If you’ve lived in Wayzata, MN for a while, you probably understand how much of a threat windstorms can be in the area. A little bit of wind may seem harmless at first — After all, if it’s not categorized as a tornado or hurricane, it doesn’t have as much of a capacity for damage, Right? Wrong.

Windstorms can spell tragedy for your house and anyone inside of it. Even if you’re planning to evacuate your home for the duration of the storm, experts such as Pizano Insurance recommend taking a few important precautions to keep your home safe and in one piece as it rides out the storm.

1. Check Your Home’s Perimeter

Your house may have been built to outlast a strong storm, but is its perimeter secured?

Before the storm is due to arrive, take a walk around your property and inspect it thoroughly. Look for any loose rocks, pieces of wood, and other objects that might be lifted by a strong wind. Should you find any such items, get rid of them or secure them safely in a shed or garage.

You should also ensure that any buildings on your property, including your home, are firmly rooted in place. There should not be any shifting ground or soft soil around the perimeter of your home.

2. Seal Your Windows And Doors

It’s always a good idea to cover your windows and doors in preparation for any kind of storm. Boarding up your entryways and windows may be necessary if you anticipate strong enough winds.

3. Make Sure Your Appliances Are Grounded

Are all of your electrical appliances grounded?

This is especially of great importance when it comes to major appliances like clothes dryers. Make sure that all of the electricity around your home is grounded and properly secured. If you have any outdoor electrical appliances (such as a grill or even a hot tub), unplug everything and secure properly before the storm.

4. Cut Down Any Unnecessary Trees

Are there any unnecessary trees on your property?

If so, this might be a good time to cut them down, or at least give them a good trimming. If you have enough time before the storm is due to start, take care of this task to the best of your ability.

Old trees that seem to lean or waver even in weaker wins are especially of concern. Having such trees on your property may be an issue for your home insurance provider as well.

If your neighbor’s trees are a threat to your Wayzata, MN home in the instance of high winds, discuss the possibility of having them removed.

Can your Home Withstand A Windstorm?

A strong enough wind can wipe out even the sturdiest of homes if preventative measures are not taken. Call Pizano Insurance today for a homeowner’s insurance quote or to get added protection. We are here to help you ride out the worst of storms.

Home insurance is something that is essential for anyone that owns a home. It protects your home from fire, from storm damages, from break in and more. This is a great way to make sure that your home is protected and that you are not going to be out a great deal of money if something happens. If you live in the Wayzata, MN area, the agents with Pizano Insurance can help you to find the home policy that is going to work best for you and your home.

Home policies are not as difficult to void as you might imagine. There are many factors that might void a home policy. A great example is arson, if it is found that you were the one that caused a fire that burned your home down, then in all likelihood you will end up in jail and your home policy is not going to pay out. Another example would be if someone got injured on your property and it was the direct result of your negligence. In this case your home owner’s policy is not going to pay out. Another event in which your home owner’s policy is not going to be valid is if you do not pay your premiums or if it is proven that you are providing fraudulent information to your insurance company.

You should take the time to get all your policy information to find out what the policy covers. Your homeowner’s policy is crucial and can make a world of difference in how easy it is to come back after something terrible happens to your home. If you live in the Wayzata, MN area, the agents with Pizano Insurance can help you to find the right insurance policy for your needs.  

Whether you’re renting out your entire home or simply renting out a room or two, becoming a landlord can have its perks. For starters, it’s a great way of earning extra income while putting otherwise vacant properties and unused rooms to good use. As a responsible Wayzata, MN homeowner, chances are you already have your home covered with a homeowners insurance policy. However, you may be wondering if it protects your home while it’s being used as a rental property.

It Depends on the Rental Situation

Pizano Insurance knows that not every insurance policy is the same. While your homeowner’s insurance covers a broad range of situations, said coverage may differ when it comes to using your home as a long-term rental property.   

If you’re currently living in your home and occasionally rent out a spare room for short periods, you can still rely on your homeowner’s insurance to cover property damage. However, the extent of your coverage may depend on the number of current renters and the length of the rental itself. Some insurance providers limit coverage to occasional weekend rentals while others require an endorsement before authorizing coverage under these conditions.

If you have a second home you plan on renting out long-term, however, you’ll need landlord insurance. A landlord policy provides similar coverage as a traditional homeowners policy – in addition to coverage for property damage caused by wind, fire and other named perils, you’ll also get coverage for personal property left behind for maintenance and upkeep. Appliances and other property used by tenants may also be covered.

