Hopkinsville KY Archives | Raymond Nelson Insurance

Why & When You Should Review Your Coverage

It is critical to review your insurance coverage regularly to help ensure that your property, your possessions, and your loved ones are well protected.

Here are a few reasons why and how often you should review your insurance coverage:

Life Changes:

Significant life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, purchasing a home, changing jobs, or retirement can impact your insurance needs.
- It’s crucial to review your coverage whenever these life changes occur to make necessary adjustments.

Policy Changes:

Insurance companies periodically update their policies, terms, and rates.
- Reviewing your coverage allows you to stay informed about any changes that may affect your coverage or premiums.

Coverage Gaps:

Over time, your insurance needs may evolve and you may find that your current coverage no longer adequately protects you against potential risks.
- Regular reviews help identify any coverage gaps and ensure you have the appropriate level of protection.

New Risks:

With advancements in technology and changes in society, new risks may emerge that you weren’t previously aware of.
- Reviewing your coverage allows you to assess whether you need additional coverage to protect against emerging risks.

As for how often you should review your insurance coverage, it’s generally recommended to do so at least once a year, However, certain life events may prompt the need for more frequent reviews. Check with your Raymond Nelson Insurance agent about when you should review yours.

By staying proactive and regularly assessing your insurance needs, you can ensure that you have the right coverage in place to protect yourself and your asset

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

At Raymond Nelson Insurance, we go the extra mile to find 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. Call us today at (270) 885-1800 or contact us online for more information.

Are You Winter Weather Prepared?

This time of year, it’s crucial to ensure that you and your loved ones are prepared for the challenges that winter weather can bring. Here are some essential tips to help you stay safe and comfortable during the winter months:

Bundle Up:

Dress in layers to trap body heat and protect yourself from the cold.
Don’t forget a hat, gloves, and a scarf to cover exposed skin.

Winterize your vehicle:

If you drive, make sure your vehicle is winter-ready.
- Check the tires, brakes, and antifreeze levels, and keep an emergency kit in your car.
Winter Car Kit checklist
- Windshield scraper
- Small broom
- Flashlight
- Blanket
- Spare radio batteries
- Snacks or energy type food
- Water
- Flares and matches
- Shovel
- Hats, socks and mittens
- First aid kit
- Fluorescent distress flag

Practice Safe Driving:

If you must drive in snowy or icy conditions, drive slowly, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and use snow tires if possible.
Be cautious of black ice on the roads.
Travel with a fully charged cell phone.
If you know you’ll be driving during a snowstorm, let others know about your route, destination, and estimated time of arrival.
If you become stranded in deep snow and are idling the engine to keep warm, keep the area around the tailpipe clear to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning inside the vehicle.
- Also, open a window slightly to let in fresh air.

Take Care of Your Health:

Cold weather can strain your health, so get enough rest, eat well-balanced meals, and keep yourself physically active to boost your immune system.
Stay hydrated! Even in colder weather, it’s important to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to help your body regulate temperature and stay healthy.

Remember, being winter-ready is more than just having the right gear; it’s also about being informed and proactive. You can enjoy the winter season safely and comfortably by taking these steps.

Car Theft is on the Rise, Especially on New Year’s Eve

Multiple reasons for increased car theft include strained financial resources, social media pressures, and the rising value of vehicles and vehicle parts. Catalytic converters are particularly popular because of the precious metals they are made of—platinum, palladium, or rhodium.

Preventing car theft involves a combination of awareness, precautionary measures, and security measures. Here are some tips to help you reduce the risk of car theft:

Lock Your Car

Always lock your car doors and close your windows when you leave your vehicle, even if it’s just for a short time. Thieves often look for easy opportunities.

Park in a Well-lit Area

Park your car in well-lit areas, especially at night. Thieves are less likely to target vehicles in well-lit locations where their activities are more easily noticed.

Store Valuables Out of Sight

Avoid leaving valuable items in plain sight in your car. Thieves are more likely to break in if they see something of value inside.

Keep Spare Keys Secure

Don’t leave spare keys inside your car, and be cautious about who has access to your spare keys. Thieves sometimes look for spare keys in common hiding spots.

