Five Ways to Reduce the Risks of Auto Accidents

Posted on by

Millions of car accidents occur in the United States each year. Even if you are a perfect driver, someone else could cause an accident. Fortunately, you can take steps to reduce the risk of auto accidents. We have outlined some of these steps below. If you’re in need of assistance or are looking for auto insurance, it’s time to contact Pizano Insurance. We serve Wayzata, MN, and various other communities.

1. Keep Your Car in Good Repair

If your brakes are worn out or your tires no longer have enough tread, it could increase the risk of an accident. The same is true for headlights and various other components. In these cases, you’ll want to get everything fixed as quickly as possible.

2. Know the Weather

Before hitting the road, you should check the weather. You’ll want to be prepared for storms, snow, and various other weather-related risks. This way, you won’t be caught off guard.

3. Get Vehicles With Ample Safety Features

Cars are now safer to drive than ever before. Many cars have safety sensors that warn you if vehicles are in your blind spots. Rearview cameras make backing up safer and easier. Some vehicles can contact emergency response services to alert them that an accident occurred.

4. Ease Off the Gas

Speeding makes accidents more likely. You should follow traffic laws. If you’re speeding, you’ll have less time to react. In poor weather, you’ll want to slow down, and you may need to drive well below the posted speed limit.

5. Have the Right Auto Coverage

If an accident should occur, the right auto insurance plans can provide protection and assistance. It’s wise to work with local insurance agents as they will be aware of local risks and conditions. Need an insurance agent serving Wayzata, MN? Get in touch with Pizano Insurance right away.

Is Once a Year Too Often to Compare Auto Insurance?

Posted on by

One of the questions we frequently get at Pizano Insurance from our Wayzata, MN, area customers is how often they should get a quote on their auto insurance.

Some believe getting an auto insurance quote every year may be too often. Here are reasons why checking quotes once a year may be a good idea.

Rates change.

It is a simple fact that auto insurance rates change, and not every company changes simultaneously.

Your driving record may improve.

As time passes, negative elements on your driving record may expire. This could improve your insurance rates with certain companies.

Providers often encourage new customers with lower rates.

Why not take advantage when a provider wants to encourage you to be a customer of theirs with lower rates? It can happen when you compare.

Changing auto insurance companies is easy to do.

Changing auto insurance providers is easier than many people think. It may just be a matter of answering a few questions and getting your approval. In fact, at Pizano Insurance, we can make it easy!

Get a quote today.

Many of our clients enjoy some serious savings when comparing auto insurance rates, which they may not have realized if they had not compared.

Pizano Insurance can do the legwork for those in the Wayzata, MN, area. Of course, the final choice is yours. Remember, comparing insurance rates is a good thing. Contact us today to get started.

We look forward to assisting you in getting the savings you deserve.

Coverage For Water Features and Other Property Upgrades

Posted on by

Let’s explore some popular upgrades for residential properties. The enhancements you choose for your property may necessitate additional home insurance coverage.

Water Features

Pools, ponds, fountains, and other outdoor water features can increase the value of your property. Since these water features can add significant value, consider seeking additional home insurance coverage.

Think about the size of the water feature you are investing in and the materials you have chosen for the upgrade. For deeper water features, consider researching liability insurance products that will provide coverage in case someone gets injured.

Additional elements like lighting, slides, and other accessories will further increase the value of a water feature, potentially requiring extra insurance coverage.

Fencing

New fencing can not only offer definition to your property but also increase its value while ensuring security.

Determine the perimeter of the property that will be fenced. Research various types of fencing, including automatic, semi-automatic, and manual options.

If you are considering a new gate, assess the style you choose to add to your property. Remember, the fencing components should also be included in your current home insurance policy. This coverage will protect against wear and tear, natural weather phenomena, theft, and vandalism.

Contact Pizano Insurance

Each change you make to your property should be assessed individually. Once you’ve determined whether more insurance coverage might be needed, contact one of our agents serving Wayzata, MN. A Pizano Insurance agent will make the necessary adjustments to your home insurance policy.

Protecting Other Structures on Your Property with Home Insurance

Posted on by

Home insurance protects the main dwelling and extends coverage to other structures on the property. Understanding how home insurance safeguards these structures is essential for homeowners seeking comprehensive protection for their property in the Wayzata, MN, location.

Coverage for Other Structures

Other structures coverage, also known as Coverage B in home insurance policies, protects buildings and items on the property that are not part of the main dwelling. Examples include detached garages, sheds, fences, decks, gazebos, and swimming pools.

Protection Against Perils

Similar to coverage for the main dwelling, coverage for other structures protects against various perils, including fire, theft, vandalism, windstorms, hail, and more. During an event, if any covered items or structures are damaged, a claim with their insurance provider is filed to receive compensation for repairs or replacement costs.

Limits and Deductibles

Home insurance policies typically limit the coverage available for other structures, typically as a percentage of the total coverage limit for the main dwelling. Homeowners should review their policies to understand these limits and ensure adequate coverage for their other structures.

