Tag Archives: Wayzata MN

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.

Does Auto Insurance Cover Special Additions To Your Vehicle?

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Many people take great pride in owning their vehicle. There are some that go the extra mile and customize their automobile to be a reflection of their personality or interests. Many of these additions and customizations are expensive and can increase the value of a vehicle.

Covering Custom Vehicles 

If you are the owner of a vehicle that has been modified or customized, you may be concerned that your regular auto insurance won’t provide the necessary coverage you need to avoid a loss during a covered event. If you have made significant and costly modifications, you may want to choose the maximum amount of full coverage. If that doesn’t equal the appraised value of the car or truck in question, there may be other insurance options that will provide the security you need while on the road or when you are parked somewhere. Ask your insurance provider for recommendations and to help review coverage to ensure you don’t have gaps.

Finding A Reputable Agent

One of the best ways to protect your vehicle, especially if it has been heavily modified and customized, is to work with an agency that has experience providing special auto coverage for your situation. If you are living in or around the Wayzata, MN area, you should consult Pizano Insurance for more details about your options and information about special coverage necessary to prevent losses. The agents have vast experience and know how to work with special cases to get the best results. 

If you have a customized vehicle and are worried about adequate coverage, you should call or stop by Pizano Insurance serving Wayzata, MN. They can give you answers to your questions and work closely with you to get the results you want. 

Homeowner’s Insurance Can Protect You From Slip and Fall Liabillity

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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.

What Happens if I Don’t Have Auto Insurance

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If you own a car in the Wayzata, MN area, you are responsible for carrying auto insurance whenever you are out on the road. While it is a requirement under the law, not all people comply with this requirement. If you do not have auto insurance and still drive, there are a number of things that could happen. 

Face Significant Penalties

If you do not have car insurance and are caught driving without it, one thing that could happen is that you could face very serious penalties. Driving without insurance is against the law in people that are caught doing it could be fined a monetary penalty, lose their driving privileges, and potentially face imprisonment. These penalties tend to get worse if you are a repeat offender.

Face Substantial Liability

Another risk of driving without auto insurance is that you could face substantial liability. One of the benefits of auto insurance is that it will give you protection if you are at fault in an accident. Even if you do not have auto insurance, you are still responsible for any loss that is incurred. If you are not able to reimburse the other party in an accident, further legal action could be taken against you. 

Lose Car

Finally, if your car is damaged in an accident and you do not have insurance, you could lose your car. Since a car is expensive to replace, you will want to make sure you have collision and comprehensive coverage in place to cover a variety of losses.

If you own a car in the Wayzata, MN area, you should reach out to Pizano Insurance today. The team at Pizano Insurance knows the importance of having auto insurance in place at all times. This company can also explain your auto insurance options and make sure that you have the right level of coverage.

How Soon Should You Inform Your Insurance Company If Your Home Is Damaged?

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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!