Category Archives: Auto Insurance

End of Summer is a Perfect Time for Car Care

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As summer time ends and your summer activities are finished, it’s the perfect time to care for your car before winter arrives in the Wayzata, MN area. An untimely breakdown is never convenient, but during the cold weather, it can be dangerous. Now is the perfect time to review your vehicle’s owner’s manual to see if there are any manufacturer’s recommended schedules for service that need your attention. Beyond the recommendations, here are a few other items to consider.

  • Is it time for an oil change? Most recommend every 3,000 miles if the majority of your miles are stop-and-go short trips.
  • How’s the engine running? If you’re experiencing rough idling, stalling, less power, or a noticeable decrease in fuel economy, these issues can increase in cold weather.
  • Are there driveability issues? Are you experiencing hard stops, pulling to one side while stopping or driving, or if you hear noises when you’re driving, turning, or stopping that is new, then it’s time to have them checked.
  • It could be time to have the cooling system flushed and the belts, clamps, and hoses checked.
  • Depending on weather conditions where you live, your battery may need to be replaced or the fluid checked. Those in extreme temperature areas may need to replace their batteries more frequently and add water regularly.
  • Inspect your vehicle’s lights to make sure all are in working order.
  • Have the exhaust system checked for leaks.
  • Visually check your tires for uneven wear, tread, cracks in the sidewalls, and tire air pressure.

Pizano Insurance

At Pizano Insurance, we care about helping you protect your world. No matter what your insurance needs are, we provide insurance for those in the Wayzata, MN area. Contact us today to explore your auto insurance needs.

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!

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.

 

 

 

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.

Why Does the Number of Miles You Drive Annually Affect Your Car Insurance?

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When you are signing up for auto insurance, one of the questions that the insurer will likely ask is how many miles per month or year do you drive your car. Based on the number you give, your insurance rate may increase or decrease. The more miles you drive, the more you will pay. But have you ever wondered why this is? Here are a few of the reasons why the number of miles you drive affects your auto insurance rate.

The More You Drive, The More Likely It Is You Will Be In An Accident

The number one reason that your auto insurance rates are higher if you drive more is because you are more likely to be involved in an auto accident if you drive more. If you commute four hours per day, that leaves a four hour time period in which you can hit someone or someone else can hit you. This is significantly higher than someone who only drives for an hour a day or even less. As such, your rates will be higher. 

Don’t Think About Lying About Your Driving Mileage

If you do drive a lot, you may be thinking about fibbing on the numbers to get a lower rate. However, your insurance company can determine how many miles are on your car a number of different ways. Many states require inspections or smog checks every one to two years. During these inspections or checks, the mileage is noted. Once an insurance company sees you are driving much more than you claimed, the can increase your rates or even cancel your policy.

If you are looking to price out a new auto insurance policy in the greater Wayzata, MN area, contact Pizano Insurance. We can help determine the best plan for you based on the number of miles you drive each year. Contact us now to get started.

How to Prevent Your Auto Rates From Rising Because of a Speeding Ticket

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At Pizano Insurance, we know that sometimes good drivers get a bit carried away and find themselves being issued a ticket for speeding. However, when this happens, your car insurance rates in the Wayzata, MN area may increase. But, fortunately for you, there are a few things you can do to stop this increase or minimize it. Here are a few tips you should follow to minimize the impact of a speeding ticket on your car insurance rates.

Participate in Traffic School

Most states will allow you to participate in driving school every two or three years when you receive a ticket. This helps to wipe the points you receive because of the ticket off of your driving record. If this is the only ticket you have received, wiping the points away can prevent your insurance rates from rising. Always check with the traffic courts in your area to find out if you qualify for traffic school and how to enroll.

Take a Safe or Defensive Driving Course

Another way to minimize the impact of a speeding ticket on your auto insurance rates is to participate in a safe or defensive driving course. Many insurance companies offer you a discount if you take one of these courses. The reduced rates can last anywhere from five to ten years. The course helps teach you defensive driving techniques that reduce the likelihood of you being involved in an automobile accident, which is why your rates can be slightly discounted.

Shop Around For a New Insurance Policy

If you have received a speeding ticket and your rates have drastically increased, it may be time to shop around for a new auto insurance policy. This helps you find the best rate for you, regardless of whether you have a ticket or not.

If you have received a speeding ticket and are looking for a new auto insurance policy, contact Pizano Insurance, serving the greater Wayzata, MN area. Give us a call or visit one of our offices to get started on a quote today.

Common Auto Insurance Questions and Answers

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Auto insurance can be difficult to understand. There are however some commonly asked questions that span most agencies and that have fairly basic answers. For those that live in the Wayzata, MN area, Pizano Insurance can help answer these common questions.

What Coverage Do I Need?

This is one of the most common questions. The answer is it depends on the actual vehicle. Basic requirements are liability insurance or the least amount that is required by both state and federal law. These amounts may vary depending on what state you live in but for the most part these policies require coverage between $10,000 and $25,000. This is to cover the basic fees and bills associated with an accident. If you have a loan out on your vehicle or you are paying for it through a third party lender you are required to hold full coverage insurance.

