Author: tcg_admin

Raymond Nelson Insurance wants you to know about the new entry-level driver training (ELDT) requirements which will be implemented on February 7, 2022

This new rule is for individuals who want to

• Obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL)
• Upgrade a CDL
• Obtain a passenger (P), school bus (S), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement.

 

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) entry-level driver training regulations set the baseline for training requirements for entry-level drivers.

The ELDT regulations are not retroactive; individuals who were issued a CDL or an S, P, or H endorsement prior to February 7, 2022, are not required to complete training for the respective CDL or endorsement. For more information about the ELDT regulations and Training Provider registry, visit https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/.

• As of February 7, 2022, entry-level CDL trainees will have much stricter requirements for obtaining their CDL.
• For companies who want their entry-level truckers trained, now is the time to start preparing for the new law and getting drivers in a training program.
• Only approved training providers are authorized to deliver ELDT.
  

 

New requirements to obtain a CDL license

• CDL school requirements

• • • The minimum standards and requirements for CDL schools will be set at a federal level as opposed to the state.

• Department of Transportation (DOT) management

• • • CDL schools must record and report hours behind the wheel (no federal minimum) to DOT

• Schools must register and self-certify instructors.

• CDL driving instructor requirements

• • • Driving instructors are required to have a minimum of 2 years of driving experience, a clean driving record, and medical certification for the classroom, on the road, and private range instruction.

• Increase in curriculum mandates

• • DOT requires 31 theory course topics instead of the original four knowledge topics.
  • The new Training Provider Registry (TPR) will require CDL schools to apply to join, starting February 7, 2022.

 

Trucking is truly one of the most important industries in the United States. At Raymond Nelson Insurance, we understand the peril you and your employees face every day, and we want to help you get the best protection for the best price.

At Raymond Nelson Insurance, we go the extra mile to find you the coverage that best protects what matters most, the business you’ve built, and the people you love. We always take the time to get to know each client and serve their best interests. Give us a call today at (270)885-1800 or contact us online for more information.

Raymond Nelson has some tips for driving in the winter and how you can be prepared if you do have to travel during wintry conditions

Driving in snowy and icy conditions can be challenging even for experienced drivers. Here are some tips to help you get to your destination safely.

Before Winter

• Bring your car in to get serviced so you know of any problems before colder weather arrives and ask them to check the following
  • Heater and defroster
  • Tires for worn tread
  • Battery
  • Windshield wipers
  • Oil
  • Lights
  • Brakes 
• Stock up on antifreeze and windshield washer fluid.
• Equip your vehicle with the following items
  • Ice scraper and snow brush.
  • A shovel – This will come in handy if you become stuck and need to clear a path to drive.
  • Warm clothing – Hats, a coat, gloves, and boots will help keep you warm while clearing off your car or if the heat goes out.
  • Flashlight – With less daylight during the winter months, it’s harder to see or be seen by other vehicles. Keep a flashlight, emergency flares, or reflectors in your vehicle to help with visibility.
  • Kitty litter or sand. Putting down either of these will help your tires gain traction if you get stuck.

Before you Drive

• Check the weather forecast and traffic reports for your route. Allow extra time when conditions are predicted to change or worsen.
• Keep your tank full.
• Keep your phone fully charged.
• Make sure your windows are fully cleared before driving.
• Buckle up!

While Driving

• Slow down and do not use cruise control when driving through sleet, snow, or ice.
• Leave extra distance between you and the car in front of you.
• Always drive with your lights on.
• If you start to slide, do not panic! Steer to keep the vehicle going in its original direction without over-steering.
  • Don’t slam on your breaks, instead, pump your brakes if your vehicle does not have anti-lock brakes.
• If you get stranded, remain calm and stay in your vehicle (if it’s safe) until help arrives.

Raymond Nelson Insurance wants you to stay safe this winter and if possible, avoid driving when conditions are dangerous.

At Raymond Nelson Insurance, we go the extra mile to find you the coverage that best protects what matters most, the business you’ve built, and the people you love. We always take the time to get to know each client and serve their best interests. Give us a call today at (270)885-1800 or contact us online for more information.

Raymond Nelson Insurance has all the information you need to know if you were to hit a deer

Deer accidents are prevalent in our area and can cause severe damage to your vehicle or self. If you have full auto insurance coverage, which includes comprehensive insurance, the comprehensive insurance pays out if your vehicle is damaged.

Full Auto Insurance Coverage

• Covers your damages after a car crash caused by a deer, including medical expenses for your personal injuries.

