Author Archives: AgentInsure

What Is Collision Coverage And Why Do I Want It?

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Pizano Insurance, serving Wayzata, MN, has been offering insurance to the city for a long period. We feel collision coverage is necessary for every motorist. Here, we will tell you what the coverage is meant for and we ill also let you know why you need it.

Collision coverage provides funds to fix your car if you get into an accident. Whether you run into a stationary object or you run into another motorist, this coverage will fix the car regardless of who is at fault.

If you lease the car or you bought it through financing, you will be required to purchase the insurance coverage, but if you buy your car outright, it is optional. That’s why we want you to see the necessity of the coverage.

It is possible for your car to be totaled in an accident. In that case, this coverage may replace the car for you. This is one of the most important auto insurance coverage. You seem to be confused about something. What’s it? Oh, you are wondering why you need it when you have already purchased comprehensive insurance why should you purchase collision insurance.

Here in Minnesota, the comprehensive insurance coverage will only provide funds for your car if the damage is not collision-related. For instance, if your car is vandalized, damaged by fire or natural disaster, the comprehensive insurance coverage will fix the car for you. Also, if your car is stolen, since it is not related to a collision, comprehensive insurance coverage may provide a replacement.

But once the damage is caused by collision while in motion, the collision insurance policy will fix the car for you. Now, you should also decide the amount of deductible you can afford and the annual premium you want to pay. Just bear in mind that the higher the deductible, the lower the premium and vice-versa.

For more information about collision insurance or any other auto insurance product, kindly reach out to us at Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN.

Should You Increase Your Home Insurance Coverage?

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Home insurance isn’t something you can buy once and then forget about it. It needs to be reviewed periodically to ensure you’re getting the protection you need. Changes in your family, lifestyle or home structure can affect your coverage. At Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN, we recommend you review your policy annually to see if you need to increase your coverage to optimize your protection. Here are a few reasons why you may need more home insurance coverage.

Renovations

If you’ve recently renovated your home, you’ll need to add these renovations to your dwelling coverage to protect them against unforeseen disasters. Costly renovations such as a kitchen remodel or the addition of a new bathroom will increase the value of your home. You may need to increase your dwelling coverage to cover your renovations and the increased value of your property. Inadequate coverage could result in your paying for thousands of dollars worth of home repairs out of pocket in the event of a disaster.

Costly Belongings

Standard homeowner’s insurance comes with limits in protecting your belongings. If you inherited costly heirlooms, purchased high-end electronics or were gifted posh jewelry over the last year, your current coverage may be insufficient to cover their full value if they were stolen or damaged in a disaster. To protect these goods, you’ll have to increase your property coverage or obtain a rider that gives you extra protection for your costly valuables.

Retirement

Maybe you retired and plan to entertain at home more often. The more visitors you have, the greater the risk of someone having an accident on your property. Increasing your liability coverage protects you against accidental injuries that may occur during a special event on your property.

For more information about home insurance coverage and costs, contact Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN.

Does my auto insurance cover my side hustle?

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Having a side hustle is a way of life for many people, and numerous part-time gigs require the use of a car. From ridesharing to grocery delivery to restaurant order delivery, you need to have a set amount of auto insurance — typically your state minimum as a minimum — to register as a driver. However, this amount of coverage is not always adequate for protecting your potential liability in a wreck, and in some instances, your insurance policy may not cover the accident. Contact Pizano Insurance serving Wayzata, MN to discuss your car insurance needs in detail and review policy options.

Personal auto insurance

Carrying out a side hustle on your personal auto insurance is a bad idea. When you sign up for a policy, insurance companies ask questions about how the car is used. As your usage changes and you start to deliver riders or food, your needs change. Contact your insurer to review additional policy options. Many insurers offer ridesharing insurance for a minimal bump in monthly premiums while others may require the purchase of a commercial policy.

Ridesharing insurance

Insurance provided by ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft is a form of protection, but the coverage levels vary based on whether you are carrying a passenger or connected to a ride when a wreck occurs. This coverage also does not protect you from the harsh reality of losing your personal auto insurance policy if you are in a wreck and not having your losses covered.

Food delivery insurance

The same basic rules apply to insurance for delivery driving, whether it’s pizza, groceries or fast food. Most personal policies exclude delivery. This means you need to discuss add-ons or commercial policy with your insurer. Some delivery services do offer drivers a certain amount of liability protection, but the policies do not typically cover your car. You could also lose your policy for driving for the delivery without reporting the business use of your vehicle. The risk is not worth it in the long run. 

Due to the complexity of auto insurance, it is always best to speak to a professional when changing the ways you use your car. Agents at Pizano Insurance serving Wayzata, MN are ready to discuss your car insurance needs in detail and review policy options.

