Tag Archives: insurance

Do You Need To Update Your Homeowners Insurance Policy When You Buy a Hot Tub?

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Adding a hot tub to your home is a great way to relax, entertain, and enjoy your outdoor space year-round. But before you take the plunge, it’s important to understand how it can affect your homeowners insurance. Updating your policy ensures you’re protected against any resulting risks or liabilities.

Why Your Policy May Need an Update

A hot tub increases the value of your property and your liability exposure. If someone slips, falls, or gets injured while using it, you could be held responsible. Standard homeowners insurance may not automatically cover such incidents, so informing your insurance agent is essential.

Property Coverage Considerations

Your hot tub is considered part of your home’s structure or personal property, depending on whether it’s built-in or portable. You’ll want to confirm that your dwelling or personal property coverage limits are high enough to repair or replace it if it’s damaged by a fire, storm, or vandalism.

Liability and Safety Measures

Liability coverage helps protect you if a guest is injured in or around your hot tub. Many insurers require safety features such as locking covers, fencing, or signage to maintain coverage.

Check With Your Insurance Agent

Before installation, contact your insurance agent to review your current policy. They can help you update your coverage and ensure your new backyard retreat is fully protected.

Pizano Insurance: Proud To Serve Wayzata, MN

At Pizaon Insurance, we’re proud to serve the Wayzata, MN area, and we’re here for all of your home insurance needs. Contact our team to learn more.

Does Auto Insurance Cost More If You Have a Red Car?

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For years, a saying has circulated throughout Wayzata, MN, that auto insurance costs more for red cars. It has led people to believe that they can save more money by purchasing or leasing a blue or black car instead. Is there any truth to this?

Does Color Impact Your Insurance Premiums?

Although many people believe that red cars are more expensive, this is not true. The color of your car doesn’t impact how much your insurance costs. It doesn’t matter if a Corvette is red or white, or whether you have a red minivan. Instead, insurance companies look at several other factors. You can contact an agent at Pizano Insurance if you want to double-check. 

Factors That Can Impact Your Insurance

Companies will consider several factors, some of which may impact your premium. However, it’s important to know that these factors can vary depending on the company. 

Education Level

Some companies will ask about your highest level of education. People who have completed a college education may qualify for a discount. Some companies also offer student discounts to individuals currently enrolled in school. 

Age

Companies often consider how old you are and how much driving experience you have. A person who has been a licensed driver with zero violations for 40 years may get a lower rate than someone who just got their license and is still a teenager. 

Car Specifics

Companies will ask about the make and model of a vehicle. They’ll consider safety features and other specifics that pertain to the make, model, and year of your vehicle. The color usually doesn’t impact the policy. 

It’s essential to note that every company is unique and offers different discounts. An agent at Pizano Insurance can help you learn more about factors that impact your premium. We’re currently serving the Wayzata, MN, area. 

Do You Have To Add Non-Licensed Drivers To Your Auto Insurance Account?

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Auto insurance policies come with a list of rules and regulations. It is essential to understand how your policy works to avoid being dropped from your insurance or having claims denied.

Adding Household Members

Most insurance companies require you to add all household members of driving age to your policy, even if they do not have a driver’s license. This includes teenagers who have recently reached driving age. However, you can add drivers as excluded drivers. Excluded drivers typically do not impact your insurance policy. Speak with an agent at Pizano Insurance to understand how adding specific drivers may affect your policy and premium.

Companies Vary

It is important to note that insurance companies vary in their approach to this policy. Some may automatically add household members once they reach a certain age, which could lead to an increase in premiums unless they are excluded drivers. Additionally, some companies may not allow you to exclude certain drivers. Always consult your insurance provider to ensure you understand how your policy applies to children and other household members.

Why Is This Necessary?

This rule may seem minor, but it serves several important purposes. Adding all household members ensures that a driver is not involved in an accident without insurance coverage. For example, if someone uses your car for a quick trip and they are not listed on your policy, they could get into an accident. This could result in penalties for you and a higher monthly premium. It is also illegal.

Insurance companies will work with you to ensure you meet the necessary requirements. Contact an agent at Pizano Insurance to learn more about our services. We proudly serve the Wayzata, MN area.

Does Home Insurance Cover Theft?

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Home insurance in Wayzata, MN provides coverage to help protect your finances during unexpected events. While many people associate home insurance with coverage for fires or natural disasters, it is equally important to understand whether your policy covers theft before something is stolen.

