Tag Archives: Wayzata MN

Is Your Business Safe from Theft and Vandalism?

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As a small business owner, it’s your responsibility to keep your enterprise safe from theft and vandalism. Acquiring a business owner’s insurance policy from Pizano Insurance, Wayzata, MN is the first step toward protecting your investment. Here are a few other measures you can take to reduce the risk of theft and damage to your goods or property.

Upgrade Security Measures in Wayzata, MN

Upgrade security measures on your business property to discourage thieves and trespassers from targeting your establishment. This could include installing security lights to protect your property at night or a burglar alarm system and security cameras. Make sure you advertise that your property is protected by an alarm system to deter criminal activity. Upgrading your security will minimize the risk of crime on your business property and protect your assets. Security upgrades may also qualify you for a discount on your business insurance premium.

Secure Important Documents

Secure important documents such as financial statements, tax records, employee records, etc., in a safe location. Paper files that are essential to your business should be stored in secure filing cabinets or business safe. Digital records should be protected by secure passwords and anti-virus software. The sensitive financial material should be handled by trustworthy employees to avoid the risk of internal theft or fraud.  

Establish a “Business Watch” in Your Area  

Get acquainted with small business owners in your area and establish an agreement to watch out for one another and help prevent crime. Encourage your employees to keep an eye out for suspicious behavior in or around the area and to report criminal activity immediately to local police. A collective effort amongst local businesses will be much more effective in deterring crime.  

For greater insight into how to protect your business interests, contact Pizano Insurance, Wayzata, MN.  

Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in the State of Minnesota

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Like many states, Minnesota requires every driver to insure their vehicles, and they must have at least the following coverage:

•    No-fault insurance
•    Liability insurance
•    Uninsured motorist insurance

Every type of coverage must meet the state required minimum, and they must be in force while the driver is on the road.

Minimum No-Fault Insurance

Also called “personal injury protection,” no-fault insurance will pay for any medical bills and loss of income after an accident occurs, and it will pay no matter whose fault it was. 

No-fault insurance will cover you whether you’re a driver or a passenger, and any people who are riding with you will be covered under their policy.

Minimum Liability Insurance

Liability insurance would pay for any damages or injury if the accident was your fault.

If you were involved in an accident for which you are at fault, the other driver’s no-fault coverage would kick in first, and your liability insurance will cover any excess of that amount.

Minimum Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Even though the State of Minnesota requires every driver to have auto insurance, there are many who don’t. This type of coverage is meant to protect you from any liabilities if you get into an accident with one of these drivers.

If you want to get an affordable auto insurance policy that meets the state’s requirements, Pizano Insurance in Wayzata MN can help you get one that you can easily afford. Feel free to reach out to us so we can discuss your needs.

Additional Coverage Options

Despite the state required minimum, there are other types of coverage you can purchase that can give you an extra level of protection. Some of these may include:

•    Collision – Will cover any damages that are caused by an accident
•    Comprehensive – Will cover any damages that aren’t traffic-related

If you want to purchase a comprehensive policy at an affordable price, Pizano Insurance has a team of experienced agents that can help you. We’ve been serving the people of Wayzata, MN for a long time, and we understand the needs of our community. If you want to speak to one of our agents, get in touch with us today!

Improving Your Home Insurance Policy: Add Ons and Extra Considerations

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Home insurance is based on you, so it helps to know everything that’s available. While each company differs in terms of exactly what’s offered, you can make your own requests if you have specific fears. For example, if your beloved Golden Retriever is prone to knocking your things to the ground with the sweep of their tail, you don’t want to be responsible for replacing everything he destroys out of pocket. Keep these tips in mind from Pizano Insurance if you live in Wayzata, MN. 

Start Asking Questions 

The best way to improve your home insurance is not necessarily to start combing through the pages of your policy. The best way is to start addressing different scenarios with a critical mind. What happens if your home is flooded, what happens if a vandal destroys your mailbox, who will pay if your cash is stolen from your safe? Once you get these exact answers, you can start seeing where the gaps are so they can be filled with additional language that covers further destruction. You can also decide if an event is likely enough to happen to you to justify spending the extra money. 

