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.

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. 

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.

Water damage is more than just a bad day, it could ruin some of life’s most precious moments and memories. When you want to avoid expensive water damage claims or repairs, there are a number of things you can do for preventive measures. 

At Pizano Insurance, we want Wayzata, MN home and business owners to get the most out of their home insurance policies, without expensive claims. Start outside the home when you are trying to prevent water damage.

Take these steps to prevent water from coming into the home.

Disconnect Hoses

When you have hoses outside, there is always the potential for standing water. If those hoses are connected to a pipe, that water can move back into the building and even freeze in the pipes. That will lead to burst pipes and water explosions everywhere. 

In your home, that will lead to floor and wall damage, and could even lead to damage to the foundation. Disconnect all of your hoses outside, and put the hoses away when you know you won’t be needing them again that season.

Clean Downspouts and Gutters

You should be doing this job at least twice a year, as this will help to avoid ice dams and blockages from ice or plugged sewers.  If you have unmanaged water flow this could lead to puddles that cause problems with the foundation. You’ll see leaks, water damage, and even flooding. 

Clean the gutters and downspouts to make sure that when water or weather flows, it flows seamlessly. Make sure your downspouts are pointed away from the house.

Maintain Outside Trees and Shrubs

You don’t need to do too much maintenance here but to check the vegetation around your pipes. When you have branches, vines, and leaves wrapping around your pipes or growing in that direction, you want to maintain those branches in the opposite direction. Remove them entirely if you can. 

Update Your Insurance

In the worst-case scenario, water damage is going to lead to a home insurance claim. At Pizano Insurance, we want Wayzata, MN residents to take preventive measures there to protect the contents they’ve grown their whole life. Update your home insurance policy to make sure you are protected from water damage. Call us for a quote today.

If you own a home in Wayzata, MN, homeowner’s insurance is essential to protecting your most valuable investment. The experts at Pizano Insurance highly recommend finding a quality, reliable insurance plan that will cover you and your possessions in the event of any damage or danger to your home. 

Oftentimes, home insurance will cover weather-related damage, such as severe storms, lightning, fire, hurricanes, tornadoes, hail, and more. 

Structural coverage is important, particularly when you live in an area with unpredictable weather patterns, heavy rain, and natural disasters. 

Home insurance can also cover your personal property inside the home. Your possessions, including clothing, furniture, electronics, and more can be covered in the event they are stolen or damaged. 

There are many additional coverage add-ons you can obtain, like earthquake or flooding damage and liability protection. 

While some of these insurance options may not seem necessary for you to protect your home, we can assure you that in the event of a storm or if your home gets broken into, you will want to be fully covered. 

We can’t predict what could happen to our homes, so it’s best to be fully covered just in case. Your home is likely going to be the biggest investment you ever make, and you want to protect it accordingly. 

Homeowners in the Wayzata, MN area that are looking for a high-quality, full coverage insurance plan should reach out to the team at Pizano Insurance. Our team of experts have years of experience and can help find the best insurance plan for you and your biggest investment. We are happy to help you and your family protect your assets and set yourself up for financial success.  

Those that are in the Wayzata, MN area and are property owners will always want to know that they are fully covered by insurance. Your home in Minnesota is a very major investment that you should protect to ensure you can enjoy it for years to come. The best way to ensure you are able to do this is by getting home insurance. This coverage can protect a property owner here in several ways. 

Coverage Will Protect Assets

A reason that you will want to have a home insurance plan is that it is an effective way to protect your assets. Your home insurance plan is going to give the coverage needed to repair your home if it is damaged by a fire, bad weather, or other challenging situations. The policy also offers coverage and support for personal items that can be lost, damaged, or stolen.

Liability Support

Property owners should always make sure they recognize their liability risk and protect against it. Some liability risks that property owners take on can include if someone is injured while in their home or if an issue with their property causes damage to another home or someone’s personal assets. A liability insurance plan offers great support against any liability claims that could arise, which can be quite helpful in some situations. 

Property owners in the Wayzata, MN area should always have proper insurance coverage in place. As you are assessing your insurance options in this part of Minnesota, calling Pizano Insurance will be helpful. There are a lot of choices that need to be made and Pizano Insurance can help you properly evaluate your needs and options. This assessment and support can help ensure that you will remain properly covered and insured at all times. 

If you own a home in Minnesota, you are not required to have home insurance in place under the law of the state. If you have taken out a loan through a mortgage lender or bank, girl ender well more than likely requires you to have homeowners insurance in place. Even if you do not owe on your home and paid cash for it or ended up with it through inheritance and do not owe money for it, you should still consider having a home insurance policy in place for the Peace of Mind and protection it will provide to you and your family. The home insurance agents at Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN understand the importance of having your home insured.

