Category Archives: Auto Insurance

Will Your Auto Insurance Repair or Replace Your Damaged Vehicle

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In Wayzata, MN, many people assume their regular auto insurance will repair or replace their damaged vehicle after an accident. In truth, your insurance can repair or replace your vehicle, but you need the proper insurance options for that to happen. Pizano Insurance offers the right choices.

What Basic Insurance Does and Does Not Cover in Minnesota

In Minnesota, required auto insurance coverage includes:

Personal Insurance Protection (PIP) – Covers some medical expenses and lost wages to someone injured after an accident.

Liability – Covers bodily injury and property damage from an accident if you’re at fault. Note the injury and damage coverage applies to others, not you. Liability also helps with lawsuits against you.

Uninsured and Underinsured – Protection when accidents occur with someone with no insurance or not enough insurance to cover damages.

While these minimum requirements help, you may notice they include nothing about fixing or replacing your damaged vehicle after an accident.

Which Insurance Options Cover Vehicle Damage Specifically

For more robust protection and the ability to repair or replace your vehicle after an accident, you need two additional forms of coverage:

Comprehensive – When damage to your vehicle occurs outside of a normal car accident, comprehensive coverage can pay for repairs to your car. For example, damage from theft, fire, animals, or anything else fall under comprehensive coverage.

Collision – If your car takes on damage from a collision with another vehicle, collision coverage can repair it.

As these are optional coverage choices in Wayzata, MN, it’s important you know if your policy includes them or not. Don’t wait until an accident occurs before you find out. In addition, the amount of collision or comprehensive coverage you have will dictate how much the insurance company can pay out for repairs or replacement.

Pizano Insurance offers collision, comprehensive, and other important auto insurance options. Contact us today to learn which auto insurance options will work for your specific situation. 

What to Look for in Auto Insurance?

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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. 

4 Things to Know About Your Auto Insurance

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When it comes to getting auto insurance in and around Albertville, MN, Pizano Insurance can help. They can also advise you about the best policy to choose from for your needs, so you can have good protection for your car along with peace of mind. But before you buy a policy, make sure you talk with your agent so you can make an informed decision. Here are four of the things you should know about your car insurance.

1. Policies should be reviewed periodically

Because driving needs change, it’s a good idea to go over your policy with your agent every six months or a year.

2. Different states have different minimum requirements

If you move from one state to another, what you’re required to have for auto insurance could change.

3. Not all vehicles need more than minimum coverage – but it’s still a good idea

If your car is paid for you don’t need comprehensive or collision, but if the vehicle has value it’s still a good idea to keep those coverages.

4. comparing prices should include comparing value, too

The cheapest car insurance may not be what’s right for you, and paying a little more could mean getting a lot higher value in the long run.

With a good insurance agent to help you, it’s not difficult to get a quality auto insurance policy for a fair price. That’s ultimately what you want to work toward because the lowest price isn’t always the best choice. Instead, you want a policy that’s really going to protect your investment. By trusting your Albertville, MN area car to Pizano Insurance, you can get the help and support you need to choose the right policy for your vehicle and driving needs.

Do I Need Car Insurance Above the Required Liability Coverage?

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We all know that most require us to carry minimum liability insurance on our vehicles.  That’s the law so we get the minimum and consider ourselves sufficiently covered.  That may not entirely be the truth.  First, understand that liability insurance covers the cost of repairs to the other person’s vehicle if you are deemed to be at fault.  Bodily injury and property damage are the two areas covered by liability insurance.  These policies will provide funding for medical expenses and damage caused by an accident where you are liable.  It should be made clear that a minimum liability coverage will provide no monies to cover your own vehicle repairs and medical costs in an accident where you are deemed responsible.  The agents at Pizano Insurance, serving the Wayzata, MN and Albertville, MN areas, can talk with you about what your policy really covers. 

If you are leasing or financing a vehicle, the lender may require that you carry additional insurance protection.  Many lenders require collision and/or comprehensive coverage policies.  This protects their financial interest in the vehicle until the debt is paid off.  Even if you own your vehicle, you should consider the financial protection these more encompassing policies can offer you.  With you will pay a higher premium each period, if you are in an accident, you have a higher level of safety.

From home to auto or commercial insurance needs, the team at Pizano Insurance serves the needs of the Wayzata and Albertville, MN areas.  They can help ensure that you have adequate insurance coverage based on your current needs.  Periodically, you can have your agent review your policy should your lifestyle or needs change.  Visit their website then visit their office for the coverage you need.

