When should I get auto insurance?

The Wayzata, MN area is a great place for someone to live. If you do choose to move to this area of Minnesota, it normally makes a lot of sense to get a car. When you are a vehicle owner in this area, you will have a much easier time getting around town. Along with your car, you also need insurance for it. There are a few situations when you should get this coverage. 

When Trying to Protect Asset

A great situation to get auto insurance is when you would like to protect your asset. A car is a very significant and important asset that you need to cover as well as possible. If you have invested in full auto insurance with comprehensive and collision coverage, you will have the protection that you need to repair or replace it if you do suffer a loss.

When Driving on Public Road

You will also need to get auto insurance when you want to drive your car on a public road. Similar to other states, the state of Minnesota will require that all car owners carry an auto insurance policy that has a certain level of liability coverage. Those that are caught without this coverage could suffer some consequences. 

When you own a car in Wayzata, MN you are clearly going to need auto insurance. Since picking a policy is a big decision, it never hurts to work with someone that you can trust when you are looking for your next plan. The team at Pizano Insurance can help you build a policy that will appropriately meet your needs. Pizano Insurance will always take a personalized approach when it comes to insurance, which will help ensure you get into the best policy possible. 

Three important considerations when you’re purchasing auto insurance in Minnesota

Choosing the right auto insurance policy is a priority for any motorist. Pizano Insurance is a provider of auto insurance and numerous other types of insurance in Wayzata, MN. 

If you’re on the market for auto insurance in Minnesota, you need to make sure you take the following three considerations into account in selecting your policy.

The frequency with which you drive

Auto insurance providers are going to want to know how frequently you use your vehicle. The more frequently you use your vehicle, the more your insurance costs are likely to be.

If you don’t drive very often, you can probably take advantage of lower auto insurance rates. Make sure you notify your auto insurance provider if you use your vehicle infrequently or don’t use it for a daily commute. 

How you use your vehicle

If you use your vehicle for work purposes, this is going to impact your auto insurance needs. You should make sure you specify that you use your vehicle for commercial purposes when you purchase auto insurance.

You’ll probably need to purchase commercial auto insurance coverage to make sure that you’re covered for business use in your vehicle. 

Whether you want collision coverage

One of the most important things to know is that coverage for damage to your own vehicle won’t be included in a standard liability coverage policy. You need to invest in collision coverage if you want damages to your vehicle to be covered.

It’s almost always a good idea to invest in collision coverage. However, you might want to forego this type of coverage if the value of your vehicle is not very high. 

Get started researching your auto insurance options in Wayzata, MN with our help at Pizano Insurance. Contact us with inquiries about our insurance products. 

How to Keep Yourself Safe on the Road in Wayzata

Whether you drive for two hours a week or several miles a day, the roads in Wayzata, MN can be a stressful place to be. Being safe from season to season is not just a matter of taking a few precautions, but of implementing better habits that you can use day after day. Pizano Insurance is here to give you a few tips to get you ready for anything that might come your way. 

Slow It Down 

When you go a little slower, you have that much more time to react to unexpected surprises that are just around the bend. Animals, car crashes, and wayward pedestrians are really just the beginning of what could lie ahead. If you can stop in time, you can avoid tragedies. There’s no shame in letting people pass you, so give yourself permission to put safety over urgency. 

Don’t Put Off Maintenance 

Your tires need air, your brakes need pads, and your timing belt needs to be functional. Putting maintenance off is common for drivers in Wayzata, MN, either because of time or financial constraints, but your safety (and the safety of others) shouldn’t be negotiable. Even in the modern age where everyone has a cell phone, you can’t count on having service if you break down in the wrong spot. 

Find the Right Partner 

There are some things that drivers simply can’t avoid. Whether it’s car theft or a blown-out tire, all you can try to do is minimize rather than eliminate your risk. If you’re looking for an auto insurance policy that will help you breathe a little easier, call Pizano Insurance today. We can help you find auto insurance in Wayzata that will keep you protected. 

When to Replace Your Car Battery

You may be in a position where you’re starting to worry about your battery. Do you need to replace it? Staying safe on the road is a priority and the agents at Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN are here to guide you and help you understand when you need to replace your car’s battery.

How Long Should Car Batteries Last?

A car’s battery should be replaced every 4 to 5 years, but sometimes there are significant issues with the battery that may cause you to replace it sooner. The battery is the heart of the vehicle. If it is not working correctly, then your vehicle will not run as smoothly as you’d like.

What Affects the Battery’s Life?

All batteries will deteriorate over time. Leaving your vehicle unused for long stretches could speed up its deterioration. If you go on vacation and leave your vehicle at home, you might think about letting a neighbor or family member drive it occasionally to keep the battery charged.

Heat is another big factor that can damage a car battery. If you live in southern states or where it is mostly desert, your battery could take on too much heat and begin to swell. If you notice this, change it immediately. Check it regularly if you live in areas where overheating may be a problem.

The length of time you had the battery is a factor to consider. If you’ve had it for more than 4 years and you notice that your vehicle is slow to turn over, then you’ll need to look into replacing the battery.

If you’re in Wayzata, MN and you want to speak with an agent about insurance for your vehicle, the stop by Pizano Insurance. They are ready to get you started today.

Do I need auto insurance in Wayzata?

For most people that live in the Wayzata, MN area, owning a car is needed in order for you to get around town. If you do own a car here, it is important to remember that it is a very important responsibility. One responsibility that all people who own a car here have is the need to get a quality auto insurance policy. There are several reasons why you need to get an auto insurance policy when you are here. 

