Name: ASZ International, Inc.
Address: 200 Summit Lake Drive, Suite 220, Valhalla, NY, 10595
Telephone: 800-694-0279

Insuring Your Side Hustle

Posted on June 1, 2023June 1, 2023 by admin

In recent years, many of us have been pursuing side hustles, whether to make an additional income or fulfill personal passions. While side hustles bring in additional cash, they also require additional considerations, particularly when it comes to insurance. With a side hustle, you are essentially starting a small business, which means you would have to deal with risks and liabilities that come with running a business. In this blog post, we’ll go through some side hustle examples, the cost of insuring, and the risks of not insuring properly or not having insurance at all, to help you navigate insuring your side hustle.

To provide context, side hustles come in different forms and vary in scale. Some are small such as pet sitting, while others are bigger such as rental properties. Side hustlers or entrepreneurs need to think through their options for insurance and consider potential risks before engaging in any side business.

Examples of side hustles include but not limited to: freelance writing, pet-sitting, online tutoring, selling handmade items online, real estate, event planning, delivering food or packages, ridesharing, and much more. Depending on the side hustle that you choose, you might be required to hold insurance policies on top of the existing policy held by your employer.

Cost of Insuring:

The cost of ensuring your side hustle depends on what kind of work you’re doing. For instance, if you’re pet-sitting or doing freelance writing, the cost of insuring is going to be less than a side hustle that requires additional equipment. If you’re running a side hustle like renting out part of your home, you might need a comprehensive policy that includes liability coverage and landlord insurance, which can be pricier. Ideally, it’s best to talk to an insurance agent to discuss available options, risks, cost-effectiveness, and tailor coverage to your specific needs.

Risks of Not Insuring Properly or at All:

Not having insurance or proper insurance in place might lead to financial loss or cash flow problems in case of lawsuits for injuries, damages, or other liabilities. Moreover, this risk increases if your side hustle involves physical goods or if you work closely with clients. The cost of insuring an incident (which could be as little as a lost item or as severe as a personal injury) properly will be much more cost-effective than paying for legal fees, which could end up being high if legal battles ensue.

It is crucial to think of your side hustle as a business when it comes to insurance, and to find insurance coverage which is suitable for your unique business. Whether it’s running your own website or providing service, your side hustle could be exposed to risks regardless of your size of business. As your passion project or side gig grows, you never know what might happen, so investing in insurance might protect your business, clients, employees and most importantly, you.

Tailoring Coverage for Different Types of Bikes and Riders

Posted on May 31, 2023May 31, 2023 by admin

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.

Why Cyber Liability Insurance is Essential for Business Owners

Posted on May 19, 2023May 19, 2023 by Marc Zettl

With the increasing reliance on technology in today’s business world, cyber threats have become a major concern for businesses of all sizes. Data breaches, cyber-attacks, and other security incidents can cause significant financial losses and can damage a business’s reputation. To protect themselves, business owners should consider purchasing cyber liability insurance. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of cyber liability insurance and why it should be on every business owner’s radar.

1. What is Cyber Liability Insurance?

Cyber liability insurance is a type of insurance that provides coverage and protection against losses resulting from cyber attacks, data breaches, and other security incidents. It is designed to safeguard businesses from the financial losses that can result from these types of events. Cyber liability insurance can cover a wide range of expenses, including legal fees, notification costs, credit monitoring services, and other expenses related to the breach.

2. Why is Cyber Liability Insurance Important?

Data breaches and security incidents can happen to any business, regardless of their size or industry. Cyber liability insurance is important for businesses because it provides protection that can help mitigate the financial losses that can result from these types of events. Without insurance, businesses could potentially face significant financial losses that could jeopardize their ability to continue operating.

3. What Does Cyber Liability Insurance Cover?

Cyber liability insurance can cover a range of expenses related to a cyber-attack or data breach. Some of the common expenses covered by cyber liability insurance include legal fees, notification costs, credit monitoring services, and other expenses related to the breach. Cyber liability insurance can also provide coverage for damages resulting from lost or damaged data, cyber extortion, and cyber-terrorism.

4. How to Choose the Right Cyber Liability Insurance

When choosing a cyber liability insurance policy, it’s important to consider the specific needs of your business. Factors to consider include the size of the business, the industry you operate in, the types of data you handle, and the potential financial impact of a cyber-attack. Working with an experienced insurance agent can help you select the right policy that will provide adequate protection for your business.

5. Conclusion

In today’s world, cyber-attacks and data breaches can have devastating consequences for businesses. To protect themselves from financial losses and other risks associated with these types of events, business owners should consider purchasing cyber liability insurance. With the right policy in place, businesses can have peace of mind knowing that they are protected against the financial impact of a cyber-attack or data breach.