Remember that no method is foolproof, but combining these measures can significantly reduce the risk of car theft. Adapt your strategies based on your specific circumstances and location.

The Most Stolen Cars in the U.S. Is yours on the list?

Does Auto Insurance cover Car Theft?

Car theft may be covered under comprehensive coverage, which is sometimes called other-than-collision coverage. If coverage applies, then you would be responsible for paying the deductible. If you need clarification on whether your auto insurance policy covers theft, contact Raymond Nelson Insurance.

Don’t Become a House Fire Statistic!

Local US fire departments respond to over 1.3 million fires every year and cause over $16 Billion in damages. Everyone should be aware of several common house fire hazards and take precautions to prevent them.

Electrical Issues:

Overloaded electrical outlets or power strips.
Frayed or damaged electrical cords and wires.
Faulty wiring or outdated electrical systems.

Cooking:

Unattended cooking appliances.
Grease buildup on cooking surfaces or in the oven.
Flammable items left too close to heating sources.

Heating:

Portable heaters placed too close to flammable materials.
Malfunctioning or poorly maintained furnaces, boilers, or space heaters.
Blocked or dirty chimneys and vents.

Candles:

Leaving candles unattended.
Placing candles near flammable materials.
People may fall asleep using candles in bedrooms or other areas.

Faulty smoke alarms:

Failing to install or maintain smoke detectors.
Not testing smoke alarms regularly.
Check HERE for how often to check your smoke alarms.

Lint in dryer vents:

Failure to clean dryer vents regularly can lead to lint buildup and potential house fires.
Click HERE for data on home fires caused by clothes dryers and washing machines.

Keep Children and Pets Safe:

Children playing with matches or lighters.
Pets knocking over candles or other heat sources.

Practice fire safety measures, such as smoke detectors, having fire extinguishers on hand, practicing a fire escape plan, and being vigilant about potential fire hazards.

Check with your insurance company to ensure you have enough fire coverage for your home. Hopefully you will never experience a house fire, but Raymond Nelson Insurance wants you to be prepared for any potential hazards.

At Raymond Nelson Insurance, we go the extra mile to find 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. Call us today at (270) 885-1800 or contact us online for more information.

Does a Speeding Ticket Affect Your Car Insurance?

Auto insurance rates are predicated on the fact that someone is going to file a claim because of an accident. Rates are adjusted to your driving record and a speeding ticket can have an impact on your rates since speeding would be more likely to cause an accident.

Insurance agencies will check your motor vehicle record (MVR) which would include any driving infractions including speeding and adjust your rates accordingly.

If you’ve gotten a speeding ticket recently, you’ll likely pay more for car insurance.

How much you’ll pay can vary based on your driving history, location, and other factors.
Compared rates across the country for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver ticketed for going 16 mph over the speed limit, your car insurance typically goes up about 25% after the speeding ticket.
On average, a driver convicted of speeding will pay $2,043 a year – $413 more than a driver with a clean record.

Minimum vs. full coverage after a speeding ticket

If your insurance goes up after getting a ticket, you might consider going with minimum coverage rather than full coverage.

Average rate for full coverage is $2,043
Average rate for minimum coverage is $710.

BUT think carefully about this option since minimum coverage won’t have comprehensive and collision coverage.

How long does a ticket affect your insurance?

Your MVR might keep a permanent record of your ticket.
Many insurance companies only look back three to five years for minor violations, including speeding tickets.

At Raymond Nelson Insurance, we go the extra mile to find the coverage that best fits our clients. We always take the time to get to know each client and serve their best interests. Call us today at (270) 885-1800 or contact us online for more information.

How to Protect Yourself from Car Theft

With car theft on the rise, it’s important to protect your car and valuables. Raymond Nelson Insurance has some tips on preventing your car or car parts from being stolen.

Car theft and car parts theft is on the rise.

According to Claims Journal, car theft is on the rise.
- This is partially due to the rising costs of automobiles plus the fact that so many parts, such as the catalytic converters, are in demand.

