Understanding Deductibles: How to Choose the Right Amount for Home Insurance

When selecting home insurance in Wayzata, MN, one important decision is choosing the right deductible amount. The policyholder pays the out-of-pocket deductible upon filing a claim. Once the deductible is met, the insurance company will discuss payment for the rest of the claim, provided it is within the coverage.

Impact of Deductibles on Your Premiums

The deductible you choose directly influences your insurance premium. Higher deductibles often result in lower monthly or annual premiums, as you are agreeing to pay more out of pocket in the event of a claim. Conversely, lower deductibles increase your premiums since the insurance company assumes more financial responsibility. Striking the right balance depends on your financial situation and risk tolerance.

Evaluating Your Risk Tolerance

Consider how much risk you are comfortable taking to choose a deductible amount. If you live in an area prone to natural disasters like hurricanes or floods, a lower deductible may be better, even if your premiums are a little more expensive. This way, you’ll have fewer out-of-pocket expenses in the event of damage. However, a higher deductible could save you money over time if you’re confident in your ability to handle small repairs or uncommon incidents.

Aligning Deductible with Your Emergency Savings

Your deductible should be an amount you can comfortably pay in an emergency. Evaluate your savings and choose a deductible that aligns with what you can afford to spend out of pocket. For example, if your deductible is set at $1,000, ensure you have at least that much in savings to cover unexpected repairs or damages.

Pizano Insurance – Your Guide to Insurance

Pizano Insurance provides comprehensive answers to your insurance questions. We serve Wayzata, MN, and surrounding cities. Contact us today.

Three Services Your Car Needs Through the Winter

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.

Home Insurance: The Protection Every Home Needs and that Every Homeowner Wants

Our desires and needs are not always aligned. While we may crave items like ice cream or money, these aren’t always necessary for our survival. However, home insurance is an exception, providing essential protection that homeowners both desire and need. That’s why homeowners in the Wayzata, MN area trust the experienced and professional team at Pizano Insurance for their home insurance requirements.

Protection That Homeowners Need and Want

Homeowners require assistance when dealing with substantial repair costs, like fixing a roof damaged by a fallen tree. Home insurance can also cover fire restoration, siding damage, and various other common yet expensive house repairs. Homeowners also desire dependable and reasonably priced protection, just in case it’s needed. The good news is that homeowners can get their needs and wants fulfilled with the right insurance partner.

Home Insurance Protection in Wayzata, MN

If you are a homeowner in or around the Wayzata, MN area and have queries about home insurance or need home insurance protection, we’re here to help. Want to learn more about how our home insurance solutions can safeguard your home and offer you peace of mind? Contact us to find out more and schedule an appointment with the Pizano Insurance team today for the home insurance protection and peace of mind you deserve.

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

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.

How Long Can You Expect a Roof to Last?

Understanding the Duration of Roof Lifespan in Wayzata, MN

Living in Wayzata, MN, we understand that the weather can severely impact our homes, particularly our roofs. At Pizano Insurance, we’re proud to provide many homeowners with insurance coverage. Our harsh winters with heavy snowfall, hot sun, and strong winds of summer storms undoubtedly take their toll on our roofs.

How Long Should a Roof Last in Our Area?

The durability of a roof depends on both the quality of the installation and the materials used. Here’s a quick overview:

Standard Asphalt Roofing Shingles

These are the most widely used roofing materials nationwide. Standard asphalt shingle roofs in Minnesota should last between 20 and 25 years when properly installed and maintained.

Metal Roofs

Modern metal roofs are increasingly popular due to their durability and aesthetic appeal. Available in a plethora of colors, metal roofs are expected to last anywhere from 25 to 35 years.

Tile, Slate, and Other Premium Materials

If you opt for a premium roof constructed from tile or slate, you can expect it to last between 30 to 40 years, potentially even longer.

The Importance of Maintenance

As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to maintain your home properly. This includes regularly inspecting your roof and rectifying small leaks before they become problematic.

It should not be assumed that a roof will last forever. Like other components in your home, roofs are subjected to wear and tear. Proactive maintenance can help extend their lifespan.