How To Keep Kids Safe While Boating

Posted on April 29, 2023April 29, 2023 by admin

Boating can be great fun for the whole family, but boat owners must know how to keep everyone safe while on the water. This includes any children that will be on your boat for any amount of time. At ASZ International Inc., serving Westchester, NY, and the surrounding areas, we are committed to helping you keep your boat and guests safe. Keep reading to learn more.

Should Kids Come Boating?

There is no reason why children shouldn’t be able to enjoy time on your boat just like everyone else. However, when kids are on your boat, there are safety considerations you should keep in mind. Let’s look at a few safety precautions you should remember when kids visit your boat.

Adult Child Ratios

As with most activities, keeping an excellent adult-to-child ratio on your boat is always a good idea. An adult-to-child ratio refers to the number of kids on the boat vs. the number of adults. You want to make sure that the adults are not too outnumbered. When this happens, it becomes more challenging to watch the children safely. If you feel uncomfortable with the number of children on the boat, recruit a few more adults to help keep everyone safe.

Life Jackets for Everyone

This should be a non-negotiable rule for kids on your boat. Everyone gets a properly fitting life jacket. Ensure kids have one, even if you do not usually use life jackets. Even if this is an extra expense, it is worth it.

If you want to learn more about boat safety or insurance, please get in touch with us at ASZ International Inc, serving Westchester, NY, and the surrounding areas.

The Hardening of the Personal Insurance Market

Posted on April 21, 2023May 8, 2023 by Marc Zettl

Umbrella Insurance word cloud collage, business concept background

How the Economy Affects Insurance Rates

Rising costs are a concern for both insurance companies and consumers. Inflation, higher interest rates, increased costs, and weather and climate events all affect the cost of insurance coverage.

Here’s a look at some of the factors that may be influencing what you pay.

Auto

Supply chain shortages have made it difficult to repair vehicles efficiently and at a low cost. (1)
Nearly 80% of collision repair shops are scheduling appointments 2 weeks or more into the future. (2)
Driven by rising prices, the amount insurers paid to cover claims increased by $30 billion in 2021. (3)

Costs have increased:

19.5% for motor vehicle repairs (4)
9.9% for motor vehicle parts and equipment (4)

Home

Prices for materials continue to rise:

12.5% Floor coverings (4)
18% Drywall (5)
14.8% Concrete products (4)

There are more frequent and severe weather and climate events, including wildfires and hurricanes. (6) The annual cost of natural catastrophes around the world is estimated at $123 billion. (7) There has also been a surge in nonweather-related water damage, such as plumbing leaks.

Each year:

There’s approximately $8.24 billion in these types of property losses. (8)
1 in 60 insured homes has a claim caused by water damage or freezing. (9)

As we all navigate a changing economy, there are plenty of ways to save. Talk with your agent today to review your products and discounts.

References

[1] “Repair Costs & Labor Issues Affecting Insurers in 2023,” agencyheight.com/car-repair-costs (Jan. 9, 2023).

[2] “Crash Course 2022 Mid-Year Update: Gearing Up for What’s Ahead,” cccis.com/news-and-insights/insights/crash-course-2022-mid-year-updategearing-up-for-whats-ahead/ (May 31, 2022).

[3] “Countering inflation: How US P&C insurers can build resilience,” mckinsey.com/industries/financial-services/our-insights/countering-inflation-how-us-pand-

c-insurers-can-build-resilience (Aug. 25, 2022).

[4] Bureau of Labor Statistics/Nationwide Economics (December 2022).

[5] “CoreLogic Quarterly Construction Insights Q4 2022,” corelogic.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/12/QCI-Q4-22.pdf (accessed Jan. 26, 2023).

[6] “Global warming frequently asked questions,” climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/global-warming-frequently-asked-questions (Oct. 29, 2020).

[7] “Global Average Annual Insured Losses from Extreme Events in Excess of $120 Billion, New Report from Verisk Finds,” verisk.com/newsroom/globalaverage-annual-insured-losses-from-extreme-events-in-excess-of-$120-billion-new-report-finds/ (Sept. 28, 2022).

[8] “WaterRisk: The first and only predictor of non-weather water claims,” locationinc.com/water-risk-data (accessed Jan. 26, 2023).

[9] “Facts + Statistics: Homeowners and renters insurance,” iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-homeowners-and-renters-insurance (accessed Feb. 10, 2023).

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.

How to Prepare for a Home Flooding

Posted on February 28, 2023February 28, 2023 by admin

Do you live in an area that’s prone to flooding? Then your home may be at risk of property damages, financial losses, and other related issues. Water damage becomes expensive, costing homeowners thousands of dollars in repair costs. Sometimes, the best solution is to create a plan that prepares against a flood. At ASZ International Inc., our team is discussing the different options that a homeowner has in the event of flooding – including a comprehensive insurance package.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

The emergency kit is an immediate first aid kit that helps the homeowner during a flood. The kit should include emergency contacts, canned food, batteries, warmers, personal identification, or an insurance certificate. For your emergency kit, come up with a list of supplies needed when an area of the house is compromised in this way.