Common Coverage

Most home insurance policies cover items stolen from within the home, with certain exceptions. They may also cover damage caused during a break-in, such as broken windows or damaged doorframes. However, it is crucial to speak with an agent at Pizano Insurance to understand the specific details of your policy.

Detached Structure Coverage

Many policies do not cover items stolen from detached structures, such as sheds or garages. Coverage for these areas is typically included under the "additional structures" portion of your policy. Be sure to review this section with your insurance agent to confirm what is covered.

Policy Limits

Every policy has limits on how much the insurance company will reimburse you for stolen items. If the value of stolen items exceeds these limits, you will need to cover the difference out of pocket. Additionally, some policies impose specific limits on high-theft items, such as jewelry or electronics. Consult your agent to ensure your policy provides adequate coverage for your belongings.

Expensive Items

If you own expensive items, it is wise to consult with your insurance representative to determine if additional coverage is necessary. Policies often vary by company, so it is best to discuss your options with an agent from your insurance provider. Many companies offer additional coverage for purchase or allow you to increase your personal property limit.

Deductibles

Most home insurance policies include a deductible, which is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage applies. Deductible amounts can vary depending on your policy, so it is important to understand your deductible before experiencing a break-in.

The experienced agents at Pizano Insurance can help you learn more about your policy, including theft coverage and deductible details. Contact us today to learn more. We proudly serve the Wayzata, MN area.

Are There Any Restrictions for 16-Year-Old Drivers in Minnesota?

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For 16-year-old drivers in Wayzata, MN, Pizano Insurance is your go-to auto insurance agency. Our team of agents is ready to help you secure the appropriate policy so you can drive safely, responsibly, and in compliance with Minnesota laws for teen drivers.

What Restrictions Does Minnesota Impose on 16-Year-Old Drivers?

If you’re 16 years old and planning to drive, there are a few important guidelines to follow when you obtain your provisional license:

  • During the first six months of holding a provisional license, you are not allowed to drive between midnight and 5:00 A.M. unless accompanied by a licensed adult driver aged 25 or older.
  • A teen driver may have only one passenger under 20 years of age in the vehicle, unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. This restriction applies during the first six months of the provisional license.
  • After the first six months, the number of passengers under 20 years of age allowed in the vehicle increases to three, and a parent or guardian is no longer required.
  • Drivers under 18 years old are prohibited from using cell phones while operating a vehicle. This includes both hand-held and hands-free devices.
  • Any driver under the legal drinking age of 21 who operates a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher will be subject to Minnesota’s DWI (driving while intoxicated) laws and penalties.

Contact Us

Pizano Insurance is here to help teens in Wayzata, MN, start their driving journeys safely. Call us today to review all the requirements and restrictions for 16-year-old drivers, so you’re prepared for your next adventure.

Why Wayzata Homeowners Need Specialized Home Insurance for Protecting Lakeside and Luxury Properties

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Living on the beautiful shores of Lake Minnetonka offers incredible benefits, including breathtaking views, easy access to boating and water sports, and a luxurious lifestyle. However, this unique way of living also comes with significant financial responsibilities in the event of an unexpected incident.

Pizano Insurance explains how Wayzata, MN, homeowners can proactively protect their lakeside properties by investing in a specialized home insurance policy in the guide below.

Why Wayzata, MN, Homeowners Need Specialized Insurance

Wayzata is renowned for its stunning shorelines, lakeside homes, and upscale neighborhoods. While lakeside living has its perks, it also comes with unique challenges and requirements to safeguard luxury properties. High winds from the lake, ice damage during Minnesota’s harsh winters, and local flooding concerns are common risks for residents in this high-end lakeside town.

Comprehensive home insurance policies can protect luxury properties from costly damages caused by natural disasters, storms, vandalism, and theft of valuable personal property, expensive artwork, and irreplaceable family heirlooms.

A standard home insurance policy may not provide adequate coverage for high-end lakeside properties and valuables. In these cases, a specialized policy is essential to ensure homeowners are fully protected in the event of a covered incident.

Get Specialized Home Insurance in Wayzata, MN

Do you have enough home insurance to cover the costs of structural damage and replacing your priceless valuables in the event of flooding, theft, or vandalism? Don’t wait until it’s too late to find out. Contact the local home insurance experts at Pizano Insurance to learn more about how you can protect your loved ones and your most prized possessions from the unexpected in Wayzata.