Author Archives: AgentInsure

Don’t Get Left Out in the Rain Without Umbrella Insurance!

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Isn’t it awful when you get caught in the rain without an umbrella? When you get caught with an inadequate level of insurance coverage, it’s much worse than getting caught in the rain without a cover. You can protect yourself by having an umbrella insurance policy from Pizano Insurance, serving Wayzata, MN and the surrounding area. 

1. Protects Your Home

If you should happen to get sued for the amount of money not covered by your standard auto or homeowner’s policy, you could find yourself in a situation where you would have to sell your home to make up for the costs. What you worked so hard could be gone if you don’t have an umbrella policy.  

2. Protects Your Family

Your family relies on you to provide for them. They feel protected knowing you’re taking care of the bills, so they’re comfortable and safe in their own home. However, if you don’t purchase an umbrella policy, they could discover you didn’t think of one aspect. You could let your family down in the event something happens that exceeds the amount of insurance you have on your standard policies.  

3. Gives You Peace of Mind

You might always worry about something huge happening that’s going to cause serious financial consequences for your family. You might plan ahead by saving money, but if the incident that happens is more than you can pay, you could still find yourself being unable to meet your financial obligations. With an umbrella policy, you can have a peace of mind, knowing you have extra insurance that covers what you standard policies don’t. 

Contact Pizano Insurance, serving Wayzata, MN and the surrounding area, to get a quote for an umbrella policy, so you’re never caught in the rain. We’re available by calling 763-244-3320. 

Harbor Dredging Damaged My Boat! What to Do?

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Anyone who has spent time in Minneapolis and Wayzata, MN knows the local lakes are a regular hangout, particular for those with boats. However, even well-kept harbors eventually have to be cleared and dredged, a fact that eventually every boat owner is affected by when their harbor is next. Smaller boats are easy to deal with; they are just pulled out after use and put on a trailer. However, larger vessels have to remain in their harbor, and dredging can be a bit of a dramatic event.

While most Wayzata, MN dredging operations are handled professionally and are completed without issue, a sloppy event can be a big problem, according to Pizano Insurance. And boaters may not know the problem will damage their boat until the dredging is complete and the boater tries to move his vessel. Then the damage occurs as the vessel hits soil material under water that wasn’t cleared properly. Ideally, a dredging operation takes the underwater soil dug up and removes it to a barge which then relocates the mud to a farther away location out of the path of boats. However, if a dredger doesn’t account for material being deposited on the sides of the trenching, it can create a lipping effect that boats could hit, especially when tide is low. And that can mean serious damage if the material includes large rocks.

If a boat is damaged, ideally the dredging company can be identified and has a policy in place for damage it causes. The harbor could be held responsible as well for employing the dredger. However, what many boaters find is that their boat insurance policy oftentimes covers such damage that was no fault of their own, and then the insurance company seeks a claim against those responsible. What is needed, however, is a clear linkage that the damage was caused by dredging, and that could require examination of the boat and damaging material. To find out more call Pizano Insurance to understand how a claim process would work.

Is Your Business Safe from Theft and Vandalism?

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As a small business owner, it’s your responsibility to keep your enterprise safe from theft and vandalism. Acquiring a business owner’s insurance policy from Pizano Insurance, Wayzata, MN is the first step toward protecting your investment. Here are a few other measures you can take to reduce the risk of theft and damage to your goods or property.

Upgrade Security Measures in Wayzata, MN

Upgrade security measures on your business property to discourage thieves and trespassers from targeting your establishment. This could include installing security lights to protect your property at night or a burglar alarm system and security cameras. Make sure you advertise that your property is protected by an alarm system to deter criminal activity. Upgrading your security will minimize the risk of crime on your business property and protect your assets. Security upgrades may also qualify you for a discount on your business insurance premium.

Secure Important Documents

Secure important documents such as financial statements, tax records, employee records, etc., in a safe location. Paper files that are essential to your business should be stored in secure filing cabinets or business safe. Digital records should be protected by secure passwords and anti-virus software. The sensitive financial material should be handled by trustworthy employees to avoid the risk of internal theft or fraud.  

Establish a “Business Watch” in Your Area  

Get acquainted with small business owners in your area and establish an agreement to watch out for one another and help prevent crime. Encourage your employees to keep an eye out for suspicious behavior in or around the area and to report criminal activity immediately to local police. A collective effort amongst local businesses will be much more effective in deterring crime.  

For greater insight into how to protect your business interests, contact Pizano Insurance, Wayzata, MN.  

Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in the State of Minnesota

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Like many states, Minnesota requires every driver to insure their vehicles, and they must have at least the following coverage:

•    No-fault insurance
•    Liability insurance
•    Uninsured motorist insurance

Every type of coverage must meet the state required minimum, and they must be in force while the driver is on the road.

