Author Archives: AgentInsure

Why All Homeowners Needs Home Insurance

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When you own your own home, you need to protect that home in several ways. One of these is to have a solid home insurance policy that will give you several different types of protection. When you are buying a home, you must have your home insurance policy in place when you sign. Today, lenders virtually all require you to have it to buy the property. When it’s time to get your home policy, you can call us at Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN.

Dwelling Coverage

The dwelling needs coverage, and it gets it with a home policy. The building is vulnerable to several events, such as calamities and certain disasters, and home insurance protects against a wide range of them. This is coverage you need to have just in case a serious event damages your home. Without a home policy, you would have to pay those expensive repair bills yourself after such an incident, which may be unaffordable. 

Item Coverage

Your items inside your house are also expensive, and they need protection as well. Home insurance covers all of these items against destruction or damage during a severe event. After one of these incidents, replacing everything can be extremely expensive and unaffordable without home insurance. It’s important to have this coverage in place so that things can be replaced if the worst should happen. 

Liability Coverage

This coverage pays the medical bills of people who have an accident in your home. If someone came over and became injured on your property, you would be liable for their medical bills and certain other costs. Home insurance will pay that obligation for you.

Get Home Insurance Now

Call us at Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN when you need home insurance.

Tips to Help You When Driving in Frightful Winter Weather

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During the winter, the weather outside can be frightening. If you are planning on driving home for the holidays or using winter vacation to take a road trip, you need to be careful when driving. At Pizano Insurance, serving the greater Wayzata, MN area, we want to provide tips to help you stay safe as you drive in less-than-ideal winter weather. 

Avoid Driving in the Dark or In Inclement Weather

When possible, avoid driving after dark or during periods of inclement weather, especially if you are driving on unfamiliar roads that you are not used to traveling on. This can help you avoid black ice or other dangerous conditions. 

Always Map Out Your Route and Ensure You Know Where You Are Going

Another tip that can help you stay safe when driving on unfamiliar roads in poor weather is to map out your route ahead of time and try to memorize it. Creating a route ahead of time and familiarizing yourself with it can help you avoid getting lost, missing your turn-off, or having to swerve at the last second to avoid missing a turn. 

Drive Slower Than Posted Speed Limits

Lastly, if the weather is less than ideal, always drive slower than the posted speed limit. The posted speed limits are meant to be followed in clear weather and when visibility is clear. When you are driving in the rain, snow, or icy conditions, you need to slow down. Take your time and drive safely. 

Taking the above steps can help to decrease your chances of being involved in an accident, but you cannot prevent that from happening altogether. This is why it is so important that you have auto insurance and a policy that best meets your needs. The team at Pizano Insurance, serving the greater Wayzata, MN area, can help. Call us now to learn more about obtaining a new auto insurance policy. 

The Safest Vehicles for First-Time Drivers

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At Pizano Insurance, we know driving is a rite of passage for most. It brings independence, freedom, responsibility, and new challenges for newly licensed drivers. The best cars for first-timers have plenty of safety features that protect your child and help keep them safe as they learn to drive. In addition to a vehicle with the latest safety technology, proper car insurance is crucial for a new driver in Wayzata, MN.

Best Vehicles for Safety 

It’s essential to ensure your child has a safe vehicle that can protect them as they learn to drive. To do this, you’ll want to look for cars with plenty of safety features. Most importantly, look for seat belts and airbags. You should also consider anti-lock brakes (ABS), stability control, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), and automatic headlights.

These Vehicles Top the List in Wayzata, MN 

Safety features are essential for any vehicle, from airbags to seatbelts and anti-lock brakes. First-time drivers need to be as protected as possible when they start driving, so it’s essential to look into which cars have the best safety ratings.

You will want a vehicle that is easy for your child or teen driver to handle yet still offers plenty of protection in case of an accident. The safest vehicles also tend to be smaller cars with good fuel economy and high crash test scores. Examples would be a Mazda3, Honda Civic, Chevrolet Volt, or Toyota Corolla.

Contact Us

The best way to keep your child safe on the road is by choosing a vehicle with all the latest safety features and proper car insurance. Call one of our auto experts today to discuss your up-and-coming driver! Pizano Insurance understands the best ways to ensure your family is adequately covered and you get the best rates on your auto insurance.

Common Risks Not Covered by Standard Home Insurance

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For homeowners, home insurance is the real deal. It comes to our aid when disasters strike. Think about the thousands of dollars it would cost you when your home got destroyed, or someone got injured in your compound. Luckily, standard home insurance protects you from such expenses. However, your standard home insurance will not cover all the possible risks your home might be exposed to — there are some exclusions. Let’s look at common risks not covered by standard home insurance purchased from Pizano Insurance.

Ground movement

Your standard home insurance will not cover landslides, sinkholes, earthquakes, and other earth movements. You’ll need separate coverage for these kinds of disasters. Your insurer can help you find the policy that suits you, depending on your area.

