Category Archives: Auto Insurance

How Do Insurance Companies Assess My Auto Insurance Risk?

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Insurance providers utilize a variety of data sources when assessing the risk involved in insuring an individual or a family. Factors such as your geographical location, driving history, number of vehicles in the household, demographic details of the drivers, and other relevant aspects are taken into account. These elements collectively influence the premiums charged to each individual or others with similar characteristics. If you have queries related to insurance, the Pizano Insurance team in Wayzata, MN, is here to assist. We’ll guide you in securing the most suitable auto insurance coverage for you and your family.

Factors Influencing Auto Insurance Risk

Insurance providers have access to extensive data about auto accidents, the drivers involved, and the subsequent payments for repairs and medical care. This information is categorized based on location, age, gender, marital status, and other characteristics to estimate the risk associated with each applicant. For instance, while it’s impossible to predict the safety level of a specific 16-year-old driver, historical data suggests that new drivers are more prone to accidents, leading to higher premiums for this age group.

In addition to a driver’s profile, their accident history and traffic violation record also influence the risk assessment. The type of vehicle insured also plays a role due to variations in safety ratings, repair costs, and accident frequency.

Your choice of coverage limits and deductibles also impacts your premiums.

Insurance providers also offer usage-based insurance (UBI). UBI employs vehicle telematics to monitor your driving habits, enabling them to adjust your premiums based on factors like your driving speed, frequency of hard braking, and miles and locations driven.

Collaborating with Pizano Insurance

The Pizano Insurance team, serving the Wayzata, MN, area, is ready to answer all your insurance-related queries. Visit our office or call us today at (952) 473-1880 in Wayzata or (763) 447-4977 in Albertville to formulate the insurance plan that best suits your needs.

Auto Insurance Doesn’t Only Matter When You Have an Accident

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Problems can arise unexpectedly, especially when you’re on the road. It’s good to have a plan or at least some help for these unplanned troubles. Fortunately, auto insurance can often be the solution. That’s why people from the Wayzata, MN area rely on the experienced and friendly team at Pizano Insurance for all their auto insurance queries and needs. Insurance is a reliable plan for protecting the things and people you care about every time you drive, and auto insurance is how you can help ensure those plans.

Auto Insurance Offers More than Just Accident Protection

For many people, auto insurance is more of a necessity than a desire. However, the good news is that auto insurance can offer more than just accident protection on the road. From assistance with a breakdown on the side of the road to protection from events like theft or even fire, the right auto insurance can make a difference both on and off the road. That’s why many Wayzata, MN area drivers turn to the professional and helpful team at Pizano Insurance when they have questions or need insurance for their vehicles.

Auto Insurance Solutions for Wayzata, MN Area Drivers

Do you live in the Wayzata, MN area? Would you like to learn more about how auto insurance solutions at Pizano Insurance could benefit you? If you have questions or would like to find out more about auto insurance, we can help. Contact us for more information and schedule an appointment with our knowledgeable and helpful team at Pizano Insurance for the auto insurance solutions you need and deserve today.

Will Auto Insurance Always Total a Car After a Major Accident?

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After you’ve had a major accident with your car and you’ve filed a claim, your insurance company will make an estimation that may mean that your car will be totaled. However, car insurance companies don’t just automatically total a car after a major accident, as your insurance representative at Pizano Insurance serving Wayzata, MN will tell you. Much depends on the damage that would need to be repaired versus the car’s value. Here is some important information to help you understand the process.

What Does it Mean to Total a Car?

In essence, the phrase "total a car" refers to a process in which the car’s value is deemed to be less than the cost to repair it to a condition where it can be safely driven again. The auto insurance company would pay the lesser of the two amounts. If the car’s value exceeds the repair estimates, it is "totaled."

How Insurers Determine a Total Loss

An insurance company declares a car a total loss when the cost to repair it exceeds a certain percentage of its actual cash value (ACV). If repairs cost more than this threshold, the insurer will consider the vehicle totaled and offer a settlement based on its pre-accident market value. Factors that influence this insurance include:

  • Pre-accident value
  • Frame and structural damage
  • Salvage value

As you can see, a major accident doesn’t always mean the auto insurance company will total the car. For help with your claims process and to get all your questions answered, contact your insurance representative at Pizano Insurance serving Wayzata, MN after any accident that you may be involved in with your car.