Here are some tips to keep your car and belongings safe:

- Lock your vehicle. This may seem obvious, but many people forget to lock their car doors. Always lock all doors and windows before leaving your car, even if you’ll only be gone for a few minutes.

- Park in a safe area. When choosing a parking spot, find a well-lit area with plenty of foot traffic. If you must park on the street, avoid parking next to alleys or other secluded areas.

- Don’t leave valuables in your car. If you must leave something valuable, ensure it’s out of sight. Don’t leave items like laptops, phones, or purses on the seat or dashboard where they can be easily seen.

- Install an anti-theft device. Many anti-theft devices are on the market, from steering wheel locks to GPS tracking systems. Consider installing one to deter thieves.

Following these simple tips can help protect your car and belongings from theft. Remember, prevention is the best defense against theft. Stay safe out there!

Staying Safe During Spring Severe Weather

Spring weather in Hopkinsville can be unpredictable. Raymond Nelson Insurance wants to prepare you for sudden weather changes with these severe weather tips:

Getting your home ready

Ensure your gutters and downspouts are cleaned. Heavy rains should flow freely off your roof and drain well away from your home.
Prune tree limbs and branches.
- In high winds, these branches can snap off and damage your home or power lines.
- Tree Trimming Tips
Secure patio furniture and other yard items that could become projectiles in heavy winds.
- Outdoor trampolines can be blown several yards away and cause damage to property and people.
Keep blinds and curtains closed to help protect against broken glass.
Protect your vehicle from hail damage by tying down heavy blankets over it.

Emergency kits:

A basic kit should include the following:
- Flashlight with fresh batteries
- Battery powered weather radio
- First aid kit*
- Sanitizing wipes
- At least a 3-day supply of canned or dried food and water.
- *The Federal Emergency Management Agency has a list of emergency supplies.

Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance typically covers wind damage and damage from hail and wind-driven rain that gets inside your home.
Make sure you’re covered before these spring storms hit.
Speak with your Raymond Nelson Insurance agent to ensure you have the proper coverage for all your insurance needs.

At Raymond Nelson Insurance, we go the extra mile to find the coverage that best protects what matters most, the business you’ve built and the people you love.

Our agents have over 100 years of combined experience helping people protect their businesses, homes and families. We provide all lines of coverage and pledge to use our expertise to find you insurance that is both affordable and gives you the complete coverage you need. Our top priority is compassionate, personalized service.

We always take the time to get to know each client and serve their best interests. Call us today at (270) 885-1800 or contact us online for more information.

Life Insurance Through Your Employer…Is It Enough?

Having life insurance is a wise decision and having it through your employer is a great benefit, but are you getting enough coverage for your family? Raymond Nelson Insurance has some answers.

Is it enough?

Research shows that one of every three families would be in financial hardship in less than a month if they lost a primary wage earner.
That amount increases to 70% within six months.
You need enough life insurance to replace your paycheck for as long as needed.
- For example – until your children leave home or your mortgage is paid off.
- To see how much insurance you’ll need, use this calculator.

What if you lose your job?

Group life insurance is an employee benefit that ends when your employment ends.
If going to a new job, you might not be able to get group insurance right away, or maybe not at all if it’s not offered.

No extra benefits

Group coverage may be affordable but it’s also pretty basic.
Unlike group insurance, getting your own life insurance can get you more benefits like:
- Life insurance that lasts a lifetime.
- The ability to get part of the death benefit early in cases such as terminal illness diagnosis.
- And another feature can extend coverage to other members of your family.
- Find out about Term Life vs Whole Life insurance HERE.

For these reasons, you might want to consider your employee group benefit as a supplement to your own individual policy.You can tailor your insurance policy to suit your life and customize it to meet your needs.

Speak with your Raymond Nelson Insurance agent to ensure you have the proper coverage for all your insurance needs.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Burst Pipes?

One of the hazards of winter weather is frozen pipes that burst and cause damage to your home. Are you covered by your homeowners policy?

Coverage with exceptions

Most homeowners insurance will cover pipes that burst because of sudden and accidental damage.
But, the exception would be if the damage occurred because of homeowner negligence.
If there was negligence (if the burst pipe happened because the pipes were old or there was a