Minimum No-Fault Insurance

Also called “personal injury protection,” no-fault insurance will pay for any medical bills and loss of income after an accident occurs, and it will pay no matter whose fault it was. 

No-fault insurance will cover you whether you’re a driver or a passenger, and any people who are riding with you will be covered under their policy.

Minimum Liability Insurance

Liability insurance would pay for any damages or injury if the accident was your fault.

If you were involved in an accident for which you are at fault, the other driver’s no-fault coverage would kick in first, and your liability insurance will cover any excess of that amount.

Minimum Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Even though the State of Minnesota requires every driver to have auto insurance, there are many who don’t. This type of coverage is meant to protect you from any liabilities if you get into an accident with one of these drivers.

If you want to get an affordable auto insurance policy that meets the state’s requirements, Pizano Insurance in Wayzata MN can help you get one that you can easily afford. Feel free to reach out to us so we can discuss your needs.

Additional Coverage Options

Despite the state required minimum, there are other types of coverage you can purchase that can give you an extra level of protection. Some of these may include:

•    Collision – Will cover any damages that are caused by an accident
•    Comprehensive – Will cover any damages that aren’t traffic-related

If you want to purchase a comprehensive policy at an affordable price, Pizano Insurance has a team of experienced agents that can help you. We’ve been serving the people of Wayzata, MN for a long time, and we understand the needs of our community. If you want to speak to one of our agents, get in touch with us today!

Improving Your Home Insurance Policy: Add Ons and Extra Considerations

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Home insurance is based on you, so it helps to know everything that’s available. While each company differs in terms of exactly what’s offered, you can make your own requests if you have specific fears. For example, if your beloved Golden Retriever is prone to knocking your things to the ground with the sweep of their tail, you don’t want to be responsible for replacing everything he destroys out of pocket. Keep these tips in mind from Pizano Insurance if you live in Wayzata, MN. 

Start Asking Questions 

The best way to improve your home insurance is not necessarily to start combing through the pages of your policy. The best way is to start addressing different scenarios with a critical mind. What happens if your home is flooded, what happens if a vandal destroys your mailbox, who will pay if your cash is stolen from your safe? Once you get these exact answers, you can start seeing where the gaps are so they can be filled with additional language that covers further destruction. You can also decide if an event is likely enough to happen to you to justify spending the extra money. 

Help for Wayzata, MN Residents 

If you’re looking for help when it comes to your policy, we’re here to make it easier to navigate. Our job is to address your home and the possessions that make it special and start giving you concrete ways to protect it. The key is to remember that insurance policies can be built to you. For example, you may not have a dog, but what if you have a relative who might bring theirs over? Pizano Insurance makes it simpler to see how insurance really works in the real world, so call today! 

College Students and Auto Insurance Policies

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While planning for the big transition from high school to college, students largely focus on dorm room furniture, making new friends, and choosing a major. They don’t spend much time dwelling on insurance considerations — but auto insurance is definitely worth addressing.

In some circumstances, students are able to remain on their parents’ car insurance plans. Others opt for their own insurance coverage. There is no one right solution for every situation; the following are a few of the most common approaches to car insurance in college.

Dropping Car Insurance Altogether

Depending on where your student attends college, he or she may not need a car on campus. But what happens when the fall and spring semesters end? When your student returns home, he or she will once again want to drive, making full coverage a necessity. Coverage is also essential if your student chooses to live at home and commute to a local community college or the University of Minnesota.

Sticking With the Same Car Insurance Policy

Students who drive their parents’ cars infrequently typically remain on the same plan that covered them as high school students. In doing so, they can take advantage of less expensive coverage while still enjoying full driving privileges whenever they return home. This is one of the most popular options for college students covered by Pizano Insurance serving Wayzata, MN.

A New Car Insurance Policy

Some college students desire total independence. Separate car insurance policies may prove preferable for those with their own cars who wish to break away. However, this approach is more expensive than sticking with an existing policy.

Car insurance does not have to be complicated when your teen driver leaves for college. Pizano Insurance offers a variety of options for families residing in and around Wayzata, MN. Get in touch today to learn more about college student coverage.

 

 

 

The Best Ways to Save On Your Home Insurance

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You are not locked into the amount of money you pay currently for home insurance. There are different ways to reduce what you pay while living in Wayzata, MN, all without dropping coverage or increasing your deductible. At Pizano Insurance, we want to make sure you not only receive excellent home insurance but at a desirable price. 

Security System

A home security system is one of the very best services out there. It will keep your home safe and yet can also reduce your home insurance costs. With a connection to the local police and fire departments, you’ll reduce any chance of extensive damages in the event of a fire. It will also prevent break-ins, which in turn also cuts down on insurance costs. 

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

It is a good idea to have these in every room of the house. These will keep you safe and also reduce insurance costs as fire damage is limited. Some smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can work in unison with the security system as well. 