3 Benefits of Having a Professionally Monitored Home Security System

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Home security is something that everyone thinks about. There are several benefits to having a professionally installed and monitored system put in your home. In Wayzata, MN, the agents of Pizano Insurance can provide sound advice when it comes to choosing a professionally monitored system that is best suited for your home.

24/7 Monitoring

With a 24/7 professionally monitored system in place, there are eyes on your home every minute of every day, even when you are asleep or away. When an alarm is triggered, an alert will be sent to the monitoring center unless you turn off the system. You can rest assured someone will be watching your home, even when you cannot.

9-1-1 Response

With professional monitoring, a dispatcher will immediately notify the local authorities if an alert is triggered. In most cases, response times are less than 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your system and where you live. In some cases, the call center will notify the homeowner first if they want to ensure there really is an emergency.

No Maintenance Costs

When you install a professional home security system, you don’t own the equipment. You Lease it. When something breaks or stops working, it is up to the owner of the equipment to replace the device or make repairs.

Wayzata, MN residents who want to have a professional home security system installed can get additional information from the agents of Pizano Insurance. They can offer much-needed advice and help you make the right decision when it comes to the type of system you need. Call today to get the answers you need. Make an informed choice when it comes to protecting your family.

 

What should I consider when shopping for auto insurance?

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People that are in the Wayzata, MN area likely need to drive a car on a daily basis. If you are an owner of a car and drive it, you need to make sure that you are as responsible and safe as possible. Part of this has to include getting the right auto insurance policy in place. There are a variety of factors that need to be considered when you are looking for a new auto insurance policy.

Type of Insurance Needed

The first thing to think about is the type of auto insurance that you need. All drivers in Minnesota need to have liability insurance in order to comply with the state legal requirements. However, those that have a car that is expensive or have a loan that they need to repay, should also get collision and comprehensive insurance. This additional insurance will give you coverage for many events that could result in a loss. 

Deductible

When building an auto insurance policy, you also need to think about your deductible. This is the amount of money that needs to be spent before a claim is covered. While a higher deductible comes with a lower monthly payment, you also need to spend more money out of pocket when a claim is filed. 

Ultimately, it can be hard to choose a good auto insurance policy. If you are in the Wayzata, MN area, it never hurts to get the advice you need from someone that you can trust. A great resource for any questions that you have regarding auto insurance is Pizano Insurance. If you call Pizano Insurance, you will get the support that you need to get into a great policy. This will ensure that you and your vehicle are properly covered. 

How to Cover Valuables with Home Insurance

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If you’re like most people, you’ve probably collected a lot of “stuff” over the years, some of which could be quite valuable. When insuring your high-end possessions, it’s important you get the right coverage so you don’t lose out if these items are stolen or lost in a disaster. At Pizano Insurance, Wayzata, MN, we can customize your home insurance policy to provide the property protection you need. Here’s what you should know about protecting valuables with home insurance.  

Standard Property Coverage

Standard home insurance policies have limits on the personal property protection they provide. For most people, these limits are enough to protect their goods against theft or loss in the event of a disaster. The value of high-end goods, however, may exceed the limits of your policy, leaving you to cover the remaining cost of your loss out-of-pocket. By getting additional coverage for your valuables, you can avoid financial loss.

Additional Insurance Coverage

To fully protect high-end goods, consider getting additional insurance protection in the form of a floater policy or endorsement. A floater policy extends coverage on specific items you own to help reimburse you for their full value. An endorsement allows you to increase coverage on a category of items.

By making a home inventory of your goods and documenting their worth, you’ll have a better idea of the insurance coverage you need to protect valuable items. Before insuring antiques, heirlooms or collectibles, have them appraised to determine their value. If any of your costly goods are stolen or damaged in a covered peril, having a record of their value will make it much easier for you to file a claim.

To learn more about home insurance personal property coverage and costs, call or visit Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN today.

Why Minimum Auto Insurance May Not Be Enough Coverage

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Are you driving with an inadequate auto insurance policy? Many people in Wayzata, MN and beyond think that purchasing Minnesota’s minimum state insurance limits are enough to cover them in case of a major accident. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case in many situations. That’s why our agents at Pizano Insurance are determined to get you a policy that will keep your vehicle protected on the road. 

What’s required for auto insurance coverage? 

Being a "no-fault" state, Minnesota requires all motorists to have Personal Injury Protection (often referred to as PIP), as well as liability and uninsured motorist coverage. PIP protects you if you get into an accident, regardless of who’s at fault. In addition, Minnesota drivers must secure state minimums for liability coverage, which protects other motorists and vehicles in case of an accident. Uninsured motorist policies cover expenses after PIP policy limits have been reached on the other driver’s policy. It also covers you if you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident. 

Is this enough coverage?

