Auto insurance in 2024: FAQs

Being a car owner is convenient. But how about the risks associated with it, especially if you drive regularly? Therefore, all drivers must have proper auto insurance. Auto insurance offers you financial security and peace of mind. Here is a list of the most common questions about car insurance that you may have in mind:

How much coverage is important for me?

To decide how much coverage you need, you need to consider certain factors. These factors are your personal needs and car features. Usually, most car owners get collision, comprehensive, and uninsured/underinsured coverage. 

How different are comprehensive and collision coverage? 

These two types of coverage have certain differences. The task of collision coverage is to cover any damage related to collisions. This coverage will cover you if you are involved in a car accident. Comprehensive coverage is different. It is for damages that are not related to collisions. It can be theft, vandalism, flood, and more. 

Who should be on your auto insurance policy?

Anyone who drives your car regularly should be on your policy and should be listed as a driver. Your policy may also protect those who occasionally drive your vehicle. This includes your extended family, boyfriend/girlfriend, and friends. 

If you are a resident of Wayzata, MN, or any other nearby town, and you are searching for auto insurance, Pizano Insurance is here to help. At Pizano Insurance, our knowledgeable insurance agents specialize in all types of insurance, including car insurance as well. Visit our website or give us a call –  we will answer all your questions and help you find the best plan. 

Five Tips for Driving Safely on Snow

Plenty of snow falls seasonally here in Albertville, MN, but that doesn’t mean that life stops, and your need to get from Point A to Point B is still very real, regardless of the white powder falling. Our insurance experts at Pizano Insurance offer tips to help you navigate your vehicle through harsh snow conditions.

1. Drive Extra Careful

One of the keys to safe winter driving is staying smooth with your steering, accelerating, and braking. Why? Jerky movements with the controls can quickly break the traction between the tires and the slippery road. Be gentle and deliberate with movements controlling the vehicle.

2. Eyes on the Prize

Should the auto begin to skid, you must look at where you want to go, not where the car is heading during the slide. This helps you restore control, while panicking only worsens the situation and can result in accidents or getting ditched.

3. Buy the Best Winter Tires You Can

If you’ve lived up north very long, you already know the importance of having superior winter tires. This is more of a survival recommendation rather than a driving tip. However, investing in snow tires gives you greater traction on ice, snow, and slush than all-season tires.

4. Carry the Right Supplies for Winter Driving

You (or someone you encounter on the road) will inevitably get stuck in the snow. Be a hero by having a snow shovel, a thick wood board for traction, and a large bag of snow-melting salt to get unstuck from roadway snow.

5. Have Adequate Auto Insurance Year Round

As a brother-owned company, Pizano Insurance has two locations: one in Wayzata, MN, and another in Albertville, MN. As an independent agency, you’ll get the best quotes from multiple carriers with one simple request. Choices are great, and we’re here to make insurance shopping a simpler experience. Contact us online or call one of our locations today.

How Does Insurance Work for Single-Vehicle Accidents?

About one-third (34%) of traffic incidents in Minnesota in 2022 were single-vehicle accidents, so you must understand what to do when involved in a single-vehicle accident and how insurance coverage works following those incidents. Our team at Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN is always here to help you with your insurance needs.

Understanding Fault In Single-Vehicle Accidents

Minnesota is a no-fault state, meaning that economic damages suffered due to the accident may be recovered from the driver’s insurance company. Even though Minnesota is a no-fault state, we still determine who is at fault, even for single-vehicle accidents, because the driver is not necessarily at fault for some or all of the accidents.

In many situations, drivers in single-vehicle accidents bear no or only partial fault. Some of those situations include:

  • Hitting an object after swerving to avoid a vehicle or collision caused by another driver
  • Hitting a deer or other animal
  • Inclement Weather
  • Road conditions or unkempt roads
  • Hidden road signage
  • Obstacles in the road
  • Vehicle malfunction

Even in a single-vehicle accident, you should obtain a police report and safely document the accident scene. Doing so can help determine who bears what portion of the fault and may allow you to avoid or reduce liability. In addition to offering peace of mind, reporting the accident can help you save money or collect damages from others who are at fault or share in the fault.

Working With Pizano Insurance

Your friendly team at Pizano Insurance, serving Wayzata, MN, is ready to address all your insurance needs, including automobile insurance. Give us a call or stop in today to ensure you are appropriately covered while driving Minnesota’s roads.

Do You Need to Notify Your Insurance Company If You Install Aftermarket Parts On Your Car?

If you’re a car enthusiast or want to enhance your vehicle’s performance or aesthetics, you might consider installing aftermarket parts. However, it’s crucial to understand whether you need to notify your insurance company when making these modifications to your car. Read along as Pizano Insurance, serving the greater Wayzata, MN, helps you to understand this question better.

