Regardless of whether you’re taking a short trip to Wayzata Bay or driving all the way to St. Cloud, your car needs the right kind of fuel. Premium gas frequently costs about $0.30-40 cents extra in Minnesota, but it offers major benefits for some autos.

Octane Level

Regular gasoline has a lower octane level than premium. This means that it has a greater potential to prematurely ignite and cause the engine to knock. Engine knocking produces a "ping" noise or rattle.

The majority of vehicles don’t need high-octane fuel to prevent knocking. If a car’s manual doesn’t recommend premium, this type of gas probably won’t enhance performance. It may slightly increase fuel economy, especially if you move heavy cargo.

Other Cars

Even when an auto manufacturer doesn’t urge drivers to use high-octane gasoline, it can still benefit cars with engines that knock. This problem is more likely to develop in heavy, older vehicles with powerful engines.

Premium gas may help prevent a breakdown in this situation. However, mid-grade fuel might work just as well. Your car probably needs professional service if it continues to knock after consuming two tanks of higher-octane gas.

Engine Cleaning

Although many drivers believe otherwise, high-octane gasoline won’t remove more deposits from a vehicle’s engine. The federal government requires every grade of fuel to include detergents that help clean the motor, so regular works equally well.

Serious Risks

A number of luxury and sports cars need premium gasoline. When drivers use the wrong type of fuel, it may void the warranty, harm performance and increase engine noise. Certain components can eventually become damaged.

You could offset the cost of gas by finding affordable yet comprehensive auto insurance. To review existing coverage or compare rates on a new policy, please contact Pizano Insurance today. Contact our independent local agency in Wayzata today!
 

Fender bender fraud is one of the fastest growing types of insurance fraud in the United States. Unfortunately, most victims don’t even know that they’ve been scammed until it is too late. This type of fraud uses teams of professional drivers to deliberately cause accidents around the Wayzata, MN area, then bilk the driver’s insurance out of as much money as possible. Fortunately, there re some ways to protect yourself.

1. Document everything if you’re in a crash. Often, these scam artists will embellish their injuries or the details of the accident in order to claim more money. If you take pictures and write down as much as possible, it’s possible to make a counter argument to their claims.
2. Get a police report. Even if the other driver insists that they are willing to settle for less than your deductible, get an officer to document the crash. All too often, these scam artists will cause multiple crashes in the same day, netting thousands of dollars. The police, however, will be able to confirm everyone’s identity and look for other accidents that these scammers have been involved in.
3. Report your suspicions to your insurance agent. If you notice anything strange or off during the aftermath of the accident, make sure that you report it to the police and your insurance agent. Often just flagging a relatively minor case as suspicious can help investigators put together a pattern of minor accidents.

Scam artists are everywhere, and it’s important to stay safe. Having good auto insurance is the best way to make sure you and your family are protected from fender bender fraud. Contact an agent at Pizano Insurance today to make sure you have the coverage you need.

Believe it or not, there’s a lot you can do to prevent fender bender fraud. People get into these kinds of accidents all the time. It can be nerve wracking when it happens to you, though it’s important to be aware of all that’s going on. You can prevent any kind of fraudulent activity by being active throughout the few minutes that take place following the accident.

The other party who is involved in the accident may be trying to commit fraud. This means you have to be cautious about what takes place. You want to get a police officer on the scene as quickly as possible. If the person is trying to commit fraud, they probably don’t want this to happen. This is because there would be an impartial party providing record – and this would make it harder for them to commit fraud.

Essentially, this is exactly why you want the police officer on the scene. They will write up a report as to what they have seen.

You also want photos. Even though the case may seem cut and dry, if it ends up in a courtroom, you may want photos to show what kind of damage was seen on both cars. This will help the judge to determine just how hard the car was hit and what kinds of injuries could result from such a fender bender.

There are certain details you need to share. This includes your insurance information. The moment the other person drives away, you want to contact your insurance company and get your story in before they have an opportunity to reach out to your insurance company.

Contact us at Pizano Insurance today to learn more about auto insurance and what your options are. We can help you to find affordable premiums that will provide protection throughout Wayzata, MN and beyond.

It’s difficult enough to have the have the energy and skill to construct a successful small business- and learning how the right insurance policy can protect your investments and capital can seem like a whole other project on top of it. We will explain in simple terms, the basics of insuring your small business against all the risks that may challenge it.

1. Liability Insurance

Any type of business can be sued, sometimes for unpredictable reasons. Customers can file a claim for damages they say resulted from the use of your products. Employees or customers may claim that your business is a hazardous environment. Whether or not you win in such disputes, wages lost and court costs can be excessive. Liability insurance can cover such losses and pay for the damages should the claim hold up in court.

