Monthly Archives: October 2024

Three Services Your Car Needs Through the Winter

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As the winter months approach and temperatures drop, your window for winterizing your vehicle will shrink. Here are three things you must do to get your vehicle through the winter.

1. Change and Top Off Fluids

Before it gets too cold, make sure the oil is changed in your vehicle so that fresh oil is circulating through the engine and there’s little debris causing potential damage. Also, top off the other fluids, like antifreeze, power steering fluid, and brake fluid. This keeps all your systems operational and protects the engine from freezing temperatures.

2. Inspect and Change Your Battery

If you haven’t changed your battery in a while, this is an excellent time to have it inspected and see if it needs to be changed. Winter can be brutal on old batteries that are getting weak. You don’t want to find out that your car won’t start, whether at home or in public, as this can be a stressful situation in the cold winter. If it’s time to change the battery, make sure you replace it before the weather gets too cold.

3. Inspect and Get Tires

Living in Minnesota means you need to get snow tires once the weather starts to stay around 45 degrees. These tires have chains and additional grips that will help you when traveling on the highways in the winter. There is lots of water, ice, and snow to be expected for several months in Minnesota, and without snow tires, you could be dangerously hurt. If you’re putting last year’s snow tires back on, inspect them first and install them before the weather gets too cold.

If you’re looking for a new auto insurance quote and live in the Wayzata, MN, community, or surrounding areas, contact Pizano Insurance today for your personal quote.

Understanding Deductibles: How to Choose the Right Amount for Home Insurance

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When selecting home insurance in Wayzata, MN, one important decision is choosing the right deductible amount. The policyholder pays the out-of-pocket deductible upon filing a claim. Once the deductible is met, the insurance company will discuss payment for the rest of the claim, provided it is within the coverage.

Impact of Deductibles on Your Premiums

The deductible you choose directly influences your insurance premium. Higher deductibles often result in lower monthly or annual premiums, as you are agreeing to pay more out of pocket in the event of a claim. Conversely, lower deductibles increase your premiums since the insurance company assumes more financial responsibility. Striking the right balance depends on your financial situation and risk tolerance.

Evaluating Your Risk Tolerance

Consider how much risk you are comfortable taking to choose a deductible amount. If you live in an area prone to natural disasters like hurricanes or floods, a lower deductible may be better, even if your premiums are a little more expensive. This way, you’ll have fewer out-of-pocket expenses in the event of damage. However, a higher deductible could save you money over time if you’re confident in your ability to handle small repairs or uncommon incidents.

Aligning Deductible with Your Emergency Savings

Your deductible should be an amount you can comfortably pay in an emergency. Evaluate your savings and choose a deductible that aligns with what you can afford to spend out of pocket. For example, if your deductible is set at $1,000, ensure you have at least that much in savings to cover unexpected repairs or damages.

Pizano Insurance – Your Guide to Insurance

Pizano Insurance provides comprehensive answers to your insurance questions. We serve Wayzata, MN, and surrounding cities. Contact us today.