net worth. It’s pretty typical for umbrella insurance to be sold in increments of $1 million.

When calculating how much umbrella insurance to buy, it’s best to figure out your net worth. This way, you can be insured against liability expenses for everything you own to protect all your assets.

Umbrella insurance can cover you if you’re sued for slander or libel.

Some people don’t realize that umbrella insurance can cover you if you become entangled in a slander or libel dispute.

Another party could sue you if you are accused of spreading libel or slander about that person. Fortunately, you will be covered for your expenses to mount a legal defense if you have umbrella insurance.

Consumers in Westchester, NY can enjoy total financial security with the right umbrella insurance policy. Get a quote on a policy by contacting us at ASZ International Inc.

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.

Getting a Personal Insurance Quote

Posted on July 1, 2022September 19, 2022 by Marc Zettl

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!

Independent Agents vs Captive Agents

Posted on June 30, 2022September 19, 2022 by Marc Zettl

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

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

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

Umbrella Insurance FAQ

Posted on March 31, 2022April 1, 2022 by admin

With so many different types of insurance products available, it is vital that you understand how these products work and which products will work for you. At ASZ International Inc, serving Westchester, NY, and the surrounding areas, we can help you navigate these topics to make sound insurance choices. Keep reading to learn about umbrella insurance and how it can benefit you.

What Is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance is a type of insurance product designed to add to your other policies. If you have a claim event on one of your policies and the expenses exhausted the coverage amounts, an umbrella policy can kick in to pay the difference. Without an umbrella policy, you would be responsible for paying any difference. This could present a financial challenge.

Who Should Get Umbrella Insurance?

An umbrella policy can benefit anyone who would like extra coverage. Still, it is beneficial for those with many assets they wish to protect from liability. If an insurance policy is exhausted, your assets could be at risk. This could leave you financially vulnerable in the future.

What Will Umbrella Insurance Cover?

You can add an umbrella policy to auto, life, health, and commercial insurance. The best way to understand how to make this policy work for you is to sit down with an insurance agent. This professional will be able to look at your particular set of circumstances and make insurance recommendations that will best benefit you.

If you would like to learn more about umbrella insurance or any of our other insurance services, don’t hesitate to contact us at ASZ International Inc, serving Westchester, NY, and the surrounding areas.

Types of umbrella insurance

Posted on March 23, 2021March 23, 2021 by admin

An umbrella insurance coverage safeguards you by adding additional liability protection against judgments in lawsuits that transcend the security of your automobile and homeowners policies. New York has diverse needs when it comes to insurance coverage. Umbrella insurance can offer even more liability coverage to save you money if you are deemed liable for a prevailing accident or loss. Connect with our agents at ASZ International Inc. and get customizable umbrella insurance quotes that help you save.

Umbrella Options

In today’s litigious society we live in, especially in Westchester, NY, it’s prudent to possess as much liability insurance you can afford. Umbrella insurance policy is a pivotal investment that can safeguard you from the possibility of financial ruin. Many New York residents think that acquiring an umbrella insurance policy is expensive. But this is not the case because it’s affordable depending on the amount of protection you receive.

Suppose the liability limits are depleted on your homeowners, automobile, or other primary insurance policies; your umbrella insurance kicks in and provides you with additional protection. Visit us today at ASZ International Inc. offices and speak to our compassionate agents who will help you get an outstanding umbrella insurance policy matching your needs and budgetary allocation.

Types of umbrella insurance policies.

Umbrella insurance policy protects you from lawsuits and very outrageous claims. It also extends coverage in the following areas:

Bodily injury coverage: If a guest experiences an accident while on your property, such as dog bites, umbrella insurance will help cater to medical costs or lawsuit fees that supersede the limit of your auto and homeowners policies.
Injury to reputation coverage: It protects against scenarios such as defamation, slander, and libel. If you bruise a third party’s reputation, whether in person or through a social media platform, he/she may slap with an expensive lawsuit. If you lose these lawsuits, umbrella insurance comes into play and protects you.
Property damages coverage: If you are engaged in an accident and repair cost transcends your automobile insurance liability, an umbrella insurance policy kicks in and settles the remaining charges. It also protects your rented equipment.
Court costs: Umbrella insurance policy is tailored to pay your lawyer fees when you have to defend yourself in a lawsuit.

Call us or visit ASZ International Inc., located in Westchester, NY, for more information about umbrella insurance.

Can You Benefit from Umbrella Insurance?

Posted on March 30, 2020March 30, 2020 by admin

Some people have the mistaken idea that umbrella insurance is only for the rich. If you own a home or have financial assets, you can benefit from what umbrella policies have to offer. Umbrella insurance provides extra liability protection above the limits of your home, condo, or auto liability coverage. In fact, you cannot purchase an umbrella policy unless you have another form of liability coverage.

Here’s what an umbrella policy from ASZ International, Inc. in Westchester, NY has to offer you:

Higher Liability Protection

Umbrella policies offer much broader liability protection than that provided by the typical home, auto, or condo policies. This extra protection will cover broad liability claims made against you for serious accidents you may cause. Umbrella insurance also protects you against issues that aren’t covered by other liability insurance, such as slander, libel, and defamation of character.

Umbrella insurance begins when your primary liability coverage runs out, so there are no gaps in your coverage. This extra coverage saves you from having to pay the damages of large liability claims out-of-pocket.

Protection from Lawsuits

Umbrella insurance protects you against lawsuits if a severe accident prompts someone to sue you for damages. A major lawsuit can quickly deplete you of present and future financial assets. The more assets you own, the greater your chances of being sued. Losing a lawsuit could cause you financial ruin.

If you participate in a sport that poses a risk to others, own an aggressive dog, or have a pool on your property, you may be more susceptible to a lawsuit in the event of an accident. Umbrella insurance can protect your home, savings, retirement funds, and even future earnings from large liability claims that can lead to a lawsuit.

To learn more about umbrella insurance policies, contact ASZ International, Inc. in Westchester, NY today.

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Category: Umbrella Insurance