Contact Pizano Insurance for a Quote Today

If you’re shopping for home insurance and a homeowner in Wayzata, MN, we invite you to contact us at Pizano Insurance for a price quote. After answering just a few questions, we can provide you with a quote. Reach out to us today.

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

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.

How Often Should You Review Your Home Insurance Policy?

For homeowners in the Wayzata, MN, area, Pizano Insurance is pleased to provide a no-cost, no-obligation home insurance review at any time.

But how often is getting a homeowner’s insurance review enough?

Most Forgotten Insurance

For many people, their home insurance is the most forgotten and neglected of all their personal insurance policies. There are several reasons for this. Once it is purchased, it is often filed away. Some folks may not even recall their coverage limits or what they are paying. This can be problematic. Coverage may not be keeping up, and gaps may occur in coverage. A homeowner’s insurance policy review can uncover potential issues.

Why Home Insurance is Easy to Neglect

Home insurance can be easily forgotten for several reasons. Many people include insurance payments with their property taxes and pay them through escrow. Some homeowners purchase insurance when they buy their homes and don’t review it again. Others pay premiums through autopay and pay little attention. The fact is, homeowners insurance policies aren’t reviewed often enough.

We Can Help

Contact us at Pizano Insurance for a review of the home insurance on your Wayzata, MN, area house. If it has been a year or two, or you can’t remember the last time you’ve had a review, reach out to us. There is no obligation, and you can get a free quote. A homeowners insurance review can provide peace of mind.

Do not wait for a claim to see if you are protected. Find out today with a homeowner’s insurance review from Pizano Insurance.

Five Ways to Reduce the Risks of Auto Accidents

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.

Is Once a Year Too Often to Compare Auto Insurance?

One of the questions we frequently get at Pizano Insurance from our Wayzata, MN, area customers is how often they should get a quote on their auto insurance.

Some believe getting an auto insurance quote every year may be too often. Here are reasons why checking quotes once a year may be a good idea.

Rates change.

It is a simple fact that auto insurance rates change, and not every company changes simultaneously.

Your driving record may improve.

As time passes, negative elements on your driving record may expire. This could improve your insurance rates with certain companies.

Providers often encourage new customers with lower rates.

Why not take advantage when a provider wants to encourage you to be a customer of theirs with lower rates? It can happen when you compare.

Changing auto insurance companies is easy to do.

Changing auto insurance providers is easier than many people think. It may just be a matter of answering a few questions and getting your approval. In fact, at Pizano Insurance, we can make it easy!

Get a quote today.

Many of our clients enjoy some serious savings when comparing auto insurance rates, which they may not have realized if they had not compared.

Pizano Insurance can do the legwork for those in the Wayzata, MN, area. Of course, the final choice is yours. Remember, comparing insurance rates is a good thing. Contact us today to get started.

We look forward to assisting you in getting the savings you deserve.

Coverage For Water Features and Other Property Upgrades

Let’s explore some popular upgrades for residential properties. The enhancements you choose for your property may necessitate additional home insurance coverage.

Water Features

Pools, ponds, fountains, and other outdoor water features can increase the value of your property. Since these water features can add significant value, consider seeking additional home insurance coverage.

Think about the size of the water feature you are investing in and the materials you have chosen for the upgrade. For deeper water features, consider researching liability insurance products that will provide coverage in case someone gets injured.

Additional elements like lighting, slides, and other accessories will further increase the value of a water feature, potentially requiring extra insurance coverage.

Fencing

New fencing can not only offer definition to your property but also increase its value while ensuring security.

Determine the perimeter of the property that will be fenced. Research various types of fencing, including automatic, semi-automatic, and manual options.

If you are considering a new gate, assess the style you choose to add to your property. Remember, the fencing components should also be included in your current home insurance policy. This coverage will protect against wear and tear, natural weather phenomena, theft, and vandalism.

Contact Pizano Insurance

Each change you make to your property should be assessed individually. Once you’ve determined whether more insurance coverage might be needed, contact one of our agents serving Wayzata, MN. A Pizano Insurance agent will make the necessary adjustments to your home insurance policy.