Insurance Ensures Legal Compliance

One important reason to get auto insurance when you are in Wayzata is that it can ensure you remain in legal compliance. Those that are all over the state of Minnesota need to fully understand their legal obligations when it comes to driving. One important task that all people need to do is get auto insurance and maintain coverage. At a minimum, this needs to provide you with adequate levels of liability insurance. 

Insurance Covers Asset

You will also need to get auto insurance if you want to cover your asset. The purchase of a vehicle is a big one and investing in a quality insurance policy is a good investment. When you are looking for a new policy, you should look for one that offers collision and comprehensive protection. These levels of insurance will give you protection for virtually any situation that could result in a loss.

There are a lot of reasons why someone in Wayzata, MN should get auto insurance. When you are looking for your next policy, you should call Pizano Insurance. If you do reach out to Pizano Insurance, you can receive some very valuable guidance and support. The team here will help you to find and choose a policy that will properly protect you and your vehicle. 

The Most Common Myths About Auto Insurance

Auto insurance can be difficult to understand, especially if you have never purchased it before. There are also many misconceptions and myths about car insurance that make it even more complicated. In order to help you make an informed decision, Pizano Insurance serving Wayzata, MN, and other surrounding communities has prepared the list of the most common auto insurance myths that everyone should know: 

  • The color of a car affects the cost of insurance.  Despite this common misconception, the color of your car does not affect your premium.  There are other factors affecting the cost of insurance, including the vehicle’s model, age, body type, engine size, the car’s safety features, and rating, and some others. 
  • Older drivers pay more for car insurance. Auto insurance does not go up with age. Actually, it is often just the opposite. Many drivers at the age of 55 and older can be qualified for discounts if they complete an accident prevention course successfully. 
  • Getting a traffic violation increases the cost of your insurance.  In fact, getting a traffic violation does not always increase your premium, especially if the violation was minor. If you want to keep your auto insurance at the same price, you need to maintain a clean driving record following the violation. 
  • It costs more to insure expensive cars.  The price of your car does not necessarily affect your insurance costs. However, if your car is costly to repair, then your insurance will be more expensive. 

There are many myths that make auto insurance so complicated to understand. If you are a resident of Wayzata, MN and you have doubts about car insurance, Pizano Insurance is ready to help and answer all the questions you may have. Do not hesitate to call us and let our experienced agents help you find a policy you and your vehicle deserve. 

What You Need To Know About Adding Teens to Your Insurance

Teens can be stressful. When teens start driving parents may worry about a host of things. One consideration parents should keep in mind is the importance of adding their teens to their insurance. This is a big step in life for both the parent and the child. At Pizano Insurance serving Wayzata, MN, we know how important these decisions are. Keep reading to learn what you need to know about adding teens to your insurance. 

When Should I Add My Teen To My Insurance 

The legal requirement of adding a teen to your insurance may vary from state to state. However, to be on the safe side, you will want to speak with an insurance representative. They can help you understand legal requirements and make sure you time this change wisely. 

What Can I Expect After Adding a Teen 

In many cases, rates do increase after adding a teen driver. This is unavoidable as young drivers are simply riskier to insure than older more experienced drivers. These costs can be offset to some degree with good student discounts. In some cases students with a certain grade point average can enjoy discounts on auto insurance. 

Continue Their Driving Education

You child will likely have undergone driver’s ed, but many experts agree that drivers education should continue beyond the classroom. In order to make sure your teen is truly road-ready, keep the education going with frequent driving lessons. These can be conducted either with an instructor or simply with a dependable driver that the teen is comfortable with. The point is to continue their education for as long as possible also making sure they are getting plenty of experience. 

If you would like to learn more about teen driving safety, please contact our friendly staff at Pizano Insurance serving Wayzata, MN. 

When Should You Reevaluate Your Auto Insurance Policy?

Many factors determine the rate an insurance provider charges you for your automobile insurance policy. Those factors are a part of life, and they change over time. Some changes happen unexpectedly, and some are expected. If you are about to experience a change, consider reaching out to Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN for a consultation. If you have already experienced one of the changes listed below, contact us. One of our independent agents will discuss policy options with you. 

  • Marital status  – Most people will experience a decrease in rates after marriage.  However, after a divorce, your rates may rise a bit, so if you are planning a divorce, it is a good time to reevaluate your car insurance options. 
  • Employment – The length of your commune may change. If you are no longer employed, you will be putting fewer miles on your car. 
  • Moving – your home address is a factor, an address in a lower density area might decrease rates.
  • Buying or selling a vehicle – the age, condition, engine size, and even type of paint (but not color) will affect your auto insurance rate. 
  • Special Birthday – rates may change when a driver turns 20, 40, 55, and 70
  • Teen Drivers 
    • A household member recently received a permit or license.
    • If your teen’s grades have drastically changed, you may gain or lose a ‘good student" rate discount. 
    • If your teen goes away to college and leaves the car at home, they may be re-classified as an "occasional" driver.

All these factors are good reasons to have Pizano Insurance provide you with a new quote on your automobile insurance. Contact one of our offices today. We have locations in Albertville and Wayzata, MN. We are an independent agency, and we look forward to working with you. 

What Is Collision Coverage And Why Do I Want It?

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.

Does my auto insurance cover my side hustle?

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.