2. Property Insurance

The right property insurance policy can compensate your business should property become lost or damaged due to various common perils. Fire, theft and flood are common examples. Property insurance not only covers a building, it can also cover personal property such as office furnishings, raw materials, inventory, equipment, and other mission-critical items. Property insurance can also include coverage for equipment breakdowns, debris removal after a fire, some types of water damage and other losses.

3. Workers Compensation Insurance

In most states, an employer is required to have workers comp insurance whenever there are over a given number of employees. Workers compensation insurance pays for medical care and can replace some wages lost by the employee- regardless of who is at fault. Should a worker die as the result of a work-related injury, the Workers Compensation insurance will provide an award to the family of the victim. Extremely small businesses, (one operated by no more than one or two people from their home, may not need this kind of insurance. But such a business will often need more liability and property coverage than a typical homeowners policy would provide.

Pizano Insurance
The professionals at Pizano Insurance, are dedicated to providing you with the most comprehensive insurance plan available. Our mission is to make your insurance purchase simple, and productive.

Call or click today and let the experts at Pizano Insurance help to protect your small business.

When you live in Minnesota, car crashes are inevitable. Whether it happens in the winter or another time of year, there is much that you can do in order to help. While 911 is one of the obvious things to do, there’s actually quite a bit more that you can do as well.

Secure your car

It’s great that you want to help others, but you have to look out for yourself, first. Park your car away from the accident and then walk over.

Check on the victims

When you’re on the phone with 911, check on the victims. This can help the operator know how much help needs to be sent. They may also give you some guidance as to how you can help everyone a little further.

Turn their cars off

If the cars involved in the crash are still on, turn them off. This can be done by the driver or by you.

Wait for help to arrive

Depending on where you are and what the road conditions are, it can take a while for help to arrive. Sit patiently and keep the victims occupied so they can stay calm. Sometimes all it takes is knowing that there is someone there looking after them.

Leave a statement

Leave a statement with the police as to what you saw. Don’t admit to any kind of fault if you were on the roads with the other cars. Also, your contact information may be shared with an insurance company and potentially even a lawyer so that they can follow up as to what you witnessed.

Call and talk to us at Pizano Insurance now. We look forward to helping you with an affordable policy and our agents can get quotes to help with the comparison process, too.

Buying a car as a holiday present can be a great way to really give someone an amazing gift. When you go to buy a car, though, there’s more to the purchase than just the actual purchase. There’s also the title, the registration, and the insurance. You can’t just buy the car from a dealership and take it home. They’re going to do the registration and title paperwork there for you, and then you’ll need to insure it before you drive away.

With a personal auto policy through Pizano Insurance you can cover the car you’re buying as a present before you leave that Wayzata, MN dealership. There are a couple of ways you can buy and insure the car and also give it as a present. You can either bring your gift recipient to the dealership with you, or you can buy the car in your name and then transfer the title at a later date. Both are acceptable ways to buy a car as a present, and which choice you make depends on how you want to give the gift to your recipient.

If you want to do the big reveal, where the car’s in the driveway with a giant bow on it, you’ll need to buy and insure the car in your name before you drive it off the dealer’s lot. The title can be transferred to your gift recipient later, and then they can insure it under their name. If you don’t want the car in your name at all, and you don’t want to worry about the need to insure it, you can take your gift recipient to the dealership with you. That way, the title and insurance will be in their name from the very first day.

Whether you are getting a new car insurance policy or renewing your existing policy, you want to get coverage that will suit your needs. What do you gain by purchasing inadequate car insurance coverage?

By working with an independent insurance agent at Pizano Insurance, you get a customized experience that helps you determine the best car insurance for you.

Agents are knowledgeable experts. Our independent insurance agents continually remain abreast of changes affecting the insurance industry. As a result, they can offer you advice and strategies that will help you achieve your insurance goals.

Agents are customer-focused. One of the leading differences among independent insurance agents, compared to other agents, is that they are customer-focused. With every business transaction, we have your best interest in mind. We are constantly thinking and considering new ways to improve your experience in our office.

When it comes to you making a claim on your insurance, you will find that their ability to focus exclusively on your needs helps you work through the process quickly. They will educate you on the process, and work with you to get your car repaired or replaced if necessary.

Pizano agents offer competitively priced products. With the ability to compare prices and services from multiple companies, you can rest assured that our agents will suggest an insurance product that aligns with your needs. You don’t have to worry about purchasing a product you don’t need from Pizano Insurance.

