Do You Have Enough Home Insurance Coverage?

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When it comes to home insurance, you don’t want to be caught short. Insufficient coverage could cost you tens of thousands of dollars out-of-pocket if you were to suffer a catastrophic loss. At Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN, we’ll help you select home insurance coverage that adequately protects your home investment and assets. The following tips can be helpful in determining how much protection you need.

Dwelling Coverage

Your dwelling coverage should be sufficient to rebuild your Wayzata MN home if it’s destroyed by a severe storm, fire or other catastrophes. This includes major renovations you may have done since purchasing your property. Replacement cost coverage covers the cost of replacing your home if it’s destroyed in an unforeseen disaster, giving you the protection you need.   

Personal Property Coverage

Personal property insurance protects your personal goods to include furniture, household appliances, electronics, clothes, jewelry, sports equipment and more. Replacement cost coverage for your personal goods provides you with the funds to replace these items if they are stolen or totally destroyed in a covered peril.

By creating a home inventory, you’ll have a record of what you own to make it easier to make a claim. Your home inventory should include photos or videos of pricey items along with receipts of purchase to verify their value. If the limits of your home insurance aren’t enough to cover high-end goods, you may need additional coverage to protect their full value.

Liability Coverage

Liability insurance pays for the medical costs of visitors who have an accident on your property. It also covers your legal expenses if your visitor decides to sue for damages. If you entertain often, you’ll want to have sufficient liability coverage to protect your assets.

For customized home insurance to protect your valuable investments, contact  Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN.

How To Protect Your Home From A Windstorm

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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.

Does Auto Insurance Cover the Cost of Buying a New Car?

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Getting into an auto accident is one of the scariest things you can go through. That being said, it is also a big hassle as you have to either get your car repaired or you have to go out and buy a whole new car. So what does your coverage really pay for? For those in the Wayzata, MN area, the agents with Pizano Insurance can help you to find out just what your policy covers.  

The general coverage you are paying for with car insurance is the cost of the car that you own. This means that if you have a $25,000 loan out on your car and it is totaled, you are going to be paid out the amount that you have the car insured for. If you have the car insured for $30,000 you would get $30,000 that you could use to pay off your existing loan and then have $5,000 to put down on a new car. though your insurance is not going to pay fully for a new car, it is going to help you settle your current loan so you can get a new car.

In cases where you have full coverage, you are going to be able to collect a sum of money and get your new car. For those that only have liability coverage, you will just get the liability amount which is commonly $10,000 but may vary by state. You can speak with your insurance agent to better understand what your insurance covers and what you can expect your coverage to pay out so that you can create a game plan for buying a new car after an accident.

For those in the Wayzata, MN area, the agents with Pizano Insurance can help you find the right auto policy for you.

Your fellow compatriots help to secure insurance for your home

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Wayzata, MN can be a cozy, close-knit and friendly atmosphere for the growth of individuals and families. When one thinks about the typical progression of growth many ideas may come to mind. Growth can be used as a corequisite to the word simple as it pertains to Homeowners Insurance. These two concepts can co-exist together at once, especially if you have the right guide or navigator. Pizano is your fellow compatriot they are consistently looking for simple yet efficient methods to make your life easier.

Pizano Insurance agency is the fellow compatriot with the experience that you need to help you secure your home and assets. When it comes to homeowners insurance there is really no such thing as one-size-fits-all or one policy fits all. There are different variations of Homeowners Insurance and each variation can lead you down a winding road if you attempt to travel the  Homeowners Insurance road alone.

There are up to eight types of Homeowners Insurance policies. Nonetheless, some policies may have many moving parts and pieces. Getting information about Homeowners Insurance doesn’t have to be a mind-boggling or overwhelming experience. Pizano insurance is the compatriot that you can rely on when the pieces of your puzzle don’t fit. You can rely on them to provide accurate information when an alternative method may need to be explored.

Pizano Insurance Agency has the ability to function as a reliable and stable source for local homeowners in Wayzata, MN.  They are willing to share current information and keep you in the loop. Your fellow compatriot will undertake their best efforts to provide valuable resources that will benefit your family’s needs. Invest a few minutes of your time to contact them. They service the Wayzata, MN area. They are available via email, phone or fax.

The insurance rules for private citizens are constantly evolving at an alarming rate. There are several factors that will influence insurance legislation in 2019 compared to prior years. Knowledge can be powerful and effective if it is used in a timely fashion. Contact Pizano Insurance today to learn more about recent changes to Homeowners Insurance Policies.