Flood damage

Your standard insurance does not cover floods caused by external conditions. Your insurance only covers floods caused by leaking pipes or overflowing toilets. Floods due to sewer systems, flash floods, or burst dams require you to buy a separate flood insurance policy.

War and terrorism

Home destructions or damage caused by political risks like uprisings, war, mutiny, or any war-like situation are excluded from your standard home insurance. Similarly, you can’t claim damages resulting from any act of terrorism. However, there are insurance policies that provide cover for vandalism, strikes, riots, and much more.

Maintenance issues

Your standard home insurance will not cover damage resulting from negligence or failure to maintain your home. For example, damage from termites, rodents, mold, rust, and wear and tear are not covered. Also, damage resulting from hidden defects or something that was poorly made is excluded.

Home insurance in Wayzata, MN

Reading your insurance policy can help you discover what’s not covered rather than learn when the unfortunate situation strikes. Once you identify the gaps, talk to your insurer for "add-ons" or "riders." If you live in Wayzata, MN looking for home insurance, look no further than Pizano Insurance. Contact us today for an affordable quote.

What type of coverage comes with auto insurance in Minnesota?

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The Albertville and Wayzata, MN area continues to be a great place to live. Owning a car is a practical necessity if you want to enjoy the area as much as possible. You will have a lot easier time getting around the community with a car. Along with a vehicle, you should also get an auto insurance plan. This insurance offers various forms of support and coverage here. 

Protection for Car

One type of coverage you will get with your auto plan is coverage for your car. A car is a very large investment and asset you will always want to know is adequately covered. A great way to do this is by getting auto insurance. Having the right coverage will offer support if your car is damaged in an accident or stolen. To obtain full coverage, you should select a comprehensive plan. 

Liability Mitigation

You also will want to have an auto insurance plan to ensure you can mitigate your liability risks. Whenever you are going to drive a car, you could cause an accident. If you do cause an accident, you will want to have auto insurance for the liability coverage that it provides. With this auto insurance, you can offset this risk and have support if you are found liable during an accident. 

Having a full auto insurance plan is always a good idea when you are a car owner in the Albertville or Wayzata, MN area. If you own a car here, the team with Pizano Insurance can offer support as you look for a new plan. Pizano Insurance will help you thoroughly evaluate your options and build a policy that will protect you and your car. 

What Types of Home Insurance Are Available in Minnesota?

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Homeowner’s insurance protects your home and belongings in the event of damage or theft, but there are different policies with different levels of coverage. When buying homeowner’s insurance, you must know what coverage you need. Here’s a rundown of the most common types of homeowner’s insurance so you can decide which is right for you.

Basic Coverage

Basic or "Acts of God" policies cover damage caused by events out of your control, such as fires, storms, and earthquakes. These policies rarely cover damage caused by floods or sewage backups. For this coverage, you’ll need a separate policy.

Standard Coverage

Standard policies offer more comprehensive protection than basic policies. Besides the damage caused by acts of God, standard policies also cover damage caused by plumbing leaks, burglary, and vandalism. Most standard policies also cover your possessions when they’re away from home, such as if they’re stolen from your car or lost while traveling.

Full Coverage

Whole coverage policies offer the most comprehensive protection, covering all the perils included in standard options and any other losses not explicitly excluded from the policy. Full coverage policies typically cost more than standard policies, but they provide peace of mind knowing that you’re protected against any eventuality.

No matter what type of homeowner’s insurance policy you choose, ensure you understand what’s covered and what isn’t. Contact your insurance agent at Pizano Insurance for clarification if you have questions about your policy. And remember, even if insurance protects your home, it’s always a good idea to keep up with regular maintenance to help prevent any problems.

At Pizano Insurance in Wayzata and Albertville, MN, we understand that your home is one of your most valuable assets. Contact us today for a free quote.

Tips to Help Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter

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The winters in Wayzata, MN, and the surrounding areas, can be harsh. Unfortunately, freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on many things, including your pipes. Here at Pizano Insurance, we encounter homeowners who have had their pipes burst in the winter due to cold weather. A burst pipe can be expensive to fix and cause costly water damage. You want to do everything possible to prevent your pipes from freezing. Here are a few tips to help you do just that. 

Get Your Pipes Cleaned Before Winter

One of the best ways to prevent frozen pipes this winter is to get your pipes cleaned before winter. Debris and residue in pipes can slow the flow of water through the pipes. This can increase the chances of water becoming cold and freezing. 

Keep Water Running Through the Lines

Another tip to help prevent frozen pipes this winter is to keep water running through the pipes on cold days or nights. When you turn on your faucets and allow water to drip through slowly, you ensure water constantly flows through your pipes, helping to prevent them from freezing. 

Leave the Heat Consistently Running in Your Home

Lastly, do not shut off your heater during the winter months. You may be tempted to shut off the heater when you are away at work or away on a trip. However, doing so can lower the temperature in your home and increase the chances of your pipes freezing. 