Insurance Considerations for Aftermarket Parts

In most cases, adding aftermarket parts to your car can affect your insurance coverage. Insurance companies typically base their coverage on the factory specifications of your vehicle. When you install aftermarket parts, you may increase the value of your car or change its risk profile. Failing to notify your insurer about these modifications can lead to issues if you need to file a claim.

Types of Aftermarket Parts

The impact on your insurance can vary depending on the type of aftermarket parts you install. Performance-enhancing modifications, such as turbochargers or engine upgrades, may increase your premium due to the higher risk associated with increased horsepower. However, cosmetic changes, like aftermarket rims or stereo systems, may impact your rates less.

Installing aftermarket parts on your car can impact your insurance coverage, and it’s generally wise to notify your insurance company about these modifications. By doing so, you can ensure that your policy accurately reflects your vehicle’s current condition and value, providing you with the necessary coverage in case of an accident or damage. Open communication with your insurer is critical, too, to avoiding potential issues down the road. If you’re looking for a policy that covers aftermarket parts on your automobile, let the agents at Pizano Insurance, serving the greater Wayzata, MN area, help you find the right policy. 

Don’t Get Left Out in the Cold – Protect Your Ride with Minnesota Auto Insurance!

Why Minnesota Auto Insurance Matters

Wondering why you need auto insurance in Minnesota?

Protection from Weather Woes

Minnesota is notorious for harsh winters that bring heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures that inevitably lead to icy roads — and car accidents. 

Drivers can protect themselves from harsh winter driving hazards with auto insurance. Our team of experienced agents at Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN is eager to help! 

Legal Requirements

Failing to have the minimum coverage required to protect against liability and personal injury claims can result in serious legal consequences, including hefty out-of-pocket expenses, traffic fines, and even the suspension of your driver’s license. 

Uninsured Motorist Protections 

Protect your vehicle and passengers from uninsured motorists who drive without enough insurance to cover the cost of property damages or personal injury in the event of a severe car accident.  

Our agents understand the needs of Minnesota drivers and can help you tailor an auto insurance policy that addresses the unique driving challenges of our state. 

Pizano’s licensed auto insurance team is committed to providing top-notch customer service. You can trust our knowledgeable agents to seamlessly guide you through the insurance process.  

Don’t Leave Vehicle Protection to Chance During Harsh Minnesota Winters

Temperatures are rising, and leaves are falling from trees, meaning winter is just around the corner. Be Proactive! Talk to a licensed agent with local expertise and knowledge so that you can hit the road with confidence this winter.

Stay safe and warm when driving on Minnesota’s icy roads this winter. Contact Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN, for your free auto insurance quote today! 

Four things you might not know about your auto insurance policy

Motorists in Wayzata, MN need to ensure they’re fully informed about their auto insurance policy details. We sell auto insurance to motorists at Pizano Insurance, and we’re happy to answer any questions our customers have regarding their policy.

The following are four things you might not know about your auto insurance policy. 

The amount you have to pay as a deductible if you file a claim

The deductible on your policy is one of the most important details you should be aware of. If you file a claim on your policy, you’ll have to pay a deductible.

It’s vital that you plan ahead and have at least this much money set aside in emergency savings so that you can pay your deductible when you need to. 

The types of coverage your policy includes

When you buy auto insurance, your policy can include liability, collision, comprehensive, and a few additional coverage types. Look over your options regarding coverage types and choose the types of coverage you want and need. 

The length of your policy term

Auto insurance policies are typically sold as 6-month or 12-month policies. Make sure you know when your policy term will end so that you need to renew coverage. 

The process you have to go through to file a claim

Most auto insurance providers allow claims to be filed by phone or online. However, you need to specifically check claim instructions when you buy a policy so that you know how the process works. 

At Pizano Insurance, we know how important it is for consumers to be adequately informed about their policy details. If you own a vehicle in Wayzata, MN, you can insure it with our assistance. Contact us now to get a quote on an auto insurance policy. 

How Comprehensive Auto Insurance Saves You in the Long Run

Here at Pizano Insurance, our team gets excited about auto insurance packages! After all, most love to do the latter when paying a monthly auto insurance premium or spending that money on a fun date night out. Yet, while auto insurance isn’t the most fun thing, it does offer some incredible financial and legal protection that can save you a lot of headaches down the line. This is especially true if you invest in a quality comprehensive auto insurance policy for your Wayzata, MN vehicle. 

Comprehensive auto insurance is an optional type of insurance policy that steps in and pays out in just about any accident that is non-collision related. While it does require paying more upfront or monthly premium amounts, it can often save you significantly in the long run. 

How Comprehensive Auto Insurance Saves You in the Long Run

Comprehensive auto insurance kicks in in the event of just about any non-collision-related accident. Consider if your vehicle was stolen and the thieves destroyed your interior. Your comprehensive auto insurance policy will cover the costs of reclaiming and cleaning your vehicle. If your vehicle is never found, then comprehensive insurance will reimburse you for the vehicle itself. This same thing goes if your vehicle is damaged or destroyed in other non-collision events like natural disasters and even collisions with animals like deer. Animal collisions and weather-related damage, such as from hailstorms, are two of the more common threats you’ll have as a Wayzata, MN, and greater Minnesota driver. The costs to otherwise repair following such events can be prohibitively expensive without insurance and risk severely devaluing the vehicle’s resale price. 