Comprehensive Insurance

• Comprehensive insurance coverage pays for repairs or replacement of your vehicle after hitting a deer.
  • This is only if your vehicle comes in contact with the deer.
  • If you swerve to miss the deer, which causes the crash, your claim will become a collision claim.

What to Do if You Hit a Deer

• If possible, pull your car off the road and turn on your hazard lights.
  • It’s best to stay in your vehicle while waiting for help.
• Call 911 for police and medical, if needed.
  • A police report will be helpful when filing your insurance claim.
• Document the accident.
  • Take photos of the surrounding area, roadways, and vehicle damage.
  • If there are witnesses, get their contact information as they may be contacted by your insurance company.
• Do not approach the animal!
  • If the deer is still in the vicinity or in the middle of the road, it could be in distress and could hurt you.
• Make sure your vehicle is safe to drive before leaving the scene.
  • It’s best to wait for a professional to inspect your vehicle before driving.
• Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
  • Get started on a potential claim immediately after the accident once you’re able to.

The worst time of the year for deer accidents is October through December.

At Raymond Nelson Insurance, we go the extra mile to find you the coverage that best protects what matters most, the business you’ve built, and the people you love. We always take the time to get to know each client and serve their best interests. Give us a call today at (270)885-1800 or contact us online for more information.

Raymond Nelson Insurance has a few safety tips you and your family can follow to ensure you have a safe and Happy Halloween! 

There are so many different exciting parts of Halloween such as the costumes, trick-or-treating around the neighborhood, and lots of candy to name a few. Keep your friends and family safe this year with these tips!

Costume Safety

• All costumes and accessories should be fire-resistant.
• Use reflective tape on costumes and bags or give children glow sticks to carry.
• Make sure make-up is non-toxic and remove all make-up before going to bed.
• For more costume safety tips visit my alarm center.

 

While Trick-or-Treating

• Always have adults accompany small children.
• Plan out a safe route in advance for older kids to follow if they’re going alone and agree on a specific time for them to return home.
• Children should be warned to never enter a stranger’s home or car.
• Travel in well-lit areas of familiar neighborhoods and stick together with family or friends.
• Tell children to not eat any treats until they return home and it’s inspected.
• Put the phones and electronics away! Keep your heads up and be alert especially when crossing streets.

 

Safety Tips for Motorists

• Watch for children on roadways, medians, and curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
• Watch especially for children wearing dark costumes or clothing.
• Don’t let inexperienced drivers drive on Halloween.

 

Home Safety

• Make sure your walkway and yard are safe for trick-or-treaters.
• Remove tripping hazards such as toys, bikes, lawn decorations, and garden hoses.
• Make sure your outdoor lights are working properly.
• Sweep sidewalks of wet leaves or snow.
• Keep pets inside or on a leash. 

 

At Raymond Nelson Insurance, we go the extra mile to find you the coverage that best protects what matters most, the business you’ve built, and the people you love. We always take the time to get to know each client and serve their best interests. Give us a call today at (270)885-1800 or contact us online for more information.

Raymond Nelson Insurance has a few good reasons why it’s best to have all your insurance from one local, independent company.

The number one benefit of an independent, local agency is “better customer service”

• Responsiveness
  • The benefits of excellent service could mean the difference between claims resolved in days rather than weeks or months.
  • Your independent agency’s response time is lightning quick for questions and requests.
• Help throughout the claim process
  • Our job isn’t done once the claim is filed – We’re there to offer help with the whole process.
• Better communication
  • Effective communication between the insurance agency, adjuster, and client is a key component of excellent customer service.
  • Your local agency knows exactly what policies you hold and what’s covered under them.

Independent agencies have more options

• Save money
  • Independent insurance agents can provide quotes from multiple companies to compare costs and can mean big savings for the client.
• No need to change agencies
  • Clients don’t have to switch agencies if their insurance changes.
  • For example, if you have renters insurance and want to buy a home, you can stay with the same local company for homeowner’s insurance.

One-Stop-Shopping

• Independent agencies like us at Raymond Nelson Insurance can help with all of your insurance needs.
  • Homeowners 
  • Auto
  • Other property coverage
  • Life
  • Commercial
  • Trucking insurance

Personalization

• With more products available and personal knowledge of your life and business circumstances, an independent agent can help you with personalized solutions and the appropriate coverage for you, your family, and your business.

 

At Raymond Nelson Insurance, we go the extra mile to find you the coverage that best protects what matters most, the business you’ve built, and the people you love. We always take the time to get to know each client and serve their best interests. Give us a call today at (270)885-1800 or contact us online for more information.

Raymond Nelson Insurance has all the steps you should take and information you should know if you’re involved in a minor accident

 

Stay calm

• Fear, panic, and shock are common emotions one might experience after being involved in an accident.
• Take a few deep breaths to try and calm yourself down.