Will My Auto Insurance Pay to Tow My Vehicle?

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Being stranded on the side of the road with a broken-down vehicle is an unfortunate situation. When you’re dealing with car trouble, it’s crucial to resolve your problem quickly and efficiently. If you have the right type of car insurance policy, you can get help for free from your insurance policy.

If you have questions about your car insurance policy and whether roadside assistance is covered, the professionals at Pizano Insurance, serving Wayzata, MN, can help. We can answer your questions or provide a copy of your policy so you can find out more information yourself.

What Is Roadside Assistance?

Roadside assistance is a feature of full-coverage car insurance policies. While each policy may work differently, roadside assistance typically provides towing services if your car breaks down or has a flat tire.

Which Auto Insurance Provides Roadside Assistance?

Full-coverage car insurance often includes roadside assistance. If you’re interested in this option, talk to your insurance agent. It is a popular option among drivers with new vehicles.

If you’re buying a new car, your lender may even require you to get full coverage car insurance. Even if you pay for the car with cash, getting full coverage car insurance can help you avoid significant expenses in the event of an accident. Full coverage car insurance will pay to repair or replace your vehicle in various covered events, including car theft and major damage from a collision.

Do you want more information about roadside assistance and full coverage car insurance? The professionals at Pizano Insurance, serving Wayzata, MN, can help. Call today to learn more.

Why Comprehensive and Collision Coverage is Essential in Wayzata, MN

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As a driver or resident in Wayzata, MN, a standard auto insurance policy may not always provide adequate protection for your vehicle or injuries you may sustain in an accident or collision. Opting for comprehensive and collision coverage is essential to safeguard yourself from potential risks, especially during the harsh Minnesota winters. At Pizano Insurance, we can help you determine which comprehensive and collision coverage policies are right for you, what your protection needs are, and what your lifestyle is like in Wayzata.

Understanding Comprehensive and Collision Insurance

While liability insurance is required by law in Wayzata and throughout Minnesota, comprehensive and collision coverage can provide additional protection for your vehicle, even if you’re at fault in an accident. Here’s how comprehensive and collision insurance policies work:

  • Comprehensive Coverage: Comprehensive policies protect against weather-related damage, vandalism, theft, and other non-accident or collision-related events.
  • Collision Coverage: Collision coverage covers your vehicle’s replacement or repair costs after a collision, even if you’re found to be at fault.

The Importance of Comprehensive and Collision Coverage in Wayzata, MN

  • Minnesota Weather: The weather in Minnesota can become extremely dangerous and life-threatening, especially during significant snow, hail, and ice storms.
  • Collision Risks: In Minnesota, high-traffic areas and narrow streets can lead to more accidents and fender benders, increasing the risk of a collision.

Minnesota receives approximately 37 inches of snow each year, making winter-related accidents, collisions, and vehicle damage more common. With the right comprehensive and collision coverage solution, you can navigate Minnesota’s weather-related risks knowing you’re always protected. To learn more about comprehensive and collision coverage in Wayzata, MN, contact Pizano Insurance for your quote and consultation today.

Will Auto Insurance Help Me If I Have a Flat Tire?

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While many people view auto insurance as a means to pay for vehicle repair or replacement after a collision, other types of insurance can provide roadside assistance.

At Pizano Insurance, servicing Wayzata, MN, we can help you find the type of auto insurance that meets your needs. If you need auto insurance that offers roadside assistance, we can assist!

Which Insurance Can Help With a Flat Tire?

Full coverage auto insurance provides help with roadside assistance. Full coverage auto is the most comprehensive type of auto insurance available. Other benefits of full coverage auto insurance include:

  • Payment for repair or replacement of your vehicle in the event of a collision, regardless of who is at fault
  • Payment for repair or replacement of your vehicle when a covered event (like a fire) occurs
  • Payment to replace your vehicle if it is stolen

Your lender will likely require this type of auto insurance if you get an auto loan for your vehicle. Even if you do not have an auto loan, it’s a great policy to consider if you have a high-value vehicle.

How Can I Get Full Coverage Auto Insurance?

You can get full coverage auto insurance by contacting the professionals at Pizano Insurance, servicing Wayzata, MN. We work with many insurance carriers to help our clients find the best policy for their needs. If roadside assistance is important to you, our full coverage policies may be the right option for you. Call today to learn more.

