Home insurance mistakes to avoid when you move into a new home

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Choosing your home insurance coverage is a big step in buying your home. You need to choose carefully to avoid costly mistakes. At Pizano Insurance, we can help you find the right home insurance option in Wayzata, MN.

The following are three home insurance mistakes it’s important to avoid when you buy a new home.

Failing to purchase enough coverage

Your home is going to be among your most valuable assets. Therefore, you need to make sure you protect it. Don’t try to save money by limiting the amount of coverage you buy for your home.

Ideally, you should invest in enough coverage to completely replace your home’s value in the event of a severe accident. You should also purchase enough home insurance coverage to protect your assets in the event of a liability lawsuit. 

Being unaware of coverage limitations

Make sure you read the fine print so that you are aware of the limitations of your home insurance policy. There are certain things that a standard home insurance policy is not likely to cover. One example is flood damage. You need to purchase separate flood damage coverage for damage caused by floods to be covered.

Buying the cheapest available policy

You make a big investment in owning a home. You’ll put your investment at risk if you purchase cut-rate home insurance coverage.

Make sure that the home insurance policy you purchase is dependable. Purchasing the cheapest available policy could compromise your investment in your home and lead to huge financial loss in the event of an accident. 

Are you on the market for home insurance in Wayzata, MN? Let us assist you with finding coverage for your home at Pizano Insurance. Contact us with your home insurance inquiries. 

When to Replace Your Car Battery

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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.

Factors That Minnesota Residents Should Be Aware Of Heading Into The Winter Season

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Pizano Insurance assists the Wayzata, MN community, as well as the surrounding communities by offering residents multiple types of insurance policies. As an independent insurance agency, we are able to use our relationships with multiple companies to help our clients. We strive to help our clients find the insurance coverage that they need to protect their assets and secure their futures.

Adapting Your Home Insurance To Deal With Winter

Your home is one of your most valuable possessions. That’s why it is important that you protect it. Home insurance gives you peace of mind that regardless of the challenges that arise in the future, you will be covered. Home insurance allows you to protect your physical property, as well as the possessions inside your home. As a Minnesota resident, you are aware of how difficult the winter season can be. The inclement weather has the ability to cause serious damage to your home. That’s why it is important that you pay attention to some of these factors.

Cold Snaps

One of the most serious threats to your home during the winter is cold snaps. Cold snaps have the ability to damage pipes and cause them to burst. The result is potentially serious water damage throughout your home.

Snow Buildup On Your Roof

Another issue during the winter is the accumulation of snow on your roof. Snow buildup can cause water to start leaking throughout your home. The buildup may also clog your gutters, which can cause damage to the ceiling and wall. During extreme cases, the show buildup on your roof may cause your roof to cave in. Make sure that you have your roof inspected before the winter season starts to make sure that everything is secure.

Pizano Insurance Will Assist You

Navigating the harsh winters in Wayzata, MN can be difficult. Visit our website today to learn more about how we can help protect your investment.

Do I need auto insurance in Wayzata?

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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. 

What’s Involved in a Home Insurance Claim?

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Many people never want to have to deal with a disaster and the insurance of their home. It is something that can be unpleasant, to say the least. Hurricanes, floods, vandalism, among other events, can be unpredictable and unpreventable so having quality insurance is very important for such a big investment as your home.

Having an insurance provider you can trust is crucial if something major happens. That is why choosing a company that will look out for you. Pizano Insurance of Wayzata, MN has reliable agents who will take the time to get to know what your insurance needs are.

Beginning Stages of a Claim

If your home is damaged by an accident that was unforeseen, you are eligible to file a claim to cover expenses to repair your home. There is not a guarantee the claim will be approved, but the process must be started and your information collected. General repairs from age are not considered under a claim as they are not accidental in nature. You will need to contact your provider for more information during this process.

The Claim Process

Your insurance company might refer you to a damage repair company as a temporary measure to prevent further problems. Investigations must be made and an adjuster will be involved in the process. The insurance company will determine if a claim is to be paid. This payment can happen in different ways depending on your provider and conditions. It is good to have a trusted insurance company you can rely on during this whole procedure.

If you need help selecting the best home insurance policy, Pizano Insurance of Wayzata, MN can help. We have experienced agents who can answer your questions about policies and claims processes. Give us a call to schedule an appointment to speak to one of our representatives today.

The Most Common Myths About Auto Insurance

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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. 

Will Home Insurance Cover Something I Forgot To Add To My Inventory?

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Losing items in a fire or a burglary can be frustrating, and especially frustrating when you have not yet added those items to your home insurance inventory. Fortunately, Wayzata, MN can be somewhat flexible in these matters, but you need to exercise some caution and common sense here.

If you can prove that you owned the items in question and simply hadn’t added them to your inventory yet, you may be able to file a claim for them. If you have photographic or video evidence, your adjuster may be willing to take that into account even if you never sent receipts directly to your insurer. Home insurance companies understand that it’s hard to fully plan for an emergency, and a fire isn’t always going to happen right after your most recent inventory.

But there is no guarantee that your insurance company will cover these items, and claiming items that you cannot prove you owned may even have your insurer suspecting fraud.

The best way to make sure that this doesn’t happen:

  • Keep your receipts somewhere safe.
  • Update your inventory often. Every six to twelve months, and after every major purchase.
  • Keep documentation. Keep your receipts together, take photos, capture videos, and make sure that you can prove it.

And remember that an insurance adjustment isn’t a negotiation. Many homeowners assume that their adjuster will lowball them, so they claim a higher number than the actual value of the damaged or lost goods. Don’t do this. Just tell them what you lost and what it was worth.

If you are still shopping around for an insurer for your Wayzata, MN home, get in touch with Pizano Insurance by phone or through the Pizano Insurance website.

What You Need To Know About Adding Teens to Your Insurance

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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. 

Do I Need To Tell My Home Insurance Provider About Renovations?

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Have you recently undertaken a home improvement upgrade? Maybe you decided to add onto the house, or perhaps you’re updating the kitchen. All of these will have an impact on the overall value of your home. This is fantastic, but it also leaves you with a bit of a dilemma. Do you tell your home insurance provider about the renovations? Here at Pizano Insurance, we are here to address those concerns when you call Wayzata, MN home. 

Should You Tell Your Home Insurance Provider About Renovations?

First of all, you are not obligated to say anything about renovations to your home insurance provider. So, if you don’t want it to it is not required. However, that doesn’t mean it is the best idea. Why? Because what happens if your home is damaged? You will be compensated based on the original value of your property. This means all the money you put into the new renovations will be completely out of the window. Does shaving a few dollars off your insurance rates compared to paying for the renovations all over again should something happen to your home? That decision is up to you, but in general, it is always a good idea to let your provider know. 

All of Your Home Insurance Needs

If your considering new home insurance, are looking at performing home upgrades, or you have other basic questions regarding home owner’s insurance, you need to contact the professionals to find out what is the best course of action and what you should avoid. Here at Pizano Insurance, we are here to address these exact concerns. So, if you have any questions or you want to know more about insuring renovations on your property our staff here is just a phone call away. 

When Should You Reevaluate Your Auto Insurance Policy?

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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.