Help for Wayzata, MN Residents 

If you’re looking for help when it comes to your policy, we’re here to make it easier to navigate. Our job is to address your home and the possessions that make it special and start giving you concrete ways to protect it. The key is to remember that insurance policies can be built to you. For example, you may not have a dog, but what if you have a relative who might bring theirs over? Pizano Insurance makes it simpler to see how insurance really works in the real world, so call today! 

College Students and Auto Insurance Policies

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While planning for the big transition from high school to college, students largely focus on dorm room furniture, making new friends, and choosing a major. They don’t spend much time dwelling on insurance considerations — but auto insurance is definitely worth addressing.

In some circumstances, students are able to remain on their parents’ car insurance plans. Others opt for their own insurance coverage. There is no one right solution for every situation; the following are a few of the most common approaches to car insurance in college.

Dropping Car Insurance Altogether

Depending on where your student attends college, he or she may not need a car on campus. But what happens when the fall and spring semesters end? When your student returns home, he or she will once again want to drive, making full coverage a necessity. Coverage is also essential if your student chooses to live at home and commute to a local community college or the University of Minnesota.

Sticking With the Same Car Insurance Policy

Students who drive their parents’ cars infrequently typically remain on the same plan that covered them as high school students. In doing so, they can take advantage of less expensive coverage while still enjoying full driving privileges whenever they return home. This is one of the most popular options for college students covered by Pizano Insurance serving Wayzata, MN.

A New Car Insurance Policy

Some college students desire total independence. Separate car insurance policies may prove preferable for those with their own cars who wish to break away. However, this approach is more expensive than sticking with an existing policy.

Car insurance does not have to be complicated when your teen driver leaves for college. Pizano Insurance offers a variety of options for families residing in and around Wayzata, MN. Get in touch today to learn more about college student coverage.

 

 

 

The Best Ways to Save On Your Home Insurance

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You are not locked into the amount of money you pay currently for home insurance. There are different ways to reduce what you pay while living in Wayzata, MN, all without dropping coverage or increasing your deductible. At Pizano Insurance, we want to make sure you not only receive excellent home insurance but at a desirable price. 

Security System

A home security system is one of the very best services out there. It will keep your home safe and yet can also reduce your home insurance costs. With a connection to the local police and fire departments, you’ll reduce any chance of extensive damages in the event of a fire. It will also prevent break-ins, which in turn also cuts down on insurance costs. 

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

It is a good idea to have these in every room of the house. These will keep you safe and also reduce insurance costs as fire damage is limited. Some smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can work in unison with the security system as well. 

Improve Utilities

If you have money for a home upgrade, consider having work down to the electrical or plumbing. In a dated house, these are often the most problem filled areas. By making these corrections and having the system updated you can see a drop in insurance costs. 

No matter the kind of home you live in or where in Wayzata, MN you call home, at Pizano Insurance we are here to assist in finding the right coverage at a price you can afford. So, if you have any questions regarding your home insurance or want to know if our company can help you save money, feel free to reach out and contact us at your earliest convenience. 

Why Does the Number of Miles You Drive Annually Affect Your Car Insurance?

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When you are signing up for auto insurance, one of the questions that the insurer will likely ask is how many miles per month or year do you drive your car. Based on the number you give, your insurance rate may increase or decrease. The more miles you drive, the more you will pay. But have you ever wondered why this is? Here are a few of the reasons why the number of miles you drive affects your auto insurance rate.

The More You Drive, The More Likely It Is You Will Be In An Accident

The number one reason that your auto insurance rates are higher if you drive more is because you are more likely to be involved in an auto accident if you drive more. If you commute four hours per day, that leaves a four hour time period in which you can hit someone or someone else can hit you. This is significantly higher than someone who only drives for an hour a day or even less. As such, your rates will be higher. 

Don’t Think About Lying About Your Driving Mileage

If you do drive a lot, you may be thinking about fibbing on the numbers to get a lower rate. However, your insurance company can determine how many miles are on your car a number of different ways. Many states require inspections or smog checks every one to two years. During these inspections or checks, the mileage is noted. Once an insurance company sees you are driving much more than you claimed, the can increase your rates or even cancel your policy.

