Understanding Home Insurance Basics: Protecting Your Home is Crucial

Your home is not only one of the most critical investments but also your safe space, your haven in Wayzata, MN. This is where you should feel safe and sound, but accidents happen, and unexpected events can take a toll on your home and belongings. Pizano Insurance explores home insurance basics, coverage types, and essential terms such as premiums, deductibles, and policy limits.

Home insurance gives you peace of mind that your home and personal belongings are protected. There are different types of home insurance policies, but most policies cover four main types of coverage: dwelling, personal property, liability, and additional living expenses.

Home insurance has two types of coverage: dwelling and personal property. Dwelling coverage protects the structure of your home, including walls, roof, floors, and other integrated structures. In contrast, personal property coverage covers the items inside your home, like furniture, clothes, electronics, and appliances. Liability coverage protects in case of injury to visitors in your home or damage caused by you or your family members to someone else’s property.

Finally, additional living expenses are covered if you are forced to leave your home temporarily because of losses due to covered damages. This coverage includes the cost of living somewhere else, such as a hotel or an apartment, while your home is being repaired.

Understanding home insurance is crucial for protecting your home in Wayzata, MN. A home insurance policy offers four main types of coverage: dwelling, personal property, liability, and additional living expenses. Knowing the difference between premiums, deductibles, and policy limits can help you choose the right policy for your needs. Contact Pizano Insurance to ensure you have the proper peace of mind and protection against accidents at home.

Do You Have Termites?

As a homeowner, few pests are more feared than termites. This particular insect can cause damage to your home and eventually cost you a lot of money. Here at Pizano Insurance, serving Wayzata, MN, and the surrounding areas, we want to help clients learn better ways to protect their homes. Keep reading to learn more about termites. 

Termites In The Area

One of the first signs will be flying swarms of termites in the area around your home or even in your neighborhood. Do some research so that you know how to identify swarming termites properly. They are often seen coming out of the soil or out of wood. Termites in your area immediately put your home at risk. 

Damaged Wood 

If termites have already started infesting your home, you will notice damaged wood. This will often happen first in exterior locations such as decks and porches. Even if you begin to notice damage, you still have time to deal with the infestation. However, keep in mind that you need to act quickly when it comes to termites. Termite colonies multiply quickly, especially when they have found an excellent place to nest and feed. 

Solutions 

It would be best to have your home inspected for termites once a year to avoid an infestation. If an infestation has already started, you need to contact a professional pest control expert immediately to have your home inspected and treated. A termite infestation can be controlled in most cases, but you must not waste time. 

If you would like to learn about home insurance or any of our other insurance products, please contact us at Pizano Insurance, serving Wayzata, MN, and the surrounding areas. We will be happy to answer your questions.  

Understanding When Add-Ons to Your Home Insurance Policy are Necessary

Homeowners’ insurance policies don’t always offer the complete coverage your home needs. But you may have additional concerns you’ll need to manage with add-ons. Before you make any changes to your setup, you must understand when add-ons are necessary.

Consider Your Home’s Unique Needs

Take into consideration the potential risks that your home poses. Basements are a common source of concern, as they are either a continuation of your living space or often used for storage, and they are also a common place for flooding. 

Understand Potential Risks

Ensure your homeowners’ insurance includes flood damage, and, if necessary, use it as an add-on. Nobody plans for their home to flood, but that doesn’t stop it from happening. Therefore, taking precautions is crucial. 

Where are your utility lines located? If they’re underground, you’ll be held responsible if any damage occurs to them on your property. Issues caused by the age of the lines and even tree roots can lead to expensive problems that your homeowners’ policy might not cover. 

Over time, roofs become damaged and often need to be partially or fully replaced. Inclement weather and age are the biggest culprits. If you need your roof restored, you also might face that your insurance doesn’t cover matching, meaning that you will be left with mismatched sections if a perfect match for the materials isn’t available. 

Expert Guidance with Pizano Insurance 

At Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN, we know how stressful picking the best plan for your home can be. You have to make many considerations, and navigating it alone is overwhelming. That’s why we put our clients first, focusing on your needs so you can feel at ease.

To learn more about add-ons to your policy, call Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN at (763) 219-4114. 

How Often Should You Replace Your Roof in Wayzata, MN?

One of the most important things to consider as a homeowner in Wayzata, MN is the age and condition of your roof. While roofs can last for many years, they eventually will need to be replaced. Knowing when and how often to replace your roof is essential to ensure your home stays safe and secure.

Asphalt Shingles 

People usually install asphalt shingles. They’re affordable and durable. However, It’s essential to inspect asphalt roofs regularly for signs of wear and tear, such as curling or cracking shingles, loose flashing, algae growth, etc. If you notice signs that your roof may be near its end, it’s essential to call a professional for an inspection. 