How Do I File A Claim?

This is another common question. The first step is to make sure you thoroughly document the accident. This is going to insure a speedy claim and an accurate claim to boot. You can then go through your insurance agent to help file your claim and provide your insurance company with the needed material to complete the claim. It is far simpler to talk with your agent about how to file your claim and what information is needed.

How Do I Change My Policy?

You can change your policy at any time by contacting your insurance agent or by contacting your insurance company directly or online. If you have questions, an insurance agent is the fastest and most accurate way to get the answers you need.

If you live in the Wayzata, MN area and have insurance questions or needs, contact Pizano Insurance today.  

Premium Gas Compared to Regular

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Regardless of whether you’re taking a short trip to Wayzata Bay or driving all the way to St. Cloud, your car needs the right kind of fuel. Premium gas frequently costs about $0.30-40 cents extra in Minnesota, but it offers major benefits for some autos.

Octane Level

Regular gasoline has a lower octane level than premium. This means that it has a greater potential to prematurely ignite and cause the engine to knock. Engine knocking produces a "ping" noise or rattle.

The majority of vehicles don’t need high-octane fuel to prevent knocking. If a car’s manual doesn’t recommend premium, this type of gas probably won’t enhance performance. It may slightly increase fuel economy, especially if you move heavy cargo.

Other Cars

Even when an auto manufacturer doesn’t urge drivers to use high-octane gasoline, it can still benefit cars with engines that knock. This problem is more likely to develop in heavy, older vehicles with powerful engines.

Premium gas may help prevent a breakdown in this situation. However, mid-grade fuel might work just as well. Your car probably needs professional service if it continues to knock after consuming two tanks of higher-octane gas.

Engine Cleaning

Although many drivers believe otherwise, high-octane gasoline won’t remove more deposits from a vehicle’s engine. The federal government requires every grade of fuel to include detergents that help clean the motor, so regular works equally well.

Serious Risks

A number of luxury and sports cars need premium gasoline. When drivers use the wrong type of fuel, it may void the warranty, harm performance and increase engine noise. Certain components can eventually become damaged.

You could offset the cost of gas by finding affordable yet comprehensive auto insurance. To review existing coverage or compare rates on a new policy, please contact Pizano Insurance today. Contact our independent local agency in Wayzata today!
 

What you can do to avoid fender bender fraud

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Fender bender fraud is one of the fastest growing types of insurance fraud in the United States. Unfortunately, most victims don’t even know that they’ve been scammed until it is too late. This type of fraud uses teams of professional drivers to deliberately cause accidents around the Wayzata, MN area, then bilk the driver’s insurance out of as much money as possible. Fortunately, there re some ways to protect yourself.

  1. Document everything if you’re in a crash. Often, these scam artists will embellish their injuries or the details of the accident in order to claim more money. If you take pictures and write down as much as possible, it’s possible to make a counter argument to their claims.
  2. Get a police report. Even if the other driver insists that they are willing to settle for less than your deductible, get an officer to document the crash. All too often, these scam artists will cause multiple crashes in the same day, netting thousands of dollars. The police, however, will be able to confirm everyone’s identity and look for other accidents that these scammers have been involved in.
  3. Report your suspicions to your insurance agent. If you notice anything strange or off during the aftermath of the accident, make sure that you report it to the police and your insurance agent. Often just flagging a relatively minor case as suspicious can help investigators put together a pattern of minor accidents.

Scam artists are everywhere, and it’s important to stay safe. Having good auto insurance is the best way to make sure you and your family are protected from fender bender fraud. Contact an agent at Pizano Insurance today to make sure you have the coverage you need.

Preventing Fender-Bender Fraud

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Believe it or not, there’s a lot you can do to prevent fender bender fraud. People get into these kinds of accidents all the time. It can be nerve wracking when it happens to you, though it’s important to be aware of all that’s going on. You can prevent any kind of fraudulent activity by being active throughout the few minutes that take place following the accident.

The other party who is involved in the accident may be trying to commit fraud. This means you have to be cautious about what takes place. You want to get a police officer on the scene as quickly as possible. If the person is trying to commit fraud, they probably don’t want this to happen. This is because there would be an impartial party providing record – and this would make it harder for them to commit fraud.

Essentially, this is exactly why you want the police officer on the scene. They will write up a report as to what they have seen.

You also want photos. Even though the case may seem cut and dry, if it ends up in a courtroom, you may want photos to show what kind of damage was seen on both cars. This will help the judge to determine just how hard the car was hit and what kinds of injuries could result from such a fender bender.

There are certain details you need to share. This includes your insurance information. The moment the other person drives away, you want to contact your insurance company and get your story in before they have an opportunity to reach out to your insurance company.

Contact us at Pizano Insurance today to learn more about auto insurance and what your options are. We can help you to find affordable premiums that will provide protection throughout Wayzata, MN and beyond.