Congratulations! You just tied the knot. Newlyweds have a lot of decisions to make when they get married, such as which Wayzata, MN home to reside in, how to combine their book collections, and how to pare down two sets of kitchenware into one. Most people choose to merge their auto insurance after marriage, too.  While combining your insurance policies has some perks, like possible significant discounts and only one bill to pay, there’s a possibility some unpleasant surprises could be lurking in the details. 

Why Should We Combine Auto Insurance After Marriage? 

The simple answer is that it’s generally easier to pay just one insurer and to have one car insurance payment. If you do decide to combine auto policies, you can choose either of your current insurers or shop for a new one. If you do want to keep your policies separate, each of you should contact your insurer and notify them that you’re married, and add each other to your policies. 

Is Auto Insurance Cheaper for Married Couples? 

Because statistically, married drivers are involved in fewer collisions and file fewer claims, being married generally results in cheaper rates right off the bat. While discounts for married couples varies depending on the insurer, according to data compiled by Quadrant Information Services (QIS), the average discount a married couple enjoys is approximately 12 percent nationwide and continues as long as you stay married.  Not a bad perk for simply saying “I do.”  

Can My New Spouse Hurt My Auto Insurance Rates? 

If both you and your spouse have good credit scores and excellent driving records, you’ll both get better rates. However, if you have an excellent driving record, your rates may rise if your new spouse has a bad driving record — even with the marriage discount. If they have a bad driving record, bad credit, or have been involved in multiple claims, you can expect your rates to increase.   

If you’ve recently gotten married, you and your spouse need to review your insurance policies. Call the Wayzata, MN auto insurance experts at Pizano Insurance today for answers to all your insurance questions. 

Comprehensive and collision coverage in Wayzata, MN, are added coverage you can have as part of your auto insurance policy.

Comprehensive coverage will pay for damage to your car from almost anything, except a traffic collision. This can include vandalism, weather, or other events outside of your control. While it’s not required by the state, you may be required to have comprehensive coverage if you are financing or leasing your vehicle. Comprehensive coverage will become less valuable as your vehicle depreciates since it likely won’t pay out more than your vehicle value. Consider the value of your car and your deductible when considering if you should have comprehensive coverage.

Collision coverage is designed to cover the replacement cost in case you are in an accident, whether it’s with a stationary object such as a tree or another driver. It may also be required if you are leasing or financing, just like comprehensive coverage in Wayzata, MN. Even if you aren’t required to have collision coverage, it still has some benefits. Consider if you are able to replace or repair your car without coverage. If you are not in the financial position then you need to have coverage. The cost of replacing your car goes beyond the actual dollar amount of getting it fixed. There is also the disruption to your daily life through the replacement and repair process. Your insurance company won’t be able to assist you if you don’t maintain coverage.

An agent at Pizano Insurance can help you find the right policy for your needs. If you want the benefits of comprehensive and collision coverage, you can have the highest deductible that will fit your budget. If you want to use comprehensive or collision coverage for only major damage then you can have a higher deductible.

Contact Pizano Insurance to get a quote on auto insurance.

The idea of a vehicle that you can just command to go to a destination without having to constantly control is a beguiling one. Pizano Insurance serving Wayzata, MN provides some pros and cons for the still in development technology.

A driverless car would help the passengers free up time for other tasks, including conducting business on your mobile phone, watching content on a video screen, or even getting some extra sleep on the way to work. A driverless car will not engage in distracted or drunk driving. As part of a smart roads network, a driverless car would be able to map out the quickest route to a destination, avoiding traffic jams, accidents, and road construction. The technology will provide transportation options for people who would not be able to operate a motor vehicle, such as the elderly and people with vision problems.

Driverless cars have some drawbacks as well. Companies such as Google as well as a number of automobile manufacturers have been working on the technology for the past ten years and have yet to get all the bugs out. The problem of building a system, with computer navigation technology, that can do everything that a human driver can do has proven to be daunting. Some accidents, such as the one that temporarily halted Uber’s research and development program, have occurred. Other problems include how driverless cars, which always obey the traffic laws, will interact with vehicles with drivers who often do not as well as public acceptance of the technology. True driverless cars may be as much as ten years away from being common on the road.

For questions about driverless cars and all aspects of auto insurance, feel free to contact Pizano Insurance serving Wayzata, MN,

Brake failure is a problem that no driver in Wayzata, MN ever wants to experience. But if it happens to you and you aren’t sure what to do, you need to understand your insurance options fully. We at Pizano Insurance can help you better understand this to minimize your failure risk.

Insurance Would Cover Sudden Brake Failure

In almost every case, your insurance company will cover sudden brake failure that occurs while you are driving. Typically, they include failure that occurs due to manufacturer error or problems that are outside of your control. For example, a car that is later recalled for failed brakes would be covered by your policy.

After your accident occurs, you will need a mechanic – typically one is sent by your insurance company – to check why the brakes failed. If they find that the brakes failed through no fault of yours, you will get paid for the damage caused to your car.

Wear and Tear Damage May Not Be Covered

One common issue that may complicate your policy coverage is the exact cause of your brake failure. If the brake failed because of natural wear and tear that you could have prevented, there is a good chance that you may not get a policy coverage for your needs.

Why is that the case? Your insurance won’t cover that type of problem because they consider it your fault. You should have taken the car to the shop to get the brakes checked and could have prevented the failure. So be prepared for this issue if you find wear and tear caused your crash.

Let Us Help You

As you can see, the insurance information regarding brake failure can be quite confusing. As a result, if you live in Wayzata, MN and need help finding the best policy, please contact us at Pizano Insurance to learn the most about this process and how it can benefit your financial needs.

Before loaning your car to a relative or friend this summer, make sure they’re covered under your auto insurance. Talk to your Pizano Insurance agent in Wayzata, MN about insurance coverage for other drivers who may be borrowing your vehicle during the summer months. The following guidelines can help you determine what kind of auto insurance protection you have when you loan out your car.

Live-In Family Members

If you loan your car to family members who live with you, they will be protected under your auto insurance. Typically, members of your household receive the same auto insurance protection that you do when driving your car. If they’re going to be driving your vehicle on a regular basis, they may even be required to be listed on your policy. Before loaning your vehicle to another driver, make sure they have a valid driver’s license.

Extended Family

Visiting relatives who borrow your vehicle will also be covered by your auto insurance policy, as long as they have a valid driver’s license and you have given them permission to drive your car. If your aunt, uncle or grandparent will be staying for the summer or longer, you may want to add them to your policy.

Friends

If your friends have permission to drive your vehicle, they, too, will be protected by your auto insurance. This includes trips to the store, shared driving for commuting to work or road trips, etc. You should be aware, however, that other drivers may have lower coverage amounts than what’s stated on your policy, especially when it comes to liability protection. By limiting vehicle use to safe drivers, you reduce the risk of accidents when loaning out your car.

For quality auto insurance to protect you and your loved ones on the road, contact Pizano Insurance, Wayzata, MN.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.