Special Considerations

Specific structures may require additional coverage or endorsements to protect them adequately. For example, detached garages or other outbuildings used for business purposes may need separate business property insurance. Similarly, features such as swimming pools or hot tubs may require liability coverage to protect against potential injuries or accidents.

Regular Maintenance and Documentation

Homeowners should perform regular maintenance and upkeep to ensure coverage for other structures remains valid. Additionally, thorough documentation of any improvements or renovations made to other structures can help expedite the claims process if anything is damaged or lost.

Let Pizano Insurance Give You the Information

Pizano Insurance can answer your home insurance questions and serves the Wayzata, MN, region. Call us today.

Financial Stability and Auto Insurance

Posted on by

Financial stability is critical, and auto insurance plays a significant role in ensuring you and your vehicle are safe in and around the Albertville, MN locations. It offers protection against unforeseen financial burdens resulting from accidents or other mishaps on the road.

Protection Against Financial Loss

Auto insurance provides a safety net, shielding policyholders from financial losses. Without insurance, individuals would be personally liable for legal fees, repairs, and medical bills, which can quickly escalate and cause financial strain.

Coverage for Vehicle Damage

Comprehensive and collision coverage within auto insurance policies safeguards against damage to the insured vehicle, especially those financed. Comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision incidents like theft, vandalism, or natural disasters, while collision covers impacts with other vehicles or objects.

Liability Protection

Liability coverage is another essential component of auto insurance. It protects policyholders from legal liabilities arising from injuries or damages to others in accidents where the insured driver is at fault. This coverage helps cover medical expenses, lost wages, and legal fees for affected parties, preventing financial ruin for the policyholder.

Importance of Adequate Coverage

Maintaining adequate auto insurance coverage is crucial for maintaining financial stability. Opting for insufficient coverage may leave individuals vulnerable to out-of-pocket expenses beyond their policy limits, putting their assets and economic well-being at risk. Therefore, it’s essential to assess coverage needs carefully and ensure adequate protection against potential risks.

Legal Compliance

Auto insurance is not just about financial protection; it’s also a legal requirement in most states. Driving without insurance leads to fines, license suspensions, and legal consequences. This will become costly if you are caught. 

Let Pizano Insurance Give You the Information

Pizano Insurance answers your auto insurance questions and serves the Albertville, MN, region. Call us today for the most updated information.

The Role of Life Insurance in Wealth Transfer Strategies

Posted on by

Life insurance offers tools for individuals and families in the Wayzata, MN, region to preserve and transfer wealth across generations. By leveraging various life insurance products and estate planning techniques, individuals can effectively manage their estates and transfer assets to beneficiaries. 

Estate Preservation and Liquidity

One primary benefit of life insurance in wealth transfer strategies is its ability to preserve estates and provide liquidity to cover estate taxes and settlement costs. Upon the policyholder’s death, life insurance proceeds can be used to pay estate taxes, debts, and other expenses without requiring the liquidation of assets. This ensures that heirs receive their intended inheritance intact and minimizes the risk of asset depletion or forced sales.

Equalizing Inheritance

Life insurance equalizes inheritances, mainly when certain assets are difficult to divide or where one heir may receive a larger share than others. By naming beneficiaries and assigning coverage amounts accordingly, individuals can ensure that each heir gets a fair and equitable portion of the estate, regardless of the composition or value of other assets.

Providing for Dependents

For individuals with dependents or loved ones who rely on their financial support, life insurance serves as a vital income replacement tool in the event of premature death. By purchasing life insurance coverage, individuals find protection and can maintain their standard of living in the absence of the primary breadwinner.

Minimizing Probate and Taxation

Probate does not apply to life insurance proceeds, making them readily available to beneficiaries without any delays. Additionally, life insurance death benefits are typically income tax-free for beneficiaries, providing a tax-efficient means of transferring wealth outside the probate estate and minimizing tax liabilities for heirs.

Let Pizano Insurance Inform You

Pizano Insurance helps answer life insurance questions and serves the Wayzata, MN region. Call us today.   

The Role of Life Insurance in Wealth Transfer Strategies

Posted on by

Life insurance offers tools for individuals and families in the Wayzata, MN, region to preserve and transfer wealth across generations. By leveraging various life insurance products and estate planning techniques, individuals can effectively manage their estates and transfer assets to beneficiaries. 

Estate Preservation and Liquidity

One primary benefit of life insurance in wealth transfer strategies is its ability to preserve estates and provide liquidity to cover estate taxes and settlement costs. Upon the policyholder’s death, life insurance proceeds can be used to pay estate taxes, debts, and other expenses without requiring the liquidation of assets. This ensures that heirs receive their intended inheritance intact and minimizes the risk of asset depletion or forced sales.

