Five Ways to Reduce the Risks of Auto Accidents

Millions of car accidents occur in the United States each year. Even if you are a perfect driver, someone else could cause an accident. Fortunately, you can take steps to reduce the risk of auto accidents. We have outlined some of these steps below. If you’re in need of assistance or are looking for auto insurance, it’s time to contact Pizano Insurance. We serve Wayzata, MN, and various other communities.

1. Keep Your Car in Good Repair

If your brakes are worn out or your tires no longer have enough tread, it could increase the risk of an accident. The same is true for headlights and various other components. In these cases, you’ll want to get everything fixed as quickly as possible.

2. Know the Weather

Before hitting the road, you should check the weather. You’ll want to be prepared for storms, snow, and various other weather-related risks. This way, you won’t be caught off guard.

3. Get Vehicles With Ample Safety Features

Cars are now safer to drive than ever before. Many cars have safety sensors that warn you if vehicles are in your blind spots. Rearview cameras make backing up safer and easier. Some vehicles can contact emergency response services to alert them that an accident occurred.

4. Ease Off the Gas

Speeding makes accidents more likely. You should follow traffic laws. If you’re speeding, you’ll have less time to react. In poor weather, you’ll want to slow down, and you may need to drive well below the posted speed limit.

5. Have the Right Auto Coverage

If an accident should occur, the right auto insurance plans can provide protection and assistance. It’s wise to work with local insurance agents as they will be aware of local risks and conditions. Need an insurance agent serving Wayzata, MN? Get in touch with Pizano Insurance right away.

Is Once a Year Too Often to Compare Auto Insurance?

One of the questions we frequently get at Pizano Insurance from our Wayzata, MN, area customers is how often they should get a quote on their auto insurance.

Some believe getting an auto insurance quote every year may be too often. Here are reasons why checking quotes once a year may be a good idea.

Rates change.

It is a simple fact that auto insurance rates change, and not every company changes simultaneously.

Your driving record may improve.

As time passes, negative elements on your driving record may expire. This could improve your insurance rates with certain companies.

Providers often encourage new customers with lower rates.

Why not take advantage when a provider wants to encourage you to be a customer of theirs with lower rates? It can happen when you compare.

Changing auto insurance companies is easy to do.

Changing auto insurance providers is easier than many people think. It may just be a matter of answering a few questions and getting your approval. In fact, at Pizano Insurance, we can make it easy!

Get a quote today.

Many of our clients enjoy some serious savings when comparing auto insurance rates, which they may not have realized if they had not compared.

Pizano Insurance can do the legwork for those in the Wayzata, MN, area. Of course, the final choice is yours. Remember, comparing insurance rates is a good thing. Contact us today to get started.

We look forward to assisting you in getting the savings you deserve.

Financial Stability and Auto Insurance

Financial stability is critical, and auto insurance plays a significant role in ensuring you and your vehicle are safe in and around the Albertville, MN locations. It offers protection against unforeseen financial burdens resulting from accidents or other mishaps on the road.

Protection Against Financial Loss

Auto insurance provides a safety net, shielding policyholders from financial losses. Without insurance, individuals would be personally liable for legal fees, repairs, and medical bills, which can quickly escalate and cause financial strain.

Coverage for Vehicle Damage

Comprehensive and collision coverage within auto insurance policies safeguards against damage to the insured vehicle, especially those financed. Comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision incidents like theft, vandalism, or natural disasters, while collision covers impacts with other vehicles or objects.

Liability Protection

Liability coverage is another essential component of auto insurance. It protects policyholders from legal liabilities arising from injuries or damages to others in accidents where the insured driver is at fault. This coverage helps cover medical expenses, lost wages, and legal fees for affected parties, preventing financial ruin for the policyholder.

Importance of Adequate Coverage

Maintaining adequate auto insurance coverage is crucial for maintaining financial stability. Opting for insufficient coverage may leave individuals vulnerable to out-of-pocket expenses beyond their policy limits, putting their assets and economic well-being at risk. Therefore, it’s essential to assess coverage needs carefully and ensure adequate protection against potential risks.

Legal Compliance

Auto insurance is not just about financial protection; it’s also a legal requirement in most states. Driving without insurance leads to fines, license suspensions, and legal consequences. This will become costly if you are caught. 

Let Pizano Insurance Give You the Information

Pizano Insurance answers your auto insurance questions and serves the Albertville, MN, region. Call us today for the most updated information.

Coverage Basics for A Household with Multiple Vehicles

Insurance Savvy: A Comprehensive Guide to Updating Your Auto Insurance

Understanding insurance coverage can be complex. However, with a grasp of a few basic insurance principles, you can ensure your vehicles are legally insured. Here’s a straightforward guide to updating your existing automotive insurance policy.

