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Prepare Your Home for Severe Weather

April showers may bring May flowers but sometimes warmer weather can bring more than just showers. Here are some tips from Raymond Nelson Insurance to help you be prepared for severe weather

Severe weather can happen unexpectedly at all hours of the day or night. While you may think, “this could never happen to me,” it’s best to be prepared in case of an emergency situation or loss of property.

Keep inventory of important possessions

Go through your home and take note of items, especially those of value and of importance to you.
If applicable, include the model, serial number, and brand.
Include items in your garage and on your patio or deck.
Videos and photos will be helpful when replacing items and for your insurance claim if these items are lost or destroyed.
- It’s best to email yourself these images in case your computer or phone gets lost or damaged.
Don’t forget to document the items that you carry with you each day
- Phone
- Purse
- Tablet
- Jewelry
Be sure to update your list after purchasing new items and it’s best to review the list often, especially around the time of year when severe weather is more common.
Try to keep the list in a safe place, whether that be an off-site location like a safety deposit box or keep it in an email.

Have an emergency kit ready

Stay prepared with an emergency kit with the following items
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Fire extinguisher
- First-aid kit
- Canned food
- Bottled water
- Blankets
- Extra clothes
- Medications
Check the kit often to make sure no medications or canned food has expired.

Maintain your yard and home

Severe weather can bring strong winds that may take down trees or move outdoor furniture.
Have any older trees trimmed or removed from your yard if they’re close to your home.
Keep your gutters clear so water can drain properly.
Tie up any outdoor furniture or bring it into a garage or shed prior to the threat of severe weather.

Have a plan

Discuss a plan with your family in case of severe weather.
Talk about what you’ll do if you’re on the road or at work leading up to severe weather or during a storm.
- You should always keep an emergency kit in your car as well.

For more safety tips, check out these home safety tips from the National Weather Service.

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.

What to Know About Homeowners and Renters Insurance

No one ever expects a home burglary but if you find yourself in this unlucky situation, Raymond Nelson Insurance has some tips

Personal Belongings Coverage

You need to have enough coverage to replace personal belongings whether you’re a homeowner or a renter.
Depending on where you live, you can find inexpensive coverage for claims to cover $10,000 to $20,000 worth of personal belongings.

Make a valuable items list

Write down a list of all your collectibles, jewelry, gadgets, etc.
TVs and electronics will have serial numbers, notate those.
Send an email of this list to yourself with the subject line of something inconspicuous, like “Vacation Pictures.”
If your home is burglarized, you’ll be able to refer to this list if your things are damaged or stolen.
You will also need this list to file your insurance claim after a loss.

Keep or take photos of receipts & instruction manuals

Keep your receipts or take a photo of them. They show identifiable serial numbers, proof of purchase, and the item’s original value.
Instruction manuals can act as proof of purchase as they contain identifiable serial numbers for each of your items.
Take photos of all your expensive items like electronics and furniture and email them to yourself or save them to your iCloud.
- If you only save them on your computer, you risk losing them should your computer get stolen.
For information on what is a valid proof of purchase, click here.

Other ways to find proof of purchase

Check your email. Confirmation emails or emailed receipts can be used as proof of purchase.
Transactions made in PayPal can show purchase information.
Find photographs of missing items; a picture of your family sitting on the couch that was stolen or your TV in the background of a photo.

Commonly Asked Insurance Questions

There is a lot to know about insurance so our highly trained experts at Raymond Nelson Insurance are here to provide answers to some of the most commonly asked insurance questions

Does car insurance cover the car or the driver?

Depending on your coverage, it could cover both.
- Car insurance generally refers to damage to your vehicle due to either your fault or when someone else crashes into you.
- However, most car insurance policies include medical expenses as standard, which protects you and any other passenger in the vehicle.
The level of coverage and what’s included varies and you should weigh the importance of this when deciding what coverage to get.

What’s the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?

Collision insurance pays for:
- Damage to your car in an accident you cause.
- Damage to your car if you hit an object such as a fence or pole.
- Damage to your car if someone else hits you.
Comprehensive insurance pays for the value of your car if it’s stolen and not recovered. It also covers damage from:
- Weather – such as tornado or hail
- Floods
- Fire
- Falling objects, such as tree limbs
- Explosion
- Hitting a deer or other animal
- Riots and civil disturbances
- Vandalism

What are the different types of insurance coverage?

Bodily liability
Property damage liability
Comprehensive collision
Uninsured & underinsured

Is auto insurance mandatory?

Auto insurance is mandatory in every state across the U.S., however, laws do vary.
To make sure you have the right insurance, visit your state government’s transportation website and you can find information regarding Kentucky here.

Does my gender affect premium rates?

Yes – Using statistical driving data, it has been found that male drivers are generally involved in more accidents.
As a result, male drivers pay bigger premiums.

New Entry-Level Driver Requirements

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.

Winter Driving Tips

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.

Am I Covered If I Hit a Deer?

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.

Halloween Safety Tips

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.

Reasons to Use a Local, Independent Insurance Company

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.

What To Do After An Accident

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.

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