Basics of boat insurance

For small motor boats insurance is not required in Minnesota, but for boats with engines of more than 50 horsepower, liability insurance at minimum is required. Even if not required, some liability insurance is a good idea, according to Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN. Non-motorized boats, like canoes, and most personal watercraft like jet skis, do not need insurance. Boats kept in state parks have to have liability insurance regardless of engine size.

Boat insurance is very similar to automobile insurance in how it operates, though you do need a separate policy for your boat. Liability insurance covers any damage you might cause in an accident. There is also medical insurance that will cover injuries whether or not you are at fault.

There is also physical damage coverage, similar to collision insurance on a car. You may also get coverage for uninsured boaters, so if someone else damages your boat and is not insured, you can still recoup your losses.

There is also insurance to cover fuel spills or the cost of cleanup, should your boat sink. Other add-on’s may also be available to meet your individual needs.

Another item to keep in mind is the value of your boat. When you get your policy, you will agree on the amount of coverage. The value of boats depreciates just like it does with automobiles. If your boat is damaged or destroyed you can receive the amount it was insured for, as opposed to the market value, which could be much lower.

Stop by or call Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN to get more information about getting insurance for your boat. Our professional staff can help you make sure you have the coverage you need, so you can be safe and worry-free when you are on any of the lakes or waterways of Minnesota.

Does Motorcycle Insurance Include Mopeds?

Mopeds are becoming more popular due to their low cost and gas savings. If you drive a moped, you may or may not be required to insure it. Currently, only 24 of the 50 states require mopeds being driven on the road to have insurance. However, even if your state does not require it, it is always wise to invest in insurance to protect yourself if there is an accident or your moped is stolen. One of the questions that we at Pizano Insurance, serving the greater Wayzata, MN area are asked, is whether a moped can be insured using motorcycle insurance. Here is some information for you regarding this question. 

There is not separate moped insurance policies that are sold. As such, most mopeds can be insured under a motorcycle insurance policy. If your moped has an engine that is 50 cc or larger or the bike goes over 30 miles per hour, it is considered by most states to be a motorcycle rather than a moped and needs to be insured under a motorcycle insurance policy. In most states, liability insurance is required for motorcycles. 

In addition to needing the insurance to be on the road if the engine has certain speeds, many lenders require you to carry motorcycle insurance on a moped even if the state you live in does not require it. This helps to protect their financial interest in the moped until the loan is paid off. 

If you are looking to insure a moped or a motorcycle in the greater Wayzata, MN area, Pizaono Insurance would love to help. Call us today to discuss your needs with one of our friendly agents and receive a free motorcycle insurance quote.

Umbrella Insurance: A Must for Newlyweds

Marriage is bound to bring many changes to your life as you take steps to combine households with your significant other. In addition to setting up a new home in Wayzata, MN, you should take time to reassess your insurance needs. At Pizano Insurance, we can help you determine insurance coverage that’s best suited to your new situation. As newlyweds, you may be very interested in what umbrella liability insurance has to offer.   

Protection of Valuable Assets

Marriage often increases a couple’s assets, providing them with additional savings, income, real estate property, and goods. Umbrella insurance provides extra liability coverage to protect these assets against lawsuits if you’re held liable for an accident at home or on the road.

A serious accident could cause injuries that surpass the liability limits of your home or car insurance policies. If you’re sued for additional costs, you could suffer financial ruin just when your married life is getting started. Umbrella insurance can provide you with an additional $1 million or more in liability coverage to protect your valuable assets in this new phase of your life.

Protection of Lifestyle

With umbrella insurance, you can have greater peace of mind to pursue the lifestyle you desire. Certain lifestyles and amenities such as a pool, boat or sports car increase the risk of being sued in the event of an accident. With umbrella coverage, you and your spouse can enjoy married life to the full without worrying about what may or may not happen as a result of your lifestyle.

At Pizano Insurance, Wayzata, MN, we can help you personalize your home, auto and umbrella coverage to suit your individual needs. Obtaining adequate insurance protection is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as newlyweds in establishing your financial future.

Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

People who live in Wayzata, MN and who ride on motorcycles are required by state law to purchase various insurances, ensuring the protection of everyone who travels on the road. The penalties are severe for those who drive without their proof of insurance, and uninsured people can face heavy fines. They can even be arrested and put into prison. In addition, a motorcycle operator can have his or her license suspended or revoked if they do not purchase insurance within the allotted period of time prior to their court date.

Insurances Required by Minnesota State Law

You are responsible for obtaining coverage that will pay for the damages rendered to another person’s vehicle or property that are found to be your fault. You also must carry indemnification that will pay for the medical bills related to the bodily injuries that result from a collision that is caused by you. 