Homeowners insurance will cover your house if it is destroyed or damaged by a fire, some type of storm such as a hail storm, and will protect it if a burglary of your house occurs. You can also obtain homeowners insurance that will cover flooding, although that is usually an extra policy that’s tacked on to your home insurance policy. If you live in a flood-prone area, you will definitely want to have that in place. Home insurance will also protect your house if it is damaged or destroyed by a tornado or a hurricane or some other devastating weather event. With climate change happening all around us, it is a good idea to have home insurance in place to protect your property in case any of these incidents occur.

Home insurance will also cover your belongings, including furniture, appliances, and personal belongings. This is important in the case of a fire or theft incident occurring at your home.

To decide upon which coverage options you want and need to protect your very valuable home and property, call the agents at Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN to get your home insurance policy started today.

Emergencies come in a lot of forms. It can be a fire, strong summer storms, heavy winter snows, or the flooding rains of spring and fall. No matter what the emergency, it is important that your home is prepared to survive and provide the protection you and your family need. In Wayzata, MN, Pizano Insurance is here to provide the choices you need when it comes to home insurance. We will work to make sure you get the perfect coverage for your needs. 

When an emergency hits, it is important to have an emergency plan in place. Every member of the family should be aware of the plan and if it includes evacuating your home, you should have rehearsals so that even the youngest members know where they should be and the route they should take. 

Your home should be equipped with smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. If your escape route is from a second-story window, you need to have an approved ladder for a safe escape from your home. 

Your home should have a supply of food and water that can keep you for a few days in the event of a weather emergency. When a weather emergency hits, it is not uncommon for the power to be out. In order to keep things running in your home, having a generator is a good way to prepare for an emergency. Be sure to have fuel to keep it running for at least a few days. 

Make sure any important papers you have are stored in a container that is both fire and flood proof, including your home inventory and home insurance policy. This will make any insurance claim much easier. 

Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN is your one-stop insurance agency for all your home insurance needs. Stop into the office or give us a call for a no-obligation quote. 

When you buy home insurance from Pizano Insurance, you expect it to protect you against all perils lurking in your home. Unfortunately, home insurance has limitations. However, the good news for Wayzata, MN homeowners is that there are riders (add-ons) you can consider boosting your home insurance policy. Let’s look at a few.

Flood insurance

While home insurance covers water damage resulting from leaky pipes and faulty appliances, it doesn’t cover water damage from overland flooding. As such, you need a stand-alone food insurance policy to protect your home from floods. Even if you don’t live in a flood plain area, it’s recommended you purchase flood insurance since floods can strike anywhere.

Umbrella insurance

Umbrella insurance is extra liability coverage that comes into play when your liability coverage runs out. For instance, if someone slips in your home and suffers severe head injuries, home insurance can only stretch as far. It will cover medical expenses and possible lawsuits but may run out. Fortunately, umbrella insurance picks from what your home insurance leaves off. 

Sewer and drain backup

Water damage from a sewer backup is a constant pain for homeowners. These problems occur when your sewer lines are clogged, become old and weak, or when tree roots seep into the lines, causing damage. Unfortunately, this risk isn’t covered by your typical home insurance. For this reason, you should invest in a sewer and drain backup endorsement to avoid you counting losses when water damage strikes. 

Scheduled personal property

While home insurance protects high-value items like art and jewelry, the protection is limited. If loss or damage were to occur, you would incur out-of-pocket expenses to replace your property. Thankfully, valued possession coverage can help protect your valuables from breakage and theft. 

Boost your home insurance today!

Would you like to get more out of your home insurance? Contact Pizano Insurance of Wayzata, MN to help you boost your home insurance coverage with appropriate riders/endorsements.

The weather is heating up, and it’s time to start thinking about preparing your home for summer. Summer involves a lot more time outside and entertaining. It involves lots of sunshine and the need to stay cool and protected. Owning a home involves lots of upkeep and the summer is no exception. At Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN we are here to lower your stress level with one-stop insurance shopping. As an independent agency, we provide our customers with access to multiple carriers which allows them more choices. 

Service your AC

When the temperature rises, it’s time to turn on the air conditioning. If you have a central ac unit, it’s time to get your yearly check-up. Nothing is worse than having your system stop working in the steamy heat. Yearly maintenance can keep your system operating at peak performance and extend the life of your unit. 

Trees

If you have trees on your property winter can be tough on them. Look for damage, if you find some it is time to get an Arborist in to check the health of your trees. You may need some limbs trimmed or removed. Falling branches pose a safety hazard to you, your guest, and your property.

Make sure gutters are clear

Summer can bring heavy rain, and it is important that your gutters and downspouts are running freely. Check to make sure that the water is being directed away from your home to avoid foundation issues. 

Service your lawn moving equipment 

If you maintain your own lawn, preparing for summer means getting out the mower and the weed whacker and making sure they are working well and that you have enough line for the whacked. 

Summer is a time to relax and enjoy the outdoors, if you need to discuss your home insurance give us a call at us at Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN.