When should I add my teen driver to my auto insurance policy?

As a parent, you are likely aware that adding your teen driver to your auto insurance policy can be a costly experience in Wayzata, MN. But when? In this blog post, Pizano Insurance looks into this question.

When Should I Add My Teen Driver? 

If you plan on allowing your teen access to one or more vehicles, it will be important for them to be listed on the family’s policy as soon as possible. 

What Are My Options? 

Once you have decided that it’s time for your teen driver to join the family auto insurance policy, several options are available. Some standard options include non-owner liability coverage, which covers only liability; comprehensive/collision coverage, which covers personal property damage; and full coverage, which includes both property damage and bodily injury protection. You may also want to consider adding rental car reimbursement coverage or uninsured motorist protection if applicable. 

How Can I Lower Costs? 

Adding a teen driver does not necessarily mean that premiums will skyrocket overnight—there are plenty of ways for parents to keep costs down. Many insurance companies offer discounts for young drivers who take specific safety courses or get good grades in school. Additionally, many companies will offer multi-car discounts if multiple vehicles in the household are insured under the same policy.

Ultimately, when it comes time to add a teen driver onto an auto insurance policy, it’s important for parents in Wayzata, MN to understand their options and look into any potential discounts that might apply before deciding what type of coverage is best for their family’s needs. Do you still have questions? Contact Pizano Insurance today – we are here for you.

Safe driving tips for new drivers

New drivers face several unique challenges on the road, from dealing with heavy traffic and confusing signs to learning how to adjust their driving habits for inclement weather. Whether you’re just starting out behind the wheel or are an experienced driver new to a different area, it’s essential to be aware of some basic safety tips that will help keep you and your passengers safe on the roads.

New drivers should first focus on practicing good defensive driving habits. Always stay alert when you’re behind the wheel and watch for any potential hazards in front of, beside, and behind your vehicle. Often, other drivers may not follow all the rules of the road or may be distracted, so it’s important always to expect the unexpected.

Another critical factor in safe driving is proper vehicle maintenance. This includes keeping your tires properly inflated, addressing any mechanical issues as soon as you notice them, and staying up-to-date with routine oil changes and other scheduled maintenance. Driving under or overinflated tires can be dangerous for new and experienced drivers, especially during inclement weather when roads are slick.

Finally, never drive impaired – this means avoiding alcohol or drugs before getting behind the wheel; even a tiny amount of alcohol can negatively impact your driving skills and reaction times. It’s also vital to ensure you get enough sleep before getting behind the wheel, as driving while overtired is just as dangerous as driving under the influence.

For more tips to keep new drivers safe, call Pizano Insurance today. We proudly serve new and experienced drivers in the Wayzata, MN area. 

Tips to Help You When Driving in Frightful Winter Weather

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

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.

What type of coverage comes with auto insurance in Minnesota?

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. 

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

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. 

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

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!

Comprehensive Car Insurance: What Does It Protect?

Comprehensive car insurance policies for Wayzata, MN vehicles can provide a broad range of protection that will help keep you safe. But what exactly does it protect? We at Pizano Insurance can answer that question and provide you with the help you need to plan your policy.

What’s Covered By Comprehensive Car Insurance?

Comprehensive car policies may vary slightly by provider but typically offer the same general range of options. They’ll protect you against things that other types of policies do not and match their name: the comprehensive protection can be pretty overwhelming. These options include:

  • Natural disasters, like fires, floods, and earthquakes
  • Theft and vandalism from a broad range of people
  • Explosions or fires, including the car’s internal explosion
  • Animal-impact damage, such as running into a deer
  • Terrorism, including explosions and various types of damage

How It Differs From Collision

Collision coverage also helps protect your vehicle from various types of physical damage. However, it centers on damage caused by hitting other cars, trucks, vans, or stationary objects. Traditional liability car insurance will not fix your car: only those of people you’ve damaged.

So, it is an essential option but not quite the same as a comprehensive policy. You may add both types to your coverage by spending a little more and adjusting your policy in ways that make sense for your needs, including adding other types of riders and coverage types.

Take Care of Your Vehicle

If you live in Wayzata, MN, and want comprehensive car insurance, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Pizano Insurance to get more help. Our team will work directly with you to help make your needs easier to understand and will do what they can to streamline your insurance purchase and implementation without any challenge.

How Car Insurance Protects You in Liability Situations

Car insurance is a vital way of protecting yourself and your family from serious financial issues. Why? It can pay for a broad range of concerns, including handling any liability issues that you may experience. At Pizano Insurance, we can help you understand why this is the case.

What are Liability Situations?

When you crash your car, the liability of all involved parties must be carefully assessed to figure out who is to blame. The result may be that you get blamed for the situation and in a challenging case. In addition, you’ll likely be the center of lawsuits and other types of legal scenarios, which can be pretty costly.

However, your car insurance can help you out in this situation. Whether you live in Wayzata, MN, or the surrounding area, your policy will kick in when you’re to blame for an accident. It will then pay for various things that may affect your bottom line otherwise.

How Insurance Helps

When your car insurance liability protection comes into play, your policy will pay for various things. For example, it will pay for lawsuit damages you might experience, up to your coverage limit. Umbrella insurance can pay more if needed, but you need a separate policy.

Likewise, your insurance may also pay for healthcare and other types of damage, including the destruction of vehicles and private property. As with all insurances, your policy will only cover up to its suggested limits, meaning you need to be careful with how much you’re likely to earn.

We Can Help You

If you live in or near Wayzata, MN, and aren’t sure what kind of policy you possess, you may want to reach out to us at Pizano Insurance. Our team will find coverage that makes sense for you and can adjust your existing option, if needed, to ensure that you feel comfortable with your protection.

The Power of Strong Car Insurance

If you’re insuring your first car and aren’t sure what it can do for your Wayzata, MN vehicle, it is vital to learn more. At Pizano Insurance, we can teach you about the power of car insurance and how it protects you financially from various types of financial concerns.

Damage Caused by An Accident

If you’ve gotten into an accident and your vehicle is seriously damaged, you can get protected by your insurance. Your policy will not only pay to fix or replace your car but will pay for repairs to any other vehicle damaged in an accident that you caused. This policy is called liability protection.

However, it can also cover things like injuries caused to other people in the accident. Liability protection helps to minimize your struggles and provides financial support. Specialized medical payment policies will cover you or anyone else injured in your car.

Pay for Replacement If a Car Is Totaled

If you get into an accident that causes excessive damage to your car, you may need to replace your vehicle. This step is available if the repairs to your vehicle will cost more than its value. In other words, it would be pointless to repair it because you’d never get the money back that you spent.

Understand that your insurance will pay to buy you a new car worth the current value of your vehicle, not what you spent. So, if you spent $20,000 on a new car, and it is worth $8,500 at the time of your crash, you’ll get a vehicle at that price.

You Can Keep Your Vehicle Safe

Are you concerned about your car insurance and want to find the best options for your Wayzata, MN vehicle? Then, you should contact us at Pizano Insurance to learn more. Our team will do what they can to help you find a policy that meets your financial needs and your vehicle’s safety protection.