What to Look for in Auto Insurance?

Car insurance shopping is easier than ever before, yet many people don’t understand what to look for when choosing a policy. Car insurance is not one size fits all and  it is important to shop around to ensure you pick a policy that can meet your driving needs and as well as your budget, all the while keeping you fully protected. Here at Pizano Insurance serving Wayzata, MN, we want to make sure everyone is safe on the road and we took the time to put together a helpful go-to guide outlining some of the things you should keep in mind when shopping for auto insurance.

Everything You Need to Look for in Auto Insurance

First, you need to know your state’s car insurance minimum requirements. While you may be tempted to take on the minimum coverage to a few dollars, it may not be to your benefit if you’re involved in an accident and find yourself stuck with the responsibility of paying for injuries and damages. 

You’ll also need to take into account how much coverage you really need. Here are a few things to consider when determining the best type of policy to purchase:

1. Where you drive, how much, and how far.

2. Whether you own or finance your car.

3. Whether you drive for personal reasons or business, or both.

4. Who do you allow to drive your car; just yourself or other people, such as family members.

It’s also helpful to get a better understanding of insurance lingo so you know what your policy provides you with. Speaking with an insurance agent is the best way to get a good understanding of exactly everything your policy provides. He or she can also explain any discounts you qualify for.

Contact Us Today

To learn more about auto insurance, contact Pizano Insurance serving the Wayzata, MN area. 

Why Must All Helmets Be DOT Approved To Be Legal?

Almost every state in the country has some form of helmet law. In Wayzata, MN, a partial helmet law is in place that requires riders under the age of 16 and those with only their permit to wear a DOT approved helmet while on the road. The agents at Pizano Insurance are well-versed in the helmet laws for the state and can answer any questions you may have concerning your insurance or the use of your helmet.

DOT Approved

All helmets must be DOT approved in order to be legal on America’s highways. The Department of Transportation has developed strict guidelines that each helmet must meet in both their construction and durability. Helmets are repeatedly tested to ensure they can withstand hard impacts, skidding, and other events that could take the life of the motorcyclist. Once the helmet has passed these rigorous tests, a DOT Approved sticker will be placed on the back.

Maintaining A Strict Standard

The DOT’s testing requirements were put in place to help maintain a strict standard. Not all helmets are manufactured in the same way or made with the highest quality materials. This is why all helmets are tested and approved to ensure their durability and construction meet or exceeds these strict standards.

When you have questions about a helmet or the helmet law in the state of Minnesota call the agents of Pizano Insurance. They serve residents throughout the Wayzata, MN area and beyond. Schedule your appointment today to make sure that you have the right insurance for your needs. If you need help finding a new helmet or have questions about replacing your old one, they can help you find the answers you need!

The Basics of Personal Umbrella Insurance Coverage

Umbrella insurance offers additional protection on top of your regular homeowner’s or auto insurance plan. Ideal if you’re at an above average risk for lawsuits or high medical costs, an umbrella policy helps you pay less or nothing if you’re involved in an extremely expensive accident.

Learn more about how an umbrella insurance policy benefits you and your family by contacting Pizano Insurance, a reputable business that assists Wayzata, MN and surrounding areas.

Umbrella Insurance Coverage

Umbrella coverage pays if you’re found liable for damages or have to pay for legal defense for a lawsuit—even if you’re not at fault. Once your basic liability coverage is exhausted, the umbrella policy pays the rest up to the limit of your coverage.

Importance of Umbrella Insurance

If you’re sued, your house, car, bank accounts, and future income may be at risk to pay the costs. Protect your most important assets with additional coverage to avoid financial ruin.

How to Choose Coverage Limits

Consider your risks as a renter or a homeowner. If you own a pool or trampoline and your kids’ friends are injured during a birthday party or other event, you could be sued for their medical expenses.

Also, consider the worth of your assets. The greater your assets, the higher your coverage limits should be in order to protect everything you’ve worked to accumulate.

Your future income needs to come into consideration, too. Even if you don’t have many assets, your future earnings are at risk, so your limits should be high enough to prevent having to give away your earnings for months or years.

If you live near the Wayzata, MN area, find out exactly how an umbrella insurance policy reduces your personal liability by getting in touch with a professional from Pizano Insurance who can go into detail about the specific coverage requirements that you need.

Updates on the Boat Insurance Proposal & the Loophole

In the state of Minnesota, boat insurance doesn’t cover every occupant in a boat. As a matter of fact, it doesn’t even cover the spouse and children of the insurance policyholder. This has been the regulation for a long time; however, many legislators and advocates are now proposing the exclusion of this loophole. 