Equalizing Inheritance

Life insurance equalizes inheritances, mainly when certain assets are difficult to divide or where one heir may receive a larger share than others. By naming beneficiaries and assigning coverage amounts accordingly, individuals can ensure that each heir gets a fair and equitable portion of the estate, regardless of the composition or value of other assets.

Providing for Dependents

For individuals with dependents or loved ones who rely on their financial support, life insurance serves as a vital income replacement tool in the event of premature death. By purchasing life insurance coverage, individuals find protection and can maintain their standard of living in the absence of the primary breadwinner.

Minimizing Probate and Taxation

Probate does not apply to life insurance proceeds, making them readily available to beneficiaries without any delays. Additionally, life insurance death benefits are typically income tax-free for beneficiaries, providing a tax-efficient means of transferring wealth outside the probate estate and minimizing tax liabilities for heirs.

Let Pizano Insurance Inform You

Pizano Insurance helps answer life insurance questions and serves the Wayzata, MN region. Call us today.   

Can Home Insurance Cover Roof Repairs?

Posted on by

If the roof on your Wayzata, MN, residence needs repair or replacement, you may wonder if your home insurance will cover this project. The answer varies based on several details, such as your specific insurance carrier and the reason why your roof requires repair. It may also depend on the severity of the damage.

What’s Covered?

Roofing normally qualifies for coverage when a covered disaster or event harms it. Home insurance typically covers damage caused by house fires, hailstorms, and windstorms. The same goes for tornadoes and wildfires. Keep in mind that a deductible usually applies. Certain policies apply different deductibles to damage inflicted by high winds or hail.

Some insurers won’t cover roof damage that only affects its appearance. Your policy may provide coverage after hail or wind harms your roofing materials severely enough to undermine their purpose. This means that the damaged shingles or metal surfaces allow water to enter your home when it rains or snow melts.

What Isn’t Covered?

Home insurance won’t cover your roof if it needs repair because of gradual decay or lack of maintenance (such as heavily rusted metal roofing). The same goes for defects in manufacturing and installation. A few types of disasters are excluded from regular homeowners policies, such as earthquakes. If you own any outbuildings or have tenants renting a building from you, remember to discuss this with your agent to ensure you have the proper coverage.

Pizano Insurance can help you find a policy that adequately protects your roof and the rest of your home. Our independent agency in Wayzata, MN, allows customers to shop for policies from various major insurance companies in one place, saving considerable time. To learn more, please call Pizano Insurance at 763-447-4977.

Three Types of Protection You Get From Home Insurance

Posted on by

Having home insurance in place from day one is compulsory upon purchasing a home. Home insurance amalgamates several types of coverage elements into a single policy. All these components are vital, offering you financial protection in various ways. Are you planning on buying a home or considering transitioning to a different home policy? Reach out to us at Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN, and jumpstart the process of getting your own policy.

Structural Protection

Without home insurance, a damaging event can lead to catastrophic results. A suitable policy can cover the cost of necessary repairs or even complete rebuilding of your home if such a tragedy strikes. These costs could get exorbitantly high, something many people can’t afford without insurance.

Protection for Belongings

Home insurance doesn’t just protect the physical structure; it also cares for its contents. This coverage extends to replacing items destroyed in a damaging event. With your belongings well-covered, you can worry less about costly incidents. Replacing everything in a home without a safety net can be financially draining, emphasizing the importance of maintaining your insurance for this coverage.

Liability Protection

Another financial vulnerability for homeowners is the potential for someone to get injured on their property. You could end up responsible for their medical bills, ongoing therapy, and even their missed wages. Home insurance can cover this liability, removing this stressful burden.

Choose Pizano for Home Insurance

When you need a home policy, contact us at Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN. We are here to help you secure your financial future.

Coverage Basics for A Household with Multiple Vehicles

Posted on by

Insurance Savvy: A Comprehensive Guide to Updating Your Auto Insurance

Understanding insurance coverage can be complex. However, with a grasp of a few basic insurance principles, you can ensure your vehicles are legally insured. Here’s a straightforward guide to updating your existing automotive insurance policy.

Current Paperwork: Importance and Effect

Always ensure your insurance documents are current and correct. These papers should specify the expiry date and details of your insurance policy—the make and model of each vehicle you own and regularly drive. If you sell a vehicle, it’s crucial to update your insurance paperwork accordingly.

The Right Coverage: What to Consider

Assess the scope of coverage your policy offers. Depending on your vehicle’s condition and usage frequency, you might want to increase or decrease your coverage amount. Note any changes warranting policy modifications, and plan to update your insurance policy promptly.

Claims Process: A Must-know

If multiple vehicles are insured under the same policy, understanding the claims process becomes essential. Whether it’s a vehicular accident, an act of vandalism, or your car getting stolen, knowing the right steps to file a claim can be a game-changer.

More Information: Connect with Pizano Insurance

If you’re in Wayzata, MN, and need more insight, contact our Pizano Insurance agents. Our experts will ensure your vehicles are adequately covered.