The state of Minnesota sets forth requirements that motorcyclists also have underinsured motorist insurance. This provision ensures that a person is still protected when they are hit by somebody who does not have adequate insurance coverage, and each driver must have insurance that provides for his or her own bodily harm and for the physical losses sustained. 

In addition, Minnesota residents are mandated to purchase uninsured motorist coverage. This insurance will pay for the medical costs related to accidents that involve a person who does not have insurance. Personal Injury Protection, while a requisite for drivers of cars and trucks in Minnesota, is not a requirement for motorcycle operators.

Pizano Insurance Can Help You  Get Insured

Pizano Insurance has served the residents of Wayzata, MN for years, and we can find the right motorcycle insurance package for you. Call us, or visit our office to speak to one of our friendly agents today!

Does Your Commercial Insurance Cover Damage to a Third Party’s Vehicle While It’s On Your Property?

The agents of Pizano Insurance serve residents and business owners in Wayzata, MN. It’s important for business owners to have a commercial policy in place that protects their investment as well as prevents financial loss in case of an accident. Liability insurance is just one of many different types of policies that are included in commercial coverage insurance.

Third Party Liability

Third party liability involves coverages for damages to a third party’s property while it’s in your business. Liability coverage protects your business from financial loss if a person’s property is damaged or they are physically injured while on property owned by your company. The three parties involved in this type of coverage are the insurance agency, the business owner and the owner of the property in question. Most types of liability coverage are considered third party liability.

Umbrella Coverage

Umbrella coverage is a term given to a grouping of insurance policies that are used to protect a business from many different types of loss. This is sometimes considered an additional line of coverage that goes over and above what other types of policies cover. It generally pays for major claims that would cause a catastrophic financial loss for your company. It also includes coverage for situations that are not covered by traditional policies.

If you’re a business owner in Wayzata, MN and need answers about commercial insurance coverage, call the agents of Pizano Insurance today. They can evaluate your needs and find a policy that provides the right amount of coverage for your particular type of business. Call them today to schedule a review of your insurance policy!

Factors to Consider When Selecting an Insurance Policy for Your Motorcycle

Owning a motorcycle is the easiest and most convenient way to move around Wayzata, MN. However, it can be disappointing when the two-wheeler causes property or bodily injuries to people, forcing you to pay huge bills to the parties affected by the accident. In this event, motorcycle insurance policy comes in handy to help in settling costs associated with riding damage or injury. Even Wayzata law clearly states that an insurance policy is necessary for any motorbike owner. This is why you need to head to Pizano Insurance and get an insurance policy for your motorcycle. Do you understand how to choose a policy for your bike? Here are the top considerations for selecting motorcycle insurance policy.

Cost of Premiums

This is the most important factor to consider when shopping for motorcycle insurance in Wayzata, MN. Premiums charged on each policy are different; therefore, for you to make a solid decision about the suitable policy, it is important to look at the benefits accruable from every policy and the respective cost of premiums. Ideally, choose a policy with cheaper premiums but carries more benefits such as discounts and bonuses.    

 Compare Different Policies

There is a variety of policies offered by Pizano Insurance. Each policy has different features and benefits. Taking a closer look at every policy will help you determine the type of policy that suits your motorbike. In-depth analysis of policies will also be beneficial in understanding the exclusions of each policy, giving you a chance to make decisions that are more informed.

Discounts

The most appropriate way to reduce your premium rates is to look out for a policy that comes with discounts. Discounts can range from multi-bike discounts to experienced riders discounts among others.

With these tips, finding an appropriate bike cover will not be challenging any more. Consult Pizano Insurance for a trouble free experience.
 

 

Don’t Get Left Out in the Rain Without Umbrella Insurance!

Isn’t it awful when you get caught in the rain without an umbrella? When you get caught with an inadequate level of insurance coverage, it’s much worse than getting caught in the rain without a cover. You can protect yourself by having an umbrella insurance policy from Pizano Insurance, serving Wayzata, MN and the surrounding area. 

1. Protects Your Home

If you should happen to get sued for the amount of money not covered by your standard auto or homeowner’s policy, you could find yourself in a situation where you would have to sell your home to make up for the costs. What you worked so hard could be gone if you don’t have an umbrella policy.  

2. Protects Your Family

Your family relies on you to provide for them. They feel protected knowing you’re taking care of the bills, so they’re comfortable and safe in their own home. However, if you don’t purchase an umbrella policy, they could discover you didn’t think of one aspect. You could let your family down in the event something happens that exceeds the amount of insurance you have on your standard policies.  

3. Gives You Peace of Mind

You might always worry about something huge happening that’s going to cause serious financial consequences for your family. You might plan ahead by saving money, but if the incident that happens is more than you can pay, you could still find yourself being unable to meet your financial obligations. With an umbrella policy, you can have a peace of mind, knowing you have extra insurance that covers what you standard policies don’t. 