A report was previously made at www.minnesotanewsnetwork.com/advocates-want-plug-loophole-states-boat-insurance-law/ concerning this situation.  Last fall, a resident of Twin Cities has unfortunately gotten her foot severed on her family’s boat. In checking her husband’s boat insurance, she discovered that the boat insurance doesn’t cover her. One can only imagine the dismay, distraught, and financial peril this situation has caused in this family.  It’s also shocking how every family member could be covered in auto insurance but not boat insurance. was situation.

As a result, this lady is fighting the good fight along with advocates to change this boat insurance regulation. Even a report was made at www.fox9.com/news/new-bill-would-close-boating-insurance-loophole about this as well. Proposed bills have been made to address this issue among Minnesota’s Senate and House. So far, they’ve found out about the Watercraft Medical Payments Coverage, but even that has its limitations. Additionally, when the Insurance Federation of Minnesota was contacted concerning this type of coverage and its limitations, they responded by saying that they should contact their insurance agents. 

With this huge issue with boat insurance, it’s very important to contact reliable, dedicated, and experienced insurance agents, and that is where the Pizano Insurance Company comes into play.  Located in Wayzata, MN, this insurance company is ready to handle your boat and other insurance needs. With them, you will have peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are highly protected. Pizano Insurance of Wayzata, MN goes that extra mile and is always glad to assist their clients. They will do the same for you. So contact them now!

3 Things You Should Know About Commercial Insurance Coverage In Minnesota

You think that you are covered for everything that can go wrong with your Wayzata, MN business because you have a little thing called liability insurance. Did you know, though, that commercial general liability (CGL) assurance is not your fix-all remedy in the business indemnity world? Here are three things you should know about commercial insurance coverage in Minnesota. An agent at Pizano Insurance can further help you make sense of the maze that is business insurance. 

1. There are three types of legal damages covered by CGL

The average general liability plan pays for compensatory, general, and punitive damages. Compensatory liabilities are those that lead to financial losses for the victim. Business owners may also need to pay for future losses in income if found liable for compensatory damages. On the other hand, general liabilities are those that typically have to do with physical pain and suffering or mental anguish. Punitive damages are classified as other expenses incurred by the victim that the guilty party must pay. 

2. Standard liability does not pay for everything

The business owner is fully responsible for costs related to sexual harassment, wrongful termination, and discrimination of persons who fall under classified categories. General liability coverage does not pay in instances where the business owner is found guilty of failing to promote a woman solely because of her gender. You, as the business owner, would have to pay for damages imposed on the victim out-of-pocket. 

3. There are other types of liability insurance

Business owners with large assets may consider investing in an additional umbrella policy that covers up to $5 million worth of lost or damaged items. It may also be ideal for companies in Wayzata, MN to invest in crime insurance, which pays for damages in the instance of a burglary. 

Whether you are searching for a basic business insurance policy or need a lot of coverage, Pizano Insurance is the right firm to choose. Call one of our friendly agents today to start your quote!

Do I need extra insurance to cover my motorcycle accessories?

Motorcycles are much more than just motorized bicycles. They are a symbol of freedom and individuality, and people who ride often have a spirit of independence. They can also be adapted for comfort and style by adding a variety of accessories. These accessories can add value to the motorcycle but they can be expensive, and it is important to know they are protected in the even of damage or theft.

Some of the accessories you purchase may include sidecars, trailers, fancy plating and even riding apparel, which can keep riders safer while looking very stylish. The accessories can be damaged on their own, or as part of a bigger mishap. Sometimes parts are stolen or vandalized while the motorcycle is outside.

If you ride a motorcycle in Wayzata, MN, we at Pizano Insurance can help you make sure that your current motorcycle policy also extends coverage to your accessories, or we can help you obtain a policy which does cover those items. While some policies already cover accessories, you can probably obtain much more comprehensive coverage if you add on a policy to your existing one. Because this policy is being added on, you can probably get the additional coverage for a very reasonable price. You are always subject to the limits on your current policy, so adding on coverage will make your protection greater.

Your accessories are part of your experience, and often provide extra comfort and protection. Protecting them is important. If you have motorcycle accessories that you want to protect, please feel free to contact Pizano Insurance. We help the people of Wayzata, MN with all their insurance needs.

Umbrella Insurance for High Wage Earners

For families that earn $250,000 or more per year, savvy financial moves can make the difference between having more than enough and struggling to afford the lifestyle you prefer. The experts at Pizano Insurance want you to help their Wayzata, MN neighbors preserve wealth and enjoy the fruits of their labors. Here are some ways umbrella insurance can add an extra layer of protection and flexibility to your portfolio.