The answer to this question depends on what you need in order to protect you, your passengers, and your vehicle in case of an accident. Are you prepared if your car is hit by a falling object like a tree branch? What if your windshield is damaged? What happens if your vehicle is stolen? Optional insurance plans offered by our team at Pizano Insurance can help answer these questions, and protect your vehicle from them.  We can help the residents of Wayzata, MN, and other areas find the right plan auto insurance plan. 

If you have questions on whether you have the right type of car insurance policy, our agents at Pizano Insurance can help. Get a quote on a new auto insurance plan by using our free online tool, or visit our website for more information. 

Keeping Your Home Safe While You’re Out of Town

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Whether you are planning a nice, relaxing trip over a holiday or a long vacation for a couple of weeks, you want to have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your home and all your belongings will be safe and sound while you are away. So consider implementing the strategies outlined here, courtesy of Pizano Insurance serving the Wayzata, MN area, to maintain your home’s safety while you are out of town.

Using security cameras

So many people are installing and using security cameras at their homes these days. And for good reason: Those convenient devices serve a valuable purpose as they provide an added layer of security in and around your home. Shop around to find the camera that best suits your needs.

Turning off items

Turn off and unplug appliances and other electrical items before you go out of town. That includes electronic items, small appliances like toasters and lamps. It is smart to do this because you never know when those items could malfunction while you are out of town.

Checking appliances

Before you go out of town, check all major appliances to make sure they are in good condition. You might consider unplugging certain items such as your clothes washer.

Monitoring your home

You might want to consider having a housesitter or neighbor keeping a close eye on your house while you are away. This is a simple step that can go a long way toward providing some extra security.

There are many ways to safeguard your home while you are away. Plan ahead before your trip and follow the tips outlined here. If you need more information or would like to make sure your home insurance needs are being met, feel free to contact Pizano Insurance serving the Wayzata, MN area.

Should You Raise Your Liability Insurance Coverage?

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You already know you have to carry liability insurance coverage. But how do you know that you have enough? And are state minimums acceptable or should you have more than that? Here’s a bit of information from our Pizano Insurance team to consider.

What Liability Insurance Covers

Liability insurance is considered a third-party coverage. This means that, if you’re in an at-fault accident, this type of coverage would help to pay for the other person’s vehicle, property, and/or medical bills. It is required by law and the basis of what you see on your policy documents.

Should You Have Higher Than State Minimum Limits?

The next question many people ask is whether they should have higher than state minimum limits. In most cases, the answer is yes. State minimum limits are designed to help provide just a small amount of financial help if you’re involved in a bare-bones at-fault accident.

If you’re in a serious accident with multiple vehicles, newer vehicles, or injuries, you would be responsible for everything over your liability limit. That’s why it is important to have a high enough limit in case this type of scenario happens.

And if you don’t have enough insurance coverage? You could be sued personally for everything the claim does not cover.

Budget Considerations

Before you raise your liability insurance coverage, it is important to first take into account your personal budget. A higher level of policy equates to a higher policy premium. However, it most cases the difference is only a few dollars a month. That’s why it is best to speak with your agent about your particular situation and budget before making the change.

Ready to learn more? Contact our team at Pizano Insurance team in Wayzata, MN to schedule a no-obligation

Is Your Home Ready to Receive Guests for the Holidays?

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If you plan to host festivities in your Wayzata, MN home this holiday season, there’s no time like the present to prep your abode. The following ideas from Pizano Insurance can be helpful in getting your home ready to receive family and friends for the holidays.

Declutter

Decluttering will improve the appearance of your home and make it more spacious for holiday events. Start with your foyer and proceed to the living room, stairs, kitchen, and dining room to remove clutter from bookshelves, ottomans, coffee table and counters. Get rid of unwanted items and store away what you want to keep for future use.  

Ready Your Kitchen

Deep clean your kitchen to make it a pleasant environment for guests to congregate during the holidays. Clean counters, cabinets, appliances, and floor. Stock up on foods and snacks you’ll need for the holidays as well as party supplies (napkins, paper plates, paper towels.) Check your dinnerware, glasses, and utensils to ensure they’re in top shape for holiday service.   

Prepare Guest Room

Wash guest sheets, blankets, comforters and towels well before house guests arrive so you won’t be caught unprepared. Clear out closet space for guests to hang up holiday clothing and empty a drawer for personal belongings. Scented candles and a bowl of holiday snacks add a finishing touch to welcome those you love.

Stock up Bathrooms

Stock up on toiletries, toilet paper, and paper towels and put them well within visitor reach. Purchase new bath mats and rugs, if needed, to enhance your décor. Tidy bathrooms right before guests arrive, so they will appear fresh and clean. 

Updating your home insurance is an important part of preparing your home for the holidays. Dwelling, liability and contents coverage will protect you against the risk of holiday accidents. For comprehensive coverage at an affordable cost, call or visit Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN today.