If you are looking to price out a new auto insurance policy in the greater Wayzata, MN area, contact Pizano Insurance. We can help determine the best plan for you based on the number of miles you drive each year. Contact us now to get started.

How to Take Inventory of the Contents of Your Home

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Have you ever wondered how the insurance company would reimburse you after your Wayzata, MN house burned down or a tree fell on the roof? You might be surprised to learn that you can’t just tell them, "Well, I guess the total value of everything we owned was $20,000," and expect a check. You have to be able to prove it in order to get the most out of your Pizano Insurance homeowner’s policy.

That’s why you need to inventory your home. If your Wayzata, MN home has never burned down, that’s great. But you need to be prepared. Follow these tips to make sure you get reimbursed for everything—not just the house, but its contents too.

Get an Inventory App

That’s right, there’s an app for that. In fact, there are quite a few available for any type of device. These apps make taking inventory of your house fast, all in one place, even fun. Some allow you to take pictures, some have space for a receipt. They all look a bit different. But the bottom line is they make taking inventory easy. For most of these apps, you can walk into a room and start snapping pictures of your stuff.

Keep Your Receipts

It’s likely that you never thought about taking inventory of your home before, and that’s ok. But from here on out, you’ve got to be savvy. Every time you purchase an item for your home, keep the receipt, or at least take a picture of it. Remember that the more proof you have of an item’s expense, the better your chances of being fully reimbursed for it in the event of a catastrophe.

It’s not hard to keep an inventory of your home. Make it simple by keeping receipts and taking picture of your items, as well as building a list of them, for your Pizano Insurance homeowner’s company. You’ll get your home’s worth, inside and out, when you file a claim.

How to Prevent Your Auto Rates From Rising Because of a Speeding Ticket

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At Pizano Insurance, we know that sometimes good drivers get a bit carried away and find themselves being issued a ticket for speeding. However, when this happens, your car insurance rates in the Wayzata, MN area may increase. But, fortunately for you, there are a few things you can do to stop this increase or minimize it. Here are a few tips you should follow to minimize the impact of a speeding ticket on your car insurance rates.

Participate in Traffic School

Most states will allow you to participate in driving school every two or three years when you receive a ticket. This helps to wipe the points you receive because of the ticket off of your driving record. If this is the only ticket you have received, wiping the points away can prevent your insurance rates from rising. Always check with the traffic courts in your area to find out if you qualify for traffic school and how to enroll.

Take a Safe or Defensive Driving Course

Another way to minimize the impact of a speeding ticket on your auto insurance rates is to participate in a safe or defensive driving course. Many insurance companies offer you a discount if you take one of these courses. The reduced rates can last anywhere from five to ten years. The course helps teach you defensive driving techniques that reduce the likelihood of you being involved in an automobile accident, which is why your rates can be slightly discounted.

Shop Around For a New Insurance Policy

If you have received a speeding ticket and your rates have drastically increased, it may be time to shop around for a new auto insurance policy. This helps you find the best rate for you, regardless of whether you have a ticket or not.

If you have received a speeding ticket and are looking for a new auto insurance policy, contact Pizano Insurance, serving the greater Wayzata, MN area. Give us a call or visit one of our offices to get started on a quote today.

Is your home ready for the new year?

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At the start of a new year, there is a sense of fresh beginnings that takes over. It is a chance to get all of your affairs in order to have a productive year. This includes making sure that your Wayzata, MN home is ready to enter the new year with you. When it comes to your home, there is no way to predict what could happen to put your home in jeopardy. From break ins to weather mishaps and roofing issues, your home can go into the new year and take a true beating. It is imperative that you have the right home insurance to ensure a prosperous new year.

Here at Pizano Insurance, our independent agents want to make sure your home insurance fits you and your family needs as well as your budget. From choosing between liability and property insurance to creating a plan that suits your financial needs, our agents know what insurance and will make the process simple and easy. We understand that the process of purchasing home insurance can be confusing, difficult, and nerve wrecking. Our agents will take their time to go over your options and help you make the best choice to protect your home and peace of min in the new year.

The new year is around the corner so don’t waste any time protecting your home, family, and the place that is the foundation of your life. Call us today to speak to one of our knowledgeable agents or walk into our office to speak to one of our agents about your needs and how we can protect your home.