Current Paperwork: Importance and Effect

Always ensure your insurance documents are current and correct. These papers should specify the expiry date and details of your insurance policy—the make and model of each vehicle you own and regularly drive. If you sell a vehicle, it’s crucial to update your insurance paperwork accordingly.

The Right Coverage: What to Consider

Assess the scope of coverage your policy offers. Depending on your vehicle’s condition and usage frequency, you might want to increase or decrease your coverage amount. Note any changes warranting policy modifications, and plan to update your insurance policy promptly.

Claims Process: A Must-know

If multiple vehicles are insured under the same policy, understanding the claims process becomes essential. Whether it’s a vehicular accident, an act of vandalism, or your car getting stolen, knowing the right steps to file a claim can be a game-changer.

More Information: Connect with Pizano Insurance

If you’re in Wayzata, MN, and need more insight, contact our Pizano Insurance agents. Our experts will ensure your vehicles are adequately covered.

Why Should You Have Your Vehicle Inspected After Even Minor Fender Benders or Accidents?

At Pizano Insurance, we serve the greater Wayzata, MN community and understand the crucial role of a vehicle examination post-accident, even after a seemingly insignificant incident. Here is why.

Hidden Damage Detection

After an accident, the exterior of your car may look intact, but hidden damages often lurk beneath. Critical components such as the frame, suspension, or alignment could have sustained unseen damage. A comprehensive evaluation reduces risks by identifying potential complications, resulting in safe driving conditions.

Preventive Measures Against Further Damage

Ignoring small damages might invite more significant problems later. Overlooked issues such as misaligned wheels or damaged suspension systems could result in uneven tire wear, decreased fuel efficiency, and compromised handling. Timely repairs forestall further damage, helping maintain your automobile’s optimal functionality.

Retaining Resale Value

The upkeep of your vehicle’s physical appearance and condition significantly affects its resale value. Even minor cosmetic issues after an accident could deter potential buyers. Swift action in repairing and checking these damages helps in your vehicle’s value preservation over time.

Safeguarding Passenger Safety

Your safety and your passengers’ safety is paramount. Even minor incidents may compromise your vehicle’s structural integrity, hence enhancing the potential risk of injuries in subsequent accidents. An expert inspection will promptly address any safety-related issues.

Pizano Insurance is committed to safeguarding the vehicles of the greater Wayzata, MN community. Contact us today for more information about our comprehensive auto insurance solutions.

Auto insurance in 2024: FAQs

Being a car owner is convenient. But how about the risks associated with it, especially if you drive regularly? Therefore, all drivers must have proper auto insurance. Auto insurance offers you financial security and peace of mind. Here is a list of the most common questions about car insurance that you may have in mind:

How much coverage is important for me?

To decide how much coverage you need, you need to consider certain factors. These factors are your personal needs and car features. Usually, most car owners get collision, comprehensive, and uninsured/underinsured coverage. 

How different are comprehensive and collision coverage? 

These two types of coverage have certain differences. The task of collision coverage is to cover any damage related to collisions. This coverage will cover you if you are involved in a car accident. Comprehensive coverage is different. It is for damages that are not related to collisions. It can be theft, vandalism, flood, and more. 

Who should be on your auto insurance policy?

Anyone who drives your car regularly should be on your policy and should be listed as a driver. Your policy may also protect those who occasionally drive your vehicle. This includes your extended family, boyfriend/girlfriend, and friends. 

If you are a resident of Wayzata, MN, or any other nearby town, and you are searching for auto insurance, Pizano Insurance is here to help. At Pizano Insurance, our knowledgeable insurance agents specialize in all types of insurance, including car insurance as well. Visit our website or give us a call –  we will answer all your questions and help you find the best plan. 

Five Tips for Driving Safely on Snow

Plenty of snow falls seasonally here in Albertville, MN, but that doesn’t mean that life stops, and your need to get from Point A to Point B is still very real, regardless of the white powder falling. Our insurance experts at Pizano Insurance offer tips to help you navigate your vehicle through harsh snow conditions.

1. Drive Extra Careful

One of the keys to safe winter driving is staying smooth with your steering, accelerating, and braking. Why? Jerky movements with the controls can quickly break the traction between the tires and the slippery road. Be gentle and deliberate with movements controlling the vehicle.

2. Eyes on the Prize

Should the auto begin to skid, you must look at where you want to go, not where the car is heading during the slide. This helps you restore control, while panicking only worsens the situation and can result in accidents or getting ditched.

3. Buy the Best Winter Tires You Can

If you’ve lived up north very long, you already know the importance of having superior winter tires. This is more of a survival recommendation rather than a driving tip. However, investing in snow tires gives you greater traction on ice, snow, and slush than all-season tires.

4. Carry the Right Supplies for Winter Driving

You (or someone you encounter on the road) will inevitably get stuck in the snow. Be a hero by having a snow shovel, a thick wood board for traction, and a large bag of snow-melting salt to get unstuck from roadway snow.