Having the right insurance for your Wayzata, MN home is crucial no matter how you plan on using your dwelling. The experts at Pizano Insurance can help you choose the right coverage for your situation.

Residents in the Wayzata, MN area understand the importance of homeowner’s insurance to protect their primary property. But do you know what your policy actually covers? While the details of each contract may vary, here are some of the things most homeowner’s policies cover, and a few that they don’t.

• Your homeowner’s policy will cover your home’s physical structure. This includes the walls, foundation, plumbing, and electrical systems. Other structures on your property, like detached garages and sheds, may also be covered from a range of possible events like fire, theft, or vandalism. Expanded coverages are available for any threats that cause you concern. If you aren’t sure what coverage your policy offers, talk to an expert at Pizano Insurance for a review of your current contract.
• Liability is an important part of homeowner’s coverage. If someone is hurt while they’re on your property, this coverage pays for their medical bills and helps defray other court-ordered costs associated with the accident. Your liability coverage will even help you pay for a lawyer to fight your case. If the case is decided in your favor, you won’t have to pay back the funds.
• When your home is damaged due to fire, wind, or other acts of nature, you lose more than a living space. All of your precious possessions are often exposed during a catastrophic event. Your homeowner’s policy will help you replace the clothing, equipment, and personal items that you store on your property. If you run a business out of your home, however, your residential coverage may not be enough to replace all of your things. Talk to an insurance agent about special coverage for work-from-home residents.
• Some other things that may not be included in your policy are high-value items like jewelry and artwork, pools, trampolines, and sump pumps.

The professionals at Pizano Insurance carry homeowner insurance policies for residents in the Wayzata, MN area. Let us know how we can help keep your private property safe from misfortune.

Slip and fall claims can be brought against you for many reasons, including sidewalk falls, stairwell accidents and flooring-related slips. Typically, these incidents are covered under a homeowners insurance policy. If you have any questions on what type of homeowner’s insurance you need, contact a representative from Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN. In the meantime, here is some information to help you understand your legal rights and obligations regarding other people who visit your property.

Types of Slips and Falls 

Stairway accidents are often caused by objects left on the stairs, while sidewalk accidents often happen when someone slips on ice or snow, or trips on uneven sidewalks. Inside the home, accidents often occur as the result of a guest slipping on uneven or slippery floors.

Regardless of the type of slip or fall, it’s not automatically the homeowner’s responsibility. In order to win a slip and fall case, the injured party needs to show the owner’s negligence caused or contributed to the conditions causing the injury.

This is determined by proving the owner was or was not reasonably safe. For example, homeowners are usually held responsible for keeping the areas where visitors walk safely. A big exception to this is someone who’s committing a crime on the property.

Homeowners’ Insurance and Slip and Fall Claims

If you are liable for an injury that occurred on your property, the next question is whether it’s covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy.
Most policies coverslip and fall injuries as long as the owner didn’t intentionally cause the accident.

Homeowners’ have two types of insurance coverage, liability and no-fault medical. 

Liability covers someone injured on your property. However, if the medical expenses exceed your policy limits, you may have to pay the difference.  Medical coverage, called “no-fault medical coverage.” pays for injured person’s medical treatment, whether the owner is at fault or not.

If you want to learn more about your current policy in Wayzata, MN or determine if there’s another that’s better for you, call Pizano Insurance to set up an appointment for a free quote.

When you discover that your home has been damaged by inclement weather, vandals, or someone trying to break in, you need to report it your insurance company immediately. If the damage is related to a break-in, notifying the authorities is a must and should never go without being reported. If you live in Wayzata, MN, you can rely on the agents of Pizano Insurance to help you get through an incredibly stressful time.

Time Is Of the Essence

Never wait to report damage. Notify your insurance company immediately so they can evaluate the damages and allow you to get the estimates you need. This will allow you to get the ball rolling and your home back to its original condition in a short amount of time. Reporting damage as soon as it occurs not only saves time, it also allows the damage to be seen while it’s still "fresh". This ensures the agent gets an accurate accounting of the damage.

Know What Your Policies Cover

It’s important to know what types of damage your homeowner’s policy covers. Even if the damage is something that is not covered by your policy, it’s important to let your insurance company know about it. If you would make the repairs and it would increase the value of your home, the insurance company needs to know so they can reflect that change in your policy.