Contact Pizano Insurance, serving Wayzata, MN and the surrounding area, to get a quote for an umbrella policy, so you’re never caught in the rain. We’re available by calling 763-244-3320. 

Harbor Dredging Damaged My Boat! What to Do?

Anyone who has spent time in Minneapolis and Wayzata, MN knows the local lakes are a regular hangout, particular for those with boats. However, even well-kept harbors eventually have to be cleared and dredged, a fact that eventually every boat owner is affected by when their harbor is next. Smaller boats are easy to deal with; they are just pulled out after use and put on a trailer. However, larger vessels have to remain in their harbor, and dredging can be a bit of a dramatic event.

While most Wayzata, MN dredging operations are handled professionally and are completed without issue, a sloppy event can be a big problem, according to Pizano Insurance. And boaters may not know the problem will damage their boat until the dredging is complete and the boater tries to move his vessel. Then the damage occurs as the vessel hits soil material under water that wasn’t cleared properly. Ideally, a dredging operation takes the underwater soil dug up and removes it to a barge which then relocates the mud to a farther away location out of the path of boats. However, if a dredger doesn’t account for material being deposited on the sides of the trenching, it can create a lipping effect that boats could hit, especially when tide is low. And that can mean serious damage if the material includes large rocks.

If a boat is damaged, ideally the dredging company can be identified and has a policy in place for damage it causes. The harbor could be held responsible as well for employing the dredger. However, what many boaters find is that their boat insurance policy oftentimes covers such damage that was no fault of their own, and then the insurance company seeks a claim against those responsible. What is needed, however, is a clear linkage that the damage was caused by dredging, and that could require examination of the boat and damaging material. To find out more call Pizano Insurance to understand how a claim process would work.

Is Your Business Safe from Theft and Vandalism?

As a small business owner, it’s your responsibility to keep your enterprise safe from theft and vandalism. Acquiring a business owner’s insurance policy from Pizano Insurance, Wayzata, MN is the first step toward protecting your investment. Here are a few other measures you can take to reduce the risk of theft and damage to your goods or property.

Upgrade Security Measures in Wayzata, MN

Upgrade security measures on your business property to discourage thieves and trespassers from targeting your establishment. This could include installing security lights to protect your property at night or a burglar alarm system and security cameras. Make sure you advertise that your property is protected by an alarm system to deter criminal activity. Upgrading your security will minimize the risk of crime on your business property and protect your assets. Security upgrades may also qualify you for a discount on your business insurance premium.

Secure Important Documents

Secure important documents such as financial statements, tax records, employee records, etc., in a safe location. Paper files that are essential to your business should be stored in secure filing cabinets or business safe. Digital records should be protected by secure passwords and anti-virus software. The sensitive financial material should be handled by trustworthy employees to avoid the risk of internal theft or fraud.  

Establish a “Business Watch” in Your Area  

Get acquainted with small business owners in your area and establish an agreement to watch out for one another and help prevent crime. Encourage your employees to keep an eye out for suspicious behavior in or around the area and to report criminal activity immediately to local police. A collective effort amongst local businesses will be much more effective in deterring crime.  

For greater insight into how to protect your business interests, contact Pizano Insurance, Wayzata, MN.  

Auto Accident Insurance Coverage Minnesota

Minnesota’s snowy winters make accident protection a must. Auto accident insurance coverage is a must for drivers in the state.

In the event of an accident, a full-coverage automobile insurance policy will offset attendant costs to a collision such as medical bills and subsequent wage loss associated with physical injury. Drivers in cold weather states like Minnesota are of keen interest to insurers, as road collisions and auto related accidents from winter road conditions result in dis-proportionality higher than average insurance payouts than the national average. Minnesota drivers have three basic policy options to meet state minimum mandates for auto insurance.

1. Auto Liability Coverage

The most basic coverage for a driver in Minnesota, auto liability insurance agreements protects vehicle assets in case that an auto accident is an insured’s fault. A minimum of $30,000 for single person injury, and $60,000 for injuries to multiple parties, as well as $10,000 for damage to an insured’s vehicle, is required.

2. Personal Injury No-Fault Coverage

Coverage for hospitalization and wage reimbursement is available to an insured driver before a lawsuit. In Minnesota, a driver must carry a minimum of $40,000 in coverage insurance to meet the criteria to ‘no-fault’ coverage. Per-person coverage for an accident is $20,000 in medical care expense offsets and $20,000 for non-medical expenses such as lost wages following an injury sustained from an auto accident.

3. Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Compensation for driver injuries post-accident, where the culpability is another driver with no insurance or limited insurance, is provided by an uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage agreement.  Minnesota auto insurance policy minimum for this type of coverage is $25,000 for injury to a single person and $50,000 for injuries to multiple parties.

For auto accident coverage in Wayzata, MN, contact an insurance broker.