Benefits of Having Auto Insurance

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Having car insurance in Wayzata, MN is a requirement of the state. With the right level of coverage, it offers financial protection in case your car is involved in an accident, or it is damaged. It also caters for expenses such as treatment of injuries and damages to other passengers, drivers, and pedestrians. Accidents happen all the time, and they are unpredictable. It is therefore wise to know that you are financially prepared for such incidents. Pizano Insurance provides you with comprehensive auto insurance offering you with many options for you to choose the best.

Auto insurance comes with numerous importance which includes;

Helps you to protect your finances

In a scenario where you are liable for an accident, you will be held responsible for expenses associated with the crash. These include medical fees if there are any bodily injuries involved, lost compensation and legal cost. Liability policy helps you pay for such expenses. Without the coverage, you will be needed to go back to your pocket to cater for the losses.

Helps you protect your passengers

The medical payments policy and personal injury coverage help to cater for your medical bills if you get injured in an accident. It also assists you to pay for your passengers’ damages due to the crash. It may cater for doctor bills, surgery, and hospital visits.

It helps to satisfy loan or lease requirements

If you plan on leasing your car, or you want to finance it with a loan, you may require having a collision and comprehensive policy. The coverage is to help you protect your investment since during the period, your leasing agent or lender is the holder of your vehicle. Having auto insurance will help for repair or replace the car if it is damaged during the period.

Having the right auto insurance coverage goes beyond fulfilling the state’s legal requirement. Auto insurance policy helps you protect your vehicle, your finances and offers you peace of mind. If you are in Wayzata, MN, and seeking to buy auto insurance, contact us at Pizano Insurance and let us help you decide on which policy will work best for you.

End of Summer is a Perfect Time for Car Care

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As summer time ends and your summer activities are finished, it’s the perfect time to care for your car before winter arrives in the Wayzata, MN area. An untimely breakdown is never convenient, but during the cold weather, it can be dangerous. Now is the perfect time to review your vehicle’s owner’s manual to see if there are any manufacturer’s recommended schedules for service that need your attention. Beyond the recommendations, here are a few other items to consider.

  • Is it time for an oil change? Most recommend every 3,000 miles if the majority of your miles are stop-and-go short trips.
  • How’s the engine running? If you’re experiencing rough idling, stalling, less power, or a noticeable decrease in fuel economy, these issues can increase in cold weather.
  • Are there driveability issues? Are you experiencing hard stops, pulling to one side while stopping or driving, or if you hear noises when you’re driving, turning, or stopping that is new, then it’s time to have them checked.
  • It could be time to have the cooling system flushed and the belts, clamps, and hoses checked.
  • Depending on weather conditions where you live, your battery may need to be replaced or the fluid checked. Those in extreme temperature areas may need to replace their batteries more frequently and add water regularly.
  • Inspect your vehicle’s lights to make sure all are in working order.
  • Have the exhaust system checked for leaks.
  • Visually check your tires for uneven wear, tread, cracks in the sidewalls, and tire air pressure.

Pizano Insurance

At Pizano Insurance, we care about helping you protect your world. No matter what your insurance needs are, we provide insurance for those in the Wayzata, MN area. Contact us today to explore your auto insurance needs.

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!

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.

 

 

 

Top Reasons You Should Carry an Emergency Kit in Your Car this Winter

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Minnesota winters can get extremely cold. While those of us who have lived in Wayzata, MN or other parts of the state are familiar with how do drive in cold and icy conditions, it is still important that you always keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. This is especially the case during the cold winter months. At Pizano Insurance, we want all of our clients and their families to be safe while driving this winter. As an added measure of safety, take a few minutes to pull together an emergency kit and place it in your care.

What is An Emergency Kit?

An emergency kit is essentials that you might need if you are stalled, stranded, or otherwise detained on the road. It contains things supplies such as snacks, water, any medications, flashlight, and extra batteries. In the winter time, it should also have seasonal items such as a shovel and windshield scraper, blankets to keep you warm, and extra warm clothing including gloves, hats, and scarves.

Why Should You Keep One in Your Vehicle?

By keeping these supplies and any other essentials that you may need in your vehicle, you are prepared for the worst. If your automobile stalls or is involved in an accident and you are unable to run the heater, warm clothes, and blankets will come in handy until help arrives. If it is nighttime, a flashlight with working batteries can help you visually to assess the situation. Or, there may be times when you must clear a path of snow, and a shovel would be very helpful. At Pizano Insurance of Wayzata, MN, we hope that you stay safe while driving, but if you need help, give us a call.

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.