Metal Roofs 

Metal roofs are becoming more popular because of their durability and energy efficiency benefits. Metal roofs can last anywhere from 40 to 70 years with minimal maintenance. The longevity of metal roofs is because of their resistance to corrosion, rust, wind damage, and other environmental factors like hail or snowfall accumulation.

To find out how metal roofs are covered with your home insurance policy, contact Pizano Insurance Agency.

Tile Roofs 

Tile roofs are another popular option in Wayzata, MN, because of their beauty and waterproof protection against heavy rainfalls or snowstorms. Tile roofs consist of clay tiles that last anywhere from 30 to 50 years with regular maintenance, such as sealing gaps between tiles or clearing out debris from gutters/downspouts during fall/spring cleanups.

It’s essential to keep your roof well-maintained. If you experience storm damage, the condition of your roof can affect how your home insurance company handles your claim. It’s important to get a professional inspection every few years and make repairs as needed to keep your roof in good condition. For questions about your roof and home insurance policy, contact Pizano Insurance Agency. We’re happy to help you make the best decisions for protecting your home and family.

Why should someone get home insurance in Minnesota?

Buying a home in the Wayzata, MN area is often an excellent long-term option. If you decide to buy a home here, it is necessary to get insurance for it. There are various reasons to get this coverage when here. 

Receive Financial Protection

One reason to get home insurance is that it provides financial protection for unexpected losses from fire, natural disasters, or other covered risks. This insurance can help you repair or replace your home and personal items. This will ensure that your financial setback is limited if you incur a covered loss. 

Liability Support 

Property owners should not take their personal liability risks lightly. If there is ever an accident on your property, you can be liable for damages. In some cases, these damages can be significant. A great way to reduce this risk is by getting home coverage. When you have this insurance, it will provide the support you need to reduce your personal financial damage. 

Insurance is a Requirement

You also may find that home insurance is a requirement. If you have decided to take out a mortgage to buy the home, your lender will likely require that you carry insurance. In many cases, they will also require you to escrow payments. Those in a home association will also have specific insurance needs. With home insurance, you will remain in good standing with such requirements. 

If you are looking to protect yourself and your home better and you are in the Wayzata, MN area, it would be a great idea to call our team at Pizano Insurance. At Pizano Insurance, we pride ourselves on helping clients understand their needs and options for insurance. This will ensure you can build an ideal plan for your situation. 

Don’t Leave Your Home Unprotected – Get Homeowners Insurance

Are you thinking of becoming a homeowner? Do you live in or near the Wayzata, MN area? If so, Pizano Insurance can help you with the coverage you need for your home.

Why is homeowners insurance important? First of all, if the homeowner carries a mortgage on the property, all lenders will require the home to be insured to protect their interests.

A typical policy will protect the homeowner against a lawsuit if someone is injured while on your property. If Fido bites someone, the insurance will cover it. Liability coverage pays the injured party’s medical bills and any property damage. The insurance will also pay attorney expenses if necessary.

Homeowners insurance will pay to replace or repair your home if it is destroyed or damaged by a weather event or other natural disaster, except floods. Always remember to purchase enough insurance to replace your home and its contents. Approximately 75% of homeowners do not have enough insurance coverage.

Insurance will reimburse you for the value of your property inside the home, including furniture, appliances, clothing, and other personal possessions.

Medical costs such as surgery, x-rays, ambulance rides, and hospital stays are covered if a visitor is injured on your property.

For most people, our home is the biggest single investment we will ever make. Homeowners insurance will protect the equity in your home, which is the difference between the value of the property and what is owed. As improvements are made to the home, the equity increases.

Make sure this investment is protected. Don’t risk losing your home to a weather event or someone becoming injured on your property. The peace of mind this coverage offers is worth the cost.

Pizano Insurance, serving the Wayzata, MN area, can provide answers to any questions you may have. Contact our team today. You will be glad you did.

Homeowners’ Insurance Protects Your Most Valuable Asset

Are you a homeowner living in or around the Wayzata, MN area? If so, the professionals at Pizano Insurance can help you with all your homeowners’ insurance needs.

Did you know that lenders would require your property to be protected with homeowners insurance before providing a loan? Why? They want to ensure that their interests are protected in the event of a total loss.

This coverage will be the primary source of the funds needed to rebuild. It will also provide coverage for any legal action resulting from an injury to a guest. In the worst possible scenario, your entire investment could be lost. Make sure you can cover the costs of rebuilding or repairing your home in case of a covered loss.

The standard homeowners’ insurance policy will include coverage for your home or dwelling, other structures, such as a garage or storage shed, personal liability, and liability for the protection of visitors or guests,

The most common causes of insurance claims are both weather-related and non-weather-related water damage, wind, and theft. These causes make up 77% of all homeowners’ claims submitted. Don’t leave yourself open to this kind of financial disaster.