3 Tips for Making Sure You Have the Best Auto Insurance Coverage

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Let’s face it. Car insurance is a fact of life when it comes to driving in Minnesota. But how do you know you’re getting the right policy for your needs? Here are three tips from our Pizano Insurance team to help you ensure you have the best auto insurance coverage.

Tip #1: Know the State Minimum Limits

Before you can determine if you have the best auto insurance coverage, you need to know the state minimum limits for liability in Minnesota. These requirements include $30,000 per person for bodily injury, with a total maximum of $60,000 per incident. There’s also a requirement for $10,000 for damage to another person’s property. In most cases, this is simply not enough coverage and worth discussing a higher limit with your agent.

 

Tip #2: Understand Your Financial Situation

Next, it is important to understand your financial situation. Saving money on car insurance is important, but so is making sure you have the right coverage for your needs. If you own a home, have a moderate income, or own a business, you definitely need more than just the state minimum limits. However, if you don’t have many assets and a low income, you might be a better candidate for less expensive coverage. It really depends on your personal circumstances.

Tip #3: Talk to Your Agent

Finally, the easiest way to get the best insurance coverage is to talk to your agent. They will be able to examine your policy and determine any areas where you can improve coverage or reduce certain aspects. Best of all, he or she will also be able to help you determine any discounts you qualify for.

Pizano Insurance proudly serves the Wayzata, MN area. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment or for a no-obligation rate quote.

 

What Factors Void a Home Insurance Policy?

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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.  

What to do if you are at fault in an accident

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Minnesota is a "no-fault" state when it comes to car insurance. This means the insurance companies pay for damage to their customer’s car, and for any injuries, regardless of who is at fault.  In Minnesota fault still matters because you could still be sued, or file a suit, against another driver if the damages are big enough. Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN is here to help you get the coverage you need and to help you understand what no-fault insurance means.

If you are in an accident in Minnesota, and your damages do not exceed $20,000, you only have to go to your own insurance company to file a claim for damages. The other driver will do the same. 

For minor fender-benders, there is no need to get too concerned. However, you should still not sign anything or admit anything The procedure is pretty much the same for any accident though. Stop your car and turn off the engine. Call 911 and see if anyone is injured. Exchange information with other drivers. If you have any injuries, even if they seem small, seek medical attention. From there you only need to contact your insurance agency.

If it is a major accident with major damages, or if someone is killed, there may be more legal issues. Be cooperative but do not admit fault or sign anything.

Stop by, or call Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN to make sure you have the insurance you need on your car There are minimum requirements for coverage, and many people want more insurance than the minimum.  Liability coverage is the minimum required, but many people want comprehensive and collision coverage to protect their own car.  Existing customers are invited to stop by and make sure their policy is up to date.

Does Your Homeowners Insurance Protect You If You Rent Out Your Home?

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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.

How is fault determined

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Minnesota is a no-fault state when it comes to car insurance, but that only applies to the personal injury liability coverage.  No-fault insurance is a relatively new thing, and every state is different. Visit the Pizano Insurance agency in Wayzata, MN to find the coverage you need. Having a good insurance agent is essential in a no-fault state.

In Minnesota, this means the Personal Injury Protection coverage that is required, will pay for medical expenses up to $20,000 regardless of who is at fault. if both parties are injured both insurance companies will be paying claims.

If there are no injuries, and the only damage to the cars, the drivers should exchange insurance information and the insurance agencies will work out who pays. If you hit someone’s car, and you both tell the same story to the insurance company, that claim will likely be paid without much trouble. In that case, the company insuring the one who caused the accident will pay for the damages. There is only a problem if the parties have different versions of what happened. Also in Minnesota, if there are no injuries and no crime was committed, a police report is not necessary.

The no-fault system makes things simpler and shortens the time it takes to get claims paid. On the down side, it is easier for people to make false claims and take advantage of the system. To get a better understanding of how no-fault insurance works in Minnesota, contact the Pizano Insurance Agency in Wayzata, MN. Get in touch by phone or visit them online to get the car insurance you need. If you have made any changes with your vehicles, it is a good idea to notify your insurance agency to make sure you have the correct coverage for the change in the automobile.

What Does Your Homeowner’s Policy Cover?

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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.