 

Check yourself for injuries

• Examine your body for any cuts, sprains, or fractures.
• If you discover any injuries and are able to, call 911 for help.
• If you are able to move, get out and move away from the vehicle.

 

Check on passengers and other vehicle’s occupants

• The well-being of others is just as important as yours, so if you’re able to, check on the others involved in the accident.
• If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.

 

Call and talk to the police

• Tell the police exactly what happened or at least to the best of your knowledge.
• Honesty is key and there may be street cams or witnesses so it’s not worth it to lie or twist the real story.

 

Exchange information

• When two or more people are involved, take down the following information from the other drivers.
  • Driver’s license and plate number.
  • Full name and contact information of everyone involved.
  • Type, model, and color of the car or cars involved.

 

Take pictures

• Use your cell phone to take pictures of
  • All vehicles involved in the accident
  • All damage from different angles
  • Any personal injuries

 

Get a report

• The police officers should likely draft a police report which you can request.
• If they don’t, start writing down additional information such as
  • Date and time of the accident
  • Location
  • Names of witnesses
• These pieces of information can be helpful when getting insurance claims settled.

 

Call your insurance company

• Do this from the scene of the accident.
• Your insurance company may have specific information they will want you to take note of.
• This will help in easing the stress during your insurance claim process.
• They will also inform you of the best options to take.

 

At Raymond Nelson Insurance, we go the extra mile to find you the coverage that best protects what matters most, the business you’ve built, and the people you love. We always take the time to get to know each client and serve their best interests. Give us a call today at (270)885-1800 or contact us for more information.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), insurance fraud is the second-most costly form of white-collar crime in America. Raymond Nelson Insurance wants to give you some tips on the different types of scams and how to avoid them.

Scammers see car insurance as an opportunity to make money from unsuspecting victims. One act they follow is by staging accidents.

The Swoop and Squat

• Two vehicles trap a victim in a rear-end collision.

The Drive Down

• The scammer will signal for the victim to turn or merge at an intersection.
• When the victim starts turning, the scammer will speed up enough to cause a crash.

The Sideswipe

• In some intersections, the borders of the inner and outer turn lanes are unclear. 
• The scammer will occupy the outer lane then sideswipe the victim’s car as they are turning.
• Because of the ambiguous lane division, the scammer will claim the victim caused the accident.

Panic Stop

• A vehicle intentionally watches for the car behind them to become distracted and then slams on their brakes, causing the tailing vehicle to rear-end them.

How to protect yourself

• Make sure you keep a reasonable distance between yourself and the other cars.
• If you do get in an accident, call the police and request an official report with the officer’s name.
  • A report makes it difficult for scammers to damage their car after the accident and file a larger claim.
  • Take photos of any damage from all angles and pictures of the other people involved.

At Raymond Nelson Insurance, we go the extra mile to find you the coverage that best protects what matters most, the business you’ve built, and the people you love. We always take the time to get to know each client and serve their best interests. Give us a call today at (270)885-1800 or contact us for more information.

The 4th of July is the perfect time to enjoy family and friends. Raymond Nelson Insurance has some tips on keeping everyone safe during this holiday season

Fireworks Safety

• Never try to make your own fireworks.
• Don’t point sparklers or fireworks at yourself or others.
• Only light fireworks on the ground and in areas that are fire-resistant.
• Keep fireworks away from children.
• Don’t attempt to light multiple fireworks or sparklers.
• If fireworks malfunction, don’t relight them. 
• Always keep a fire extinguisher, a bucket of water, or a water hose nearby.
• Keep pets inside where it’s familiar and quiet.

Water Safety

• On a boat
  • Never consume alcohol while driving a boat.
  • Make sure there is a life preserver for each passenger.
  • Review safe boating practices.
• By the pool
  • Set water safety rules for your family.
  • Keep the pool completely fenced.
  • Consider wireless outdoor sensors that will alert you when the sensors are activated.
  • Keep a first aid kit near the pool.

Grilling Safety

• Check gas grill hoses for cracks and leaks
• Keep children away from grills especially with propane tanks.
• Never grill indoors or any enclosed area.
• Keep the grill at least 2 feet away from decks, siding, branches, and other outdoor equipment. 

We at Raymond Nelson Insurance want you and your family to have a safe and happy Fourth of July. 

At Raymond Nelson Insurance, we go the extra mile to find you the coverage that best protects what matters most, the business you’ve built, and the people you love. We always take the time to get to know each client and serve their best interests. Give us a call today at (270)885-1800 or contact us for more information.