But there are some things that a homeowners’ policy will not cover. Coverage for valuable artwork, jewelry, collectibles, damage from a flood or earthquake, and identity theft protection are not covered.

If you have no homeowners’ insurance, it could violate the terms of your mortgage agreement. Your lender could force you into a lender-placed insurance policy, which is much more expensive, or send your loan to default. This will lower your credit score and increase your risk of losing your home to foreclosure.

Make sure you protect your home. Contact Pizano Insurance today. You will be glad you did.

Why All Homeowners Needs Home Insurance

When you own your own home, you need to protect that home in several ways. One of these is to have a solid home insurance policy that will give you several different types of protection. When you are buying a home, you must have your home insurance policy in place when you sign. Today, lenders virtually all require you to have it to buy the property. When it’s time to get your home policy, you can call us at Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN.

Dwelling Coverage

The dwelling needs coverage, and it gets it with a home policy. The building is vulnerable to several events, such as calamities and certain disasters, and home insurance protects against a wide range of them. This is coverage you need to have just in case a serious event damages your home. Without a home policy, you would have to pay those expensive repair bills yourself after such an incident, which may be unaffordable. 

Item Coverage

Your items inside your house are also expensive, and they need protection as well. Home insurance covers all of these items against destruction or damage during a severe event. After one of these incidents, replacing everything can be extremely expensive and unaffordable without home insurance. It’s important to have this coverage in place so that things can be replaced if the worst should happen. 

Liability Coverage

This coverage pays the medical bills of people who have an accident in your home. If someone came over and became injured on your property, you would be liable for their medical bills and certain other costs. Home insurance will pay that obligation for you.

Get Home Insurance Now

Call us at Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN when you need home insurance.

Common Risks Not Covered by Standard Home Insurance

For homeowners, home insurance is the real deal. It comes to our aid when disasters strike. Think about the thousands of dollars it would cost you when your home got destroyed, or someone got injured in your compound. Luckily, standard home insurance protects you from such expenses. However, your standard home insurance will not cover all the possible risks your home might be exposed to — there are some exclusions. Let’s look at common risks not covered by standard home insurance purchased from Pizano Insurance.

Ground movement

Your standard home insurance will not cover landslides, sinkholes, earthquakes, and other earth movements. You’ll need separate coverage for these kinds of disasters. Your insurer can help you find the policy that suits you, depending on your area.

Flood damage

Your standard insurance does not cover floods caused by external conditions. Your insurance only covers floods caused by leaking pipes or overflowing toilets. Floods due to sewer systems, flash floods, or burst dams require you to buy a separate flood insurance policy.

War and terrorism

Home destructions or damage caused by political risks like uprisings, war, mutiny, or any war-like situation are excluded from your standard home insurance. Similarly, you can’t claim damages resulting from any act of terrorism. However, there are insurance policies that provide cover for vandalism, strikes, riots, and much more.

Maintenance issues

Your standard home insurance will not cover damage resulting from negligence or failure to maintain your home. For example, damage from termites, rodents, mold, rust, and wear and tear are not covered. Also, damage resulting from hidden defects or something that was poorly made is excluded.

Home insurance in Wayzata, MN

Reading your insurance policy can help you discover what’s not covered rather than learn when the unfortunate situation strikes. Once you identify the gaps, talk to your insurer for "add-ons" or "riders." If you live in Wayzata, MN looking for home insurance, look no further than Pizano Insurance. Contact us today for an affordable quote.

What Types of Home Insurance Are Available in Minnesota?

Homeowner’s insurance protects your home and belongings in the event of damage or theft, but there are different policies with different levels of coverage. When buying homeowner’s insurance, you must know what coverage you need. Here’s a rundown of the most common types of homeowner’s insurance so you can decide which is right for you.

Basic Coverage

Basic or "Acts of God" policies cover damage caused by events out of your control, such as fires, storms, and earthquakes. These policies rarely cover damage caused by floods or sewage backups. For this coverage, you’ll need a separate policy.

Standard Coverage

Standard policies offer more comprehensive protection than basic policies. Besides the damage caused by acts of God, standard policies also cover damage caused by plumbing leaks, burglary, and vandalism. Most standard policies also cover your possessions when they’re away from home, such as if they’re stolen from your car or lost while traveling.

Full Coverage

Whole coverage policies offer the most comprehensive protection, covering all the perils included in standard options and any other losses not explicitly excluded from the policy. Full coverage policies typically cost more than standard policies, but they provide peace of mind knowing that you’re protected against any eventuality.

No matter what type of homeowner’s insurance policy you choose, ensure you understand what’s covered and what isn’t. Contact your insurance agent at Pizano Insurance for clarification if you have questions about your policy. And remember, even if insurance protects your home, it’s always a good idea to keep up with regular maintenance to help prevent any problems.

At Pizano Insurance in Wayzata and Albertville, MN, we understand that your home is one of your most valuable assets. Contact us today for a free quote.