Improve Utilities

If you have money for a home upgrade, consider having work down to the electrical or plumbing. In a dated house, these are often the most problem filled areas. By making these corrections and having the system updated you can see a drop in insurance costs. 

No matter the kind of home you live in or where in Wayzata, MN you call home, at Pizano Insurance we are here to assist in finding the right coverage at a price you can afford. So, if you have any questions regarding your home insurance or want to know if our company can help you save money, feel free to reach out and contact us at your earliest convenience. 

Auto Accident Insurance Coverage Minnesota

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Minnesota’s snowy winters make accident protection a must. Auto accident insurance coverage is a must for drivers in the state.

In the event of an accident, a full-coverage automobile insurance policy will offset attendant costs to a collision such as medical bills and subsequent wage loss associated with physical injury. Drivers in cold weather states like Minnesota are of keen interest to insurers, as road collisions and auto related accidents from winter road conditions result in dis-proportionality higher than average insurance payouts than the national average. Minnesota drivers have three basic policy options to meet state minimum mandates for auto insurance.

1. Auto Liability Coverage

The most basic coverage for a driver in Minnesota, auto liability insurance agreements protects vehicle assets in case that an auto accident is an insured’s fault. A minimum of $30,000 for single person injury, and $60,000 for injuries to multiple parties, as well as $10,000 for damage to an insured’s vehicle, is required.

2. Personal Injury No-Fault Coverage

Coverage for hospitalization and wage reimbursement is available to an insured driver before a lawsuit. In Minnesota, a driver must carry a minimum of $40,000 in coverage insurance to meet the criteria to ‘no-fault’ coverage. Per-person coverage for an accident is $20,000 in medical care expense offsets and $20,000 for non-medical expenses such as lost wages following an injury sustained from an auto accident.

3. Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Compensation for driver injuries post-accident, where the culpability is another driver with no insurance or limited insurance, is provided by an uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage agreement.  Minnesota auto insurance policy minimum for this type of coverage is $25,000 for injury to a single person and $50,000 for injuries to multiple parties.

For auto accident coverage in Wayzata, MN, contact an insurance broker.

Trimming Back Trees and Hedges Improve Your Home Security

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With winter rapidly approaching around Wayzata, MN, most of your yard work is done for the year. However, now is a good time to take a look at those oversized shrubs in front of your house and trim any overgrown trees down to size.

Can You See Your Doors and Windows From the Road?

During the warm months, have you admired all the trees and hedges in front of your home? If you couldn’t see the doors or windows through all the leaves, that means you can’t see a home invader working away at locks and windows, either. By removing large landscaping from around points of entry, you improve the security of your home.

Check the Power Lines to Your Home

Blizzard winds will be howling soon. Did that tree near the house finally get big enough to be hanging over your cable, phone and electric lines running to your house? You can prevent loss of power in a storm by having those trees trimmed back now. The utility companies may take care of the ones on the street, but not on your property. Call in a professional now.

Are Your Trees Healthy?

Sometimes we like the tree that grew with a natural V in the trunk. However, that means when it grows large enough, it is susceptible to coming down in a storm–possibly damaging your siding or roof. With all the leaves down, it’s a good time to have sick, rotting and unsafe trees identified and removed from your property.

Good property maintenance isn’t just about keeping up appearances; it’s also about protecting your most valuable asset and your family.  Give your Wayzata, MN area home a good winterizing review and catch up on those forgotten chores.

Top Reasons You Should Carry an Emergency Kit in Your Car this Winter

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Minnesota winters can get extremely cold. While those of us who have lived in Wayzata, MN or other parts of the state are familiar with how do drive in cold and icy conditions, it is still important that you always keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. This is especially the case during the cold winter months. At Pizano Insurance, we want all of our clients and their families to be safe while driving this winter. As an added measure of safety, take a few minutes to pull together an emergency kit and place it in your care.

What is An Emergency Kit?

An emergency kit is essentials that you might need if you are stalled, stranded, or otherwise detained on the road. It contains things supplies such as snacks, water, any medications, flashlight, and extra batteries. In the winter time, it should also have seasonal items such as a shovel and windshield scraper, blankets to keep you warm, and extra warm clothing including gloves, hats, and scarves.

Why Should You Keep One in Your Vehicle?

By keeping these supplies and any other essentials that you may need in your vehicle, you are prepared for the worst. If your automobile stalls or is involved in an accident and you are unable to run the heater, warm clothes, and blankets will come in handy until help arrives. If it is nighttime, a flashlight with working batteries can help you visually to assess the situation. Or, there may be times when you must clear a path of snow, and a shovel would be very helpful. At Pizano Insurance of Wayzata, MN, we hope that you stay safe while driving, but if you need help, give us a call.