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
  • 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.

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.

 

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.

How to Avoid Common Car Crash Scams

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.

Keep Your Family Safe During 4th of July!

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.

Safe Driving Tips for Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day is a huge travel weekend and RNI wants you and your family to stay safe! Here are a few tips to keep in mind for a fun but safe weekend

According to the National Safety Council, an average of 358 fatal accidents happen per year during the Memorial Day weekend. Protect your family with these tips:

Avoid driving under the influence or if tired
  • Never drive while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Avoid driving if you’re tired, drowsy, or impaired in any way.

 

Take your car in for routine maintenance
  • Get your oil changed, especially if you can’t remember the last time you did.
  • Check your tire pressure.
  • Make sure you have windshield wiper fluid and test your wipers to make sure they’re working properly.

 

Practice safe driving
  • Always wear your seat belt and make sure all passengers are buckled up as well.
  • Observe speed limits and traffic signals.
  • Maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you.

 

Focus on driving
  • Distracted driving accounts for an increased number of accidents. Distractions include:
  • Talking to passengers.
  • Changing the radio station.
  • And TEXTING. Never text while driving!
Be Prepared
  • Have an emergency kit in your vehicle that includes:
    • Water
    • A first-aid kit
    • Flashlight
    • Blanket
    • Map
    • Roadside safety kit

 

Never leave kids unattended
  • Leaving children in your car for even a few minutes while running into the store can be dangerous. Temperatures inside an automobile can increase to deadly levels quickly.

 

Get plenty of sleep before driving
  • Get at least seven hours of sleep before beginning your trip.
  • Take breaks along the way to stay fresh and alert.

 

Pack healthy road trip snacks
  • Carrots and almonds are two filling, healthy options to help you avoid stopping for fast food.

 

Stay hydrated
  • Make sure you drink plenty of water for maximum energy.
    • Of course, you may have to stop more often for bathroom breaks!

Above all, we at Raymond Nelson Insurance want you to have a safe and happy holiday weekend. 

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.