5. Have Adequate Auto Insurance Year Round

As a brother-owned company, Pizano Insurance has two locations: one in Wayzata, MN, and another in Albertville, MN. As an independent agency, you’ll get the best quotes from multiple carriers with one simple request. Choices are great, and we’re here to make insurance shopping a simpler experience. Contact us online or call one of our locations today.

How Does Insurance Work for Single-Vehicle Accidents?

About one-third (34%) of traffic incidents in Minnesota in 2022 were single-vehicle accidents, so you must understand what to do when involved in a single-vehicle accident and how insurance coverage works following those incidents. Our team at Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN is always here to help you with your insurance needs.

Understanding Fault In Single-Vehicle Accidents

Minnesota is a no-fault state, meaning that economic damages suffered due to the accident may be recovered from the driver’s insurance company. Even though Minnesota is a no-fault state, we still determine who is at fault, even for single-vehicle accidents, because the driver is not necessarily at fault for some or all of the accidents.

In many situations, drivers in single-vehicle accidents bear no or only partial fault. Some of those situations include:

  • Hitting an object after swerving to avoid a vehicle or collision caused by another driver
  • Hitting a deer or other animal
  • Inclement Weather
  • Road conditions or unkempt roads
  • Hidden road signage
  • Obstacles in the road
  • Vehicle malfunction

Even in a single-vehicle accident, you should obtain a police report and safely document the accident scene. Doing so can help determine who bears what portion of the fault and may allow you to avoid or reduce liability. In addition to offering peace of mind, reporting the accident can help you save money or collect damages from others who are at fault or share in the fault.

Working With Pizano Insurance

Your friendly team at Pizano Insurance, serving Wayzata, MN, is ready to address all your insurance needs, including automobile insurance. Give us a call or stop in today to ensure you are appropriately covered while driving Minnesota’s roads.

Do You Need to Notify Your Insurance Company If You Install Aftermarket Parts On Your Car?

If you’re a car enthusiast or want to enhance your vehicle’s performance or aesthetics, you might consider installing aftermarket parts. However, it’s crucial to understand whether you need to notify your insurance company when making these modifications to your car. Read along as Pizano Insurance, serving the greater Wayzata, MN, helps you to understand this question better.

Insurance Considerations for Aftermarket Parts

In most cases, adding aftermarket parts to your car can affect your insurance coverage. Insurance companies typically base their coverage on the factory specifications of your vehicle. When you install aftermarket parts, you may increase the value of your car or change its risk profile. Failing to notify your insurer about these modifications can lead to issues if you need to file a claim.

Types of Aftermarket Parts

The impact on your insurance can vary depending on the type of aftermarket parts you install. Performance-enhancing modifications, such as turbochargers or engine upgrades, may increase your premium due to the higher risk associated with increased horsepower. However, cosmetic changes, like aftermarket rims or stereo systems, may impact your rates less.

Installing aftermarket parts on your car can impact your insurance coverage, and it’s generally wise to notify your insurance company about these modifications. By doing so, you can ensure that your policy accurately reflects your vehicle’s current condition and value, providing you with the necessary coverage in case of an accident or damage. Open communication with your insurer is critical, too, to avoiding potential issues down the road. If you’re looking for a policy that covers aftermarket parts on your automobile, let the agents at Pizano Insurance, serving the greater Wayzata, MN area, help you find the right policy. 

Don’t Get Left Out in the Cold – Protect Your Ride with Minnesota Auto Insurance!

Why Minnesota Auto Insurance Matters

Wondering why you need auto insurance in Minnesota?

Protection from Weather Woes

Minnesota is notorious for harsh winters that bring heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures that inevitably lead to icy roads — and car accidents. 

Drivers can protect themselves from harsh winter driving hazards with auto insurance. Our team of experienced agents at Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN is eager to help! 

Legal Requirements

Failing to have the minimum coverage required to protect against liability and personal injury claims can result in serious legal consequences, including hefty out-of-pocket expenses, traffic fines, and even the suspension of your driver’s license. 

Uninsured Motorist Protections 

Protect your vehicle and passengers from uninsured motorists who drive without enough insurance to cover the cost of property damages or personal injury in the event of a severe car accident.  

Our agents understand the needs of Minnesota drivers and can help you tailor an auto insurance policy that addresses the unique driving challenges of our state. 

Pizano’s licensed auto insurance team is committed to providing top-notch customer service. You can trust our knowledgeable agents to seamlessly guide you through the insurance process.  

Don’t Leave Vehicle Protection to Chance During Harsh Minnesota Winters

Temperatures are rising, and leaves are falling from trees, meaning winter is just around the corner. Be Proactive! Talk to a licensed agent with local expertise and knowledge so that you can hit the road with confidence this winter.

Stay safe and warm when driving on Minnesota’s icy roads this winter. Contact Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN, for your free auto insurance quote today!