  • High-wage earners are often employed in positions that come with some personal risk. Doctors, legal professionals, and other professionals could be hit with a lawsuit for any number of reasons. An adverse judgment could empty your savings, challenge your credit, and put your whole future in jeopardy.Business umbrella policies help pay costs associated with lawsuits and other issues of liability.
  • If a significant portion of your income comes from a business, you need umbrella insurance.Whether your business is a corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship, you could be found personally liable for loss or damage sustained through the use of the company’s products or services. A personal umbrella policy protects your personal wealth from litigation efforts.
  • Living the good life often means debt. The mortgage on your primary home, vacation property, and vehicle payments can stretch even the most generous budget. If a catastrophic event took your home or completely destroyed your vehicle, the insurance payment from your primary policy might only be enough to cover the bank’s losses on financed property. An active umbrella policy would send payment directly to you. You could then use the funds to replace your lost property.

Do you have enough insurance? Contact the experts at Pizano Insurance for a review of your policies. We can help you protect all of your important things in the Wayzata, MN area.

Your Food Truck Needs Commercial Insurance

Your driving around minding your own business when it jumps out at you, yet another food truck on the side of the road trying its best to ruin your diet plans. We are right there in the struggle with your at Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN. 

Food trucks have become a mainstay of our society today. They are literally everywhere. If you are considering taking your passion for cooking on the road, think about the fact that these food trucks have special insurance needs. You may already own a food truck and may be operating from a position of being under insured. Let us sit down with  you to discuss all of your insurance needs as it relates to your entrepreneurial enterprise.

Cuisine on wheels had different aspects that are unique to each and every food truck. Is their dining  space available in front of the truck? Is your food truck in operation year round or do you only offer seasonal fare at your eatery? Are you in adherence to all of the laws that govern your commercial business such as hiring practices, labor laws, health department mandates? It is important to speak with an insurance agent about any questions you may have to ensure you have the proper coverage for any issue that may arise.

Selling delicious food is only the start to owning a successful food truck! 

In addition to commercial insurance at Pizano Insurance agency in Wayzata, MN caters to your auto, homeowners, recreational, umbrella, motorcycle, and boat insurance needs. Call us at 763-219-4114 to discover how you can simplify your life by having the right type of coverage right when you need it. We make understanding your policy as clear as day and as right as rain. No need to stress, you have enough on your plate. 

Basics of boat insurance

For small motor boats insurance is not required in Minnesota, but for boats with engines of more than 50 horsepower, liability insurance at minimum is required. Even if not required, some liability insurance is a good idea, according to Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN. Non-motorized boats, like canoes, and most personal watercraft like jet skis, do not need insurance. Boats kept in state parks have to have liability insurance regardless of engine size.

Boat insurance is very similar to automobile insurance in how it operates, though you do need a separate policy for your boat. Liability insurance covers any damage you might cause in an accident. There is also medical insurance that will cover injuries whether or not you are at fault.

There is also physical damage coverage, similar to collision insurance on a car. You may also get coverage for uninsured boaters, so if someone else damages your boat and is not insured, you can still recoup your losses.

There is also insurance to cover fuel spills or the cost of cleanup, should your boat sink. Other add-on’s may also be available to meet your individual needs.

Another item to keep in mind is the value of your boat. When you get your policy, you will agree on the amount of coverage. The value of boats depreciates just like it does with automobiles. If your boat is damaged or destroyed you can receive the amount it was insured for, as opposed to the market value, which could be much lower.

Stop by or call Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN to get more information about getting insurance for your boat. Our professional staff can help you make sure you have the coverage you need, so you can be safe and worry-free when you are on any of the lakes or waterways of Minnesota.

What You Need in a Home Insurance Policy

The most valuable asset that you will ever own will likely be your home. Since it is such a big part of your life and financial net worth making sure it is very well and it is extremely important. For those that are in the Wayzata, MN area, picking the right home insurance policy is very important.  There are a variety of different types of coverage that should be included in your policy.  

Property Coverage

The first item that should be included in your home insurance policy is an adequate amount of property coverage. Property coverage will provide you with insurance coverage in the event your home is damaged or destroyed by storm, fire, vandalism, or other significant loss. This part of your home insurance policy should ideally also include and amount of money to cover temporary housing in the event you have to move out of your home.

Liability Coverage

Another type of coverage to include in your policy is liability insurance. Whenever you have somebody visit your home, you are taking on some responsibility for them. If they happen to get hurt on your property, even if it is not your fault, you could end up being sued for liability. Your liability insurance part of the homeowner’s policy will provide you with coverage for this.

Additional Personal Property

If you have available personal items, such as jewelry or collectibles, they may not be covered under your base policy. If this is your situation, you must make sure that you kept an additional policy to cover these items specifically.

For those that own property in the Wayzata, MN area, being properly covered by a home insurance policy is very important.  To ensure you are adequately covered, it would be a good idea to reach out to Pizano Insurance. Pizano Insurance is well experienced in helping people determine their insurance needs and get into a policy that provides the right level of coverage.