Three Services Your Car Needs Through the Winter

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As the winter months approach and temperatures drop, your window for winterizing your vehicle will shrink. Here are three things you must do to get your vehicle through the winter.

1. Change and Top Off Fluids

Before it gets too cold, make sure the oil is changed in your vehicle so that fresh oil is circulating through the engine and there’s little debris causing potential damage. Also, top off the other fluids, like antifreeze, power steering fluid, and brake fluid. This keeps all your systems operational and protects the engine from freezing temperatures.

2. Inspect and Change Your Battery

If you haven’t changed your battery in a while, this is an excellent time to have it inspected and see if it needs to be changed. Winter can be brutal on old batteries that are getting weak. You don’t want to find out that your car won’t start, whether at home or in public, as this can be a stressful situation in the cold winter. If it’s time to change the battery, make sure you replace it before the weather gets too cold.

3. Inspect and Get Tires

Living in Minnesota means you need to get snow tires once the weather starts to stay around 45 degrees. These tires have chains and additional grips that will help you when traveling on the highways in the winter. There is lots of water, ice, and snow to be expected for several months in Minnesota, and without snow tires, you could be dangerously hurt. If you’re putting last year’s snow tires back on, inspect them first and install them before the weather gets too cold.

If you’re looking for a new auto insurance quote and live in the Wayzata, MN, community, or surrounding areas, contact Pizano Insurance today for your personal quote.

Is Auto Insurance Required to Drive the New Car Off the Lot?

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The process of buying a new car includes not only finding the right vehicle and securing a loan but also obtaining car insurance. The more informed you are about insurance policies, the better your decisions will be.

At Pizano Insurance, servicing Wayzata, MN, our professionals are here to help. Our knowledgeable agents are prepared to answer any question you may have. We also provide insurance from multiple carriers, enabling you to select a policy that suits your needs. Contact Pizano Insurance for a hassle-free insurance shopping experience.

Is Auto Insurance Required to Drive?

In most states, auto insurance is a legal requirement. Liability insurance, which is designed to protect other drivers from damage in case you cause an accident, is the minimum coverage required.

Full coverage auto insurance becomes mandatory if you’re securing a car loan. This insurance helps you to recover financially after an accident, even if the accident was your fault. It covers the expenses incurred in repairing your vehicle after a collision.

Which Type of Auto Insurance Should I Get?

Selecting appropriate insurance coverage can be puzzling. If you’re securing a car loan, your choices will be limited to full coverage policies. However, you can choose between liability only and full coverage if a loan isn’t involved.

While cost is a vital factor, don’t let it overshadow the importance of getting a policy that makes you feel secure.

Your agent at Pizano Insurance servicing Wayzata, MN, is ready to assist. Call us today to learn more about acquiring auto insurance for your new vehicle.

Can You Obtain Insurance On a Car Prior to Buying It?

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Ensuring Insurance Coverage for Your New Car in Wayzata, MN

Buying a new car is a thrilling experience, but navigating the insurance process can be challenging. A common question we often encounter at Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN, is whether insurance can be obtained on a car before purchasing it. Our team is ready to help clients figure out how to drive off the lot fully insured.

Securing an Insurance Quote Before Purchasing a Vehicle

Yes, you can get an insurance quote before buying a car. You can request quotes from different insurers to get an idea of your potential premiums and factor that into your budget. To provide an accurate quote, you’ll need to know the car’s make, year, and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), which is information that the dealer can typically provide.

Setting Up Coverage in Advance

Once you’ve decided you’ve got a car, you can arrange for your policy to start on the day you plan to buy the car. Many insurance companies allow you to set up your insurance in advance so that you’ll have coverage in place as soon as you finalize the purchase. Besides the details used for the quote, you’ll also need to provide your driver’s license information.

Understanding Temporary Coverage Options

If you’re trading your old car, your existing insurance policy might temporarily cover your new vehicle. However, this is usually only for a limited time and may not provide comprehensive coverage. It’s best to confirm this with your insurer to prevent any gaps in protection.

Secure Coverage Before Driving Your New Car

Ensuring your new car is insured before you drive it home is crucial for your peace of mind and legal protection. At Pizano Insurance, we’re here to ensure you’re adequately protected every step of the way. Contact us today to have your new vehicle in Wayzata, MN covered from day one.

Five Ways to Reduce the Risks of Auto Accidents

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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.