They are problem solvers. Our Wayzata, MN office offers a host of insurance products from many branded insurance companies. With your goals in mind, they effectively act as problem solvers to ensure that you retain your ability to drive. Additionally, they help you remain financially protected on the highways.

Our website has a wealth of information concerning our insurance products. You can research what options we have available on our site, and then speak with one of our independent insurance agents to get a quote.

When it comes to making the roads safer for teen drivers, it all starts with parents instructing their teaching how to drive in a safe manner. It also starts with parents setting good examples. After all, how can we expect teen drivers to drive safely when they see their parents going over the speed limit and not using proper signals? If you’re a parent looking for a way to make the roads safer for your teen, make sure you share these tips with your child before they get behind the wheel.

Don’t drink and drive

No teen should be drinking, let alone drinking and driving. However, there are teens each year who die because they choose to drink and drive at the same time. Fortunately, it becomes much more difficult for teens to drink and drive when their parents are aware of where they are and who they are with. You should always know who your kids are hanging out with, and always implement a no drinking and driving rule. If your teen is caught drinking and driving and the police determine you knew about it, you can be held accountable. 

No breaking the law

If a speed limit sign says 35 mph, this is because many tests have been performed to determine the safest speed at which the road can be traveled. Speed limit signs are not merely a recommendation, they are the law. You must stress to your teen driver the importance of going the speed limit. 

To learn more about making the roads safer for your teen driver, please contact Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN today. 

When you live in Wayzata, MN it’s important to be safe behind the wheel. Thousands of accidents happen every year simply because people are driving drowsy. The CDC estimates that thousands of additional accidents happen, though they are not reported to the police.

Even if you have auto insurance, the amount of damage that can take place because of falling asleep at the wheel can be expensive. It can also cost you your life, or the life of others.

If you are feeling drowsy, you don’t want to get behind the steering wheel. What you do want to do is admit that you are tired and get someone else to drive you home, and even a taxi company can be called to help you out.

Whenever you are going for a long-distance drive, it’s good to have someone else in the car with you. They can help to keep you alert, and if they are a licensed driver, they can take over some of the driving responsibilities as well. By swapping off, you ensure that neither one of you get too tired.

It’s also good idea to stop driving after a few hours and take a break. Get out, walk around, and even drink something caffeinated. This will help to ensure you are aware of your surroundings once you get back behind the wheel.

Anything can happen on the roads of Minnesota and anywhere else. You want to be prepared and that means not driving drowsy. The last thing you want to have happen is to fall asleep behind the wheel and wake up just in time for an accident.

Contact one of our agents at Pizano Insurance today and let us find quotes, explain policies, and help you to get a policy that you can rely on.

Motorcyclists in Wayzata feel compelled to hit the open road with their bikes. The power of the motorcycle coupled with the feeling of oneness with the motorcycle is exhilarating. If you are a motorcyclist, you know the feeling all too well and you long to experience it each and every day. However, before you turn the ignition, avoid driving when you are facing the following three circumstances.

Drinking at a Social Event
When the weather warms, most people like to be outdoors more. In fact, your friend’s barbeque is the perfect event to show off your new motorcycle. If you partake in spirits, driving your motorcycle is off limits. Drinking reduces your ability to respond and can lead to an accident. If you damage another person’s property and your motorcycle, you may take a hit on your liability and collision motorcycle insurance coverage. Be safe, and don’t drink and drive.

After an Argument
When it is hot outside, tempers can flare up easily. If you are involved in an argument, you should not drive. Your anger may make you more inclined to drive faster or reckless, which places you and everyone around you in danger. For instance, your anger may compel you to do something dangerous, like speeding, which could lead to a ticket. Ultimately, you risk your motorcycle insurance increasing when you drive angry.

Low Visibility
During the summer, moisture in the air may create a thick fog during the early mornings that limit your vision. When it is challenging to see ahead of you, it’s best to drive a car, which has brighter lights to improve your visibility. Additionally, you will have more protection in a vehicle compared to a motorcycle if you are in a collision. Don’t jeopardize your motorcycle insurance when it’s foggy out.

Add Umbrella Insurance for Added Protection
With the possibility of getting into an accident ever-present, purchasing umbrella insurance complements your motorcycle insurance. With umbrella insurance, you have additional liability coverage that may repair or replace another person’s property if the damage exceeds your liability limits on your motorcycle insurance policy. When you are ready to purchase umbrella insurance, contact us so that we can review your options.