Contact Our Team at Pizano Insurance to Learn More

Isn’t it time to update your insurance policy with one that covers it all? Contact our team at Pizano Insurance to learn more about comprehensive auto insurance policies.

How Does No-Fault Auto Insurance Work?

If you live in or near Wayzata, MN, you may already be aware that Minnesota is one of just twelve states with a no-fault insurance system. But what does that mean for you as a driver and auto insurance policyholder?

At Pizano Insurance, we’ll be happy to review your policy with you and answer all your questions. But in the meantime, check out the following information on how no-fault insurance works in Minnesota.

What Is a No-Fault Insurance System?

The average person assumes that if they ever get into an auto accident, then the party at fault (along with their insurance provider) will automatically have to cover any injuries or damages. And you’d be right if you didn’t live in one of the few states that operates on a no-fault system.

But in no-fault states like Minnesota, your insurance provider covers your damages, whether the other party was at fault. Occasionally, extenuating circumstances may find one driver eventually looking at personal injury claims payable by the other’s insurance company, but that’s not how things typically go.

How Much Auto Insurance Do Minnesota Drivers Need?

By law, every driver in Minnesota must carry four different types of auto insurance to stay in compliance with the law.

  • Standard liability coverage, as you would need in any state
  • No-fault coverage (also sometimes called personal injury protection or PIP)
  • Uninsured driver coverage
  • Underinsured driver coverage

Together, those four types of protection cover you in the event of most possibilities. But your PIP will be what covers damages like medical bills, lost wages, and any replacement Wayzata, MN transportation that may be necessary while your damaged car is out of service.

Even so, it’s important not to assume that one insurance policy is as good as another. If you have questions about your plan or are in the market for a new one, call us at Pizano Insurance, and let us take the guesswork out of choosing!

Tips For Driving In The Rain

Spring and summer weather is here. With the sunny days ahead, we must also remember the rainy season. More specifically, as drivers, it’s important to remember best practices for driving in the rain. At Pizano Insurance, we would like to help drivers like the ones in Wayzata, MN stay safe on the road in the coming weeks. Here are a few tips to remember if you’re driving in the rain.

Slow Down

As the roads get more slippery, it makes sense to slow down. Many accidents happen on highways because other people are driving too fast. It may be hard to stop when braking the vehicle in the rain. Therefore, it’s important to slow down and give yourself more time to react if there is an accident ahead.

Use Your Lights

Always remember to turn your headlights on when it starts raining or even on a cloudy day. Visibility is a significant factor in accidents when you’re driving. If it starts to downpour, pull over to the side of the highway and consider turning on your emergency lights. Other vehicles can also see you if they decide to go on the shoulder.

Don’t Panic

If your car does start to hydroplane, don’t panic. One common mistake is to slam on your brakes immediately. This will only make the car slide out of control. Instead, steer in the direction you want the car to go and gradually use your brakes. When in doubt, don’t attempt to drive in poor conditions and wait if possible.

Conact Pizano Insurance

We provide cities like Wayzata, MN with comprehensive auto insurance policies. Do you need an estimate for an insurance policy for your vehicle? Don’t hesitate to contact us today. In the meantime, stay safe on the rainy roads this season. 

Beyond the Basics: Understanding the Different Types of Auto Insurance Coverage

Regarding auto insurance coverage, it’s essential to understand that many different coverage options are available. Whether you’re a new driver or a seasoned veteran in the Wayzata, MN area, you need to understand the different types of coverage available from Pizano Insurance.

Liability Coverage

Auto insurance is an essential tool for protecting yourself and your finances in case of accidents on the road. Liability coverage, in particular, is among the most fundamental types of auto insurance coverage available. This kind of coverage safeguards you from legal and financial obligations that may arise after accidents that result in bodily injury or property damage to a third-party. 

Personal Injury Coverage

Personal injury coverage is another type of auto insurance designed to protect you if you are injured in an accident. This type of coverage typically includes medical expenses, lost wages, and other related expenses due to an accident.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage is another sort of auto insurance coverage designed to protect you if your vehicle is damaged in a collision with another car or object. This kind of coverage generally covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle, regardless of who is at fault.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage is the final significant kind of auto insurance coverage designed to protect you if your vehicle is damaged in a non-collision-related event, such as theft, vandalism, or a natural disaster. This type of coverage often covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and may include coverage for things like rental car expenses and towing.

Understanding the different types of auto insurance coverage available to you in the Wayzata, MN area is an integral part of being a responsible driver. At Pizano Insurance, we are committed to helping clients find coverage options to suit their needs. If you have any questions or want more information about the different types of auto insurance coverage available, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.