Minimize the Potential Losses

You can renovate your home to prevent significant losses from happening. This process often involves waterproofing your basement, redesigning doors and windows, or clearing the house gutters. Some people even opt to design the foundation to prevent cracks from forming.

Find an Insurance Plan that Covers Disaster Relief

Insurance will provide financial protection against a flood. While looking for home insurance, you should search for policies that pay for disaster relief, possession loss, or water damage to a residence.

Buying Flood Insurance in Westchester, NY

ASZ International Inc is an agency that provides flood insurance. Our plans will pay for property damages and financial losses related to the flooding. If you’re interested in hearing more, contact our agency at 800-694-0279. We’d be happy to schedule an appointment with one of our agents.

What Does Condo Insurance Cover?

Posted on January 31, 2023January 31, 2023 by admin

Condo insurance is essential to have in place to protect against any losses or repair costs for your condominium unit. The agents at ASZ International Inc. in Westchester, NY want you to know what condo insurance covers and why it is important for your New York condo.

Why is Condo Insurance Important?

Most of the time, the condominium association that governs the complex in which your condo is located has its own coverage in place. Their insurance may only cover the building in which your condominium is located and common areas throughout the complex and liability insurance for the association. This means if someone breaks into your condominium or is injured while visiting your condo, you are liable for those costs, which is why you need your own condo insurance policy.

What does a condo insurance policy cover?

While the bylaws of your condo association and state laws will determine exactly what the association must cover with its master insurance policy, it is up to you to obtain a condo insurance policy that works well for you and your situation.

Most of the time, condo insurance will cover the interior walls and possibly the fixtures inside your condo. It can also cover damage to your condominium caused by smoke, fire, lightning, a windstorm, theft, vandalism, or malicious mischief. It can also cover what is referred to as an accidental discharge of water inside your condo.

Contact Us

It is imperative that you have your own condo insurance policy in place to cover the many things that the condo association’s insurance will not cover. Contact one of the experienced and trusted agents at ASZ International Inc. in Westchester, NY today to get your policy started!

Rising Commercial Auto Rates

Posted on January 12, 2023January 12, 2023 by Joann Koziol

If you are a business owner and you have commercial auto insurance, then you may have noticed that your rates have been increasing. Let’s look at why commercial auto insurance rates are on the rise.

The Cost of Claims
One of the primary reasons for an increase in commercial auto insurance rates is the cost of claims. The more expensive the claim, the more likely it is that insurance companies will need to increase their premium prices in order to offset costs. It is important to note that this isn’t necessarily something specific to commercial auto insurance; rather, it has become increasingly difficult for insurers to make money in general as the cost of claims continues to rise.

Risk Management Practices
In addition to rising claim costs, another factor contributing to higher premiums is risk management practices. As technology advances, there are more ways for insurers to identify and manage risk effectively. For example, insurers can now use predictive analytics and telematics data to assess a driver’s risk profile and adjust their premiums accordingly. By implementing these practices, insurers can better manage risk and protect themselves from potential losses.

Changes in Auto Insurance Market
Finally, the changes in the auto insurance market also contribute to rate increases. In recent years, there has been an influx of new competitors entering the space offering low-cost policies with attractive benefits. This increased competition has driven down prices overall but also created an environment where insurers must continue raising their rates just to stay competitive.

Overall, commercial auto insurance rates are increasing due to a variety of factors including rising claim costs, risk management practices, and changes in the auto insurance market. While this can be frustrating for business owners who rely on their vehicles for work-related purposes, we can help you make informed and proactive decisions. Contact us at info@aszinternational.com for assistance.

What is the benefit of having a health insurance plan in New York?

Posted on December 30, 2022December 30, 2022 by admin

In the Westchester, NY area, people must carefully evaluate their insurance needs. For the typical person, various forms of coverage need to be obtained. A type of coverage that everyone should have is health coverage. Multiple benefits come when you have a health insurance policy in this part of New York.

Access to Affordable Care and Medication

A primary reason to have a health insurance plan is to have affordable access to care and medication. The costs can be significant if you try and see a doctor, get medication, or go through a procedure without insurance. With a health insurance plan, you can affordably receive this care and attention when necessary, as your costs will be subsidized by insurance.

Comply with Requirements

Getting a health insurance plan to comply with any requirements will also be a good idea. Today, all people in New York and the rest of the country are required to have a health insurance plan at all times for themselves and any dependents. If you do not consistently carry this insurance, you will violate this requirement and could be penalized.

Health insurance should always be a top priority when building a personal insurance plan in Westchester, NY. When you are looking to get this type of coverage, it could be helpful to call the team with ASZ International Inc. There are a lot of choices to make when looking for this coverage, and ASZ International Inc. can help you identify your options. This can ensure you get the coverage needed to stay in compliance and access affordable care.

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