At Pizano Insurance, you can get the answers you need about how to handle a claim if your home has been damaged in any way. If you live in the Wayzata, MN area, call and speak to one of their licensed agents today. They can perform an audit on your existing homeowner’s policy and answer any questions you may have. Peace of mind is valuable and they can make sure you have it!

Acquiring home insurance is a necessity for it covers you in cases of unexpected predicaments either natural or artificial. Also, homeowners’ requirements change over the years, and this highly depends on their new locations and what they prize as insurable. It’s in their best interests in preparation for potential occurrences that they require an insurance cover. The priority is to search for a reputable insurance company, and Pizano Insurance serving Wayzata, MN provides the necessary assistance for this need. Here are tips on getting a reliable home insurance policy.

Know what to cover

You should be precise on the items that you want to be insured. These are contents that are within and outside the home. The cover should include roof damages, broken doors/windows, and breakdowns of air-conditioners and boilers. Note that under the Minnesota Department of Commerce laws, it’s the duty of a public adjuster, not the building contractor, to settle a claim for damages on repairs covered in an insurance contract.

Physical location

The premium rates that you pay are significantly affected by the location of your residence. Living in secluded areas doesn’t necessarily reduce the insurance rates if difficulty in accessing your home slows the response of emergency teams. Ensure from your insurance company on the policy of canceled or false alarm calls to fire departments for there are charges on this.    

Mortgage requisite 

Banks demand a letter of indemnity from your insurance company in all mortgages. The purpose of the letter is to describe what it’s covering in your property. This is usually as a summary in every buying of a home. 

So if you think of buying, rent or you own a home, contact Pizano Insurance, serving Wayzata, MN for a suitable home insurance. They understand the homeowners’ needs and value their homes.

For a lot of people, the first thing they do when shopping for a home is to look into home insurance. Knowing what kind of insurance you can get and what it is going to cost you will play an important role in how much you can afford to spend on the actual mortgage payment itself. If you have never shopped for a home before, then you’ve probably never looked into getting home insurance. Fortunately, getting home insurance in Wayzata, MN is a lot easier than a lot of people think. Here at Pizano Insurance, we have put together a go-to guide for getting home insurance. 

Speak With a Qualified Insurance Agent

The easiest way to get a home policy is to speak with a qualified insurance agent who has much experience in customizing policies to meet the exact needs of the homeowners. No two homes are exactly the same and neither are the homeowners, so customizing the policy is extremely important in ensuring you get a policy that meets all of your needs. 

Shop for Policies

Buying home insurance isn’t something you want to take lightly. You want to make sure you are doing all that you can to get a policy that not only meets your needs but is affordable as well. To do this, you will need to compare policies and see which one is the most suitable. 

Speak With Friends and Family

Your friends and family are valuable resources for helping you find an insurance company you can trust. Use their recommendations to help you get started on finding a policy that meets all of your needs. 

Want to learn more about getting home insurance. Contact Pizano Insurance serving the Wayzata, MN area. 

The moment you buy a home in Wayzata, MN, you may be inundated with various expenses. Home insurance is certainly an expense that needs to be taken into consideration. It is only mandatory in certain situations, though it is important to have no matter what.

When It’s Mandatory

The only time that home insurance is mandatory in Wayzata, MN is if you still have a mortgage loan. Mortgage lenders require homeowners to maintain a home insurance policy in order to provide financial protection over the investment. Further, lenders may require additional coverage, such as if you are in a FEMA-identified flood zone. Pizano Insurance can help you to determine what coverage is necessary for you to have.

Why It’s Important

If you are still paying your home loan, you don’t have a choice as to whether or not to have home insurance. However, if your home is already paid for, it is not mandatory for you to have a policy. Either way, you will want to have a policy because of the financial protection that it provides.

A standard policy will provide you protection against damage, loss, as well as liability. You never know what could happen on or around your property. If someone gets hurt on your property, they could sue for injuries. If a storm hits, you could experience significant roof damage. If there is a fire, you could lose everything. If there is a break-in, significant valuables could be stolen. When any of these things happen, you can file a claim with the insurance company – if you have a policy.

At Pizano Insurance, we are dedicated to helping you understand the importance of having a home insurance policy. Specialized agents can help you to find a policy that works for you and your home in Minnesota. It will allow you to have the coverage knowing that if something happens, you can file a claim.