The above tips can help minimize the chances of your pipes freezing during winter. Still, unfortunately, there is no surefire way to prevent this problem from occurring altogether. As such, you must have excellent home insurance if a pipe does freeze and your home floods. The team at Pizano Insurance, serving the greater Wayzata, MN area, can help you with your home insurance needs. Reach out to us now to learn more. 

Will my auto insurance pay for the damage from a tree branch?

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Auto insurance protects you, your car, and other drivers. However, different types of coverage are created to cover specific situations under an auto insurance policy. There are particular types of auto coverage to suit different situations. Our Pizano Insurance team in Wayzata, MN is dedicated to taking the guesswork out of auto insurance. 

Auto Insurance Requirements in Minnesota

Believe it or not, most states only require drivers to carry liability insurance. Liability insurance will only cover damage, injuries, and other situations that affect other people. Liability protects you when you’re found at fault for damage or injuries to other people, property, or vehicles. Liability coverage will not cover your property damage, injuries, or any damage to your vehicle. However, this is typically the only auto insurance required by law in many states. Liability insurance covers other people’s repair, replacement, and financial compensation.

Other Forms of Auto Insurance Coverage

Liability coverage is just one type of insurance coverage provided by auto insurance. Other forms of coverage will provide compensation, repair, and replacement for you, your property, and your vehicle. For example, collision coverage will pay for the repair of your car regardless of fault or if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. Comprehensive coverage covers repairing or replacing damage to your vehicle based on a non-collision accident like theft, vandalism, or a falling tree. 

Comprehensive Coverage for Non-Moving Accidents/Incidents

If a tree branch falls on your car, your comprehensive coverage will cover the repair of the damage. Of course, you’ll have to invest in more than liability insurance if you want this coverage. However, liability coverage is required by law, and you can add comprehensive coverage to your auto policy. If you have questions about your auto coverage options, call us. We’d be happy to answer all of your questions. 

Will My Home Insurance Cover Damage From A Storm?

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If you live in an area prone to storms, you may wonder if your home insurance policy will cover any damage. The short answer is: it depends. Each policy is different, and specific exclusions may vary depending on the storm that hits your area.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the types of damage that are typically covered by home insurance policies, as well as those that are not.

Damage from Wind and Hail

Home insurance policies typically cover damage from wind and hail. This includes damage to your roof, siding, windows, and gutters. If a tree falls on your house, that is also usually covered.

However, there are some exceptions. For example, your policy may have a wind damage exclusion if you live in an area prone to hurricanes or other severe storms. This means that any damage caused by wind, including hurricane-force winds, would not be covered.

Additionally, some policies exclude coverage for certain types of roofing materials. For example, if you have a tile roof, your policy may exclude coverage for damage caused by hail. In this case, you would need to purchase a separate hail insurance policy from a professional company such as Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN to be protected.

Flooding

Another common exclusion is flooding. This is a separate type of insurance you would need to purchase if you want coverage for flood damage. Even if your policy does not exclude flooding, there is often a very low limit for this type of damage. Furthermore, most policies have a waiting period before they start covering flood damage, so it’s essential to purchase this coverage well before any potential storms.

Conclusion

If you’re not sure what your home insurance policy in Wayzata, MN covers, the best thing to do is give Pizano Insurance a call. We can help you understand your coverage and ensure you have the protection you need.

What Are The Common Mistakes People Make When Shopping For Auto Insurance?

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When shopping for auto insurance, most people think they know what they’re doing. However, many people make common mistakes that cost them a lot of money. This blog post will discuss the five most common mistakes people make when shopping for auto insurance. We’ll also provide tips on avoiding these mistakes and getting the best rates possible on your policy.

1. Not Shopping Around

The first mistake people make when shopping for auto insurance is not shopping around. There are many different insurers, each with varying rates and coverage options. Shopping around and comparing quotes before deciding on a policy is essential.

2. Not Reading the Fine Print

Another mistake people make is not reading the fine print. When shopping for insurance, it’s essential to read the policy documents carefully. This way, you’ll know exactly what’s covered and what isn’t. Many mistakes assume that their policy covers certain things when it doesn’t.

3. Not Understanding Your Coverage

Another common mistake is not understanding your coverage. There are so many types of auto insurance, and it can be confusing to understand what each one covers. It’s essential to speak with an insurance agent from companies such as Pizano Insurance Agency in Wayzata, MN, so that they can explain your coverage options.

4. Not Getting Enough Coverage

Many people choose to skimp on their auto insurance coverage to save money. However, this can be a mistake if you get into an accident and don’t have enough coverage. It’s vital to ensure you have enough coverage to protect yourself financially in an accident.

Insurance Mistakes to Avoid

These are just a few common mistakes people make when shopping for auto insurance. By avoiding these mistakes, you can save money on your policy and get the coverage you need. If you have any questions about your coverage, speak with an agent from Pizano Insurance Agency in Wayzata, MN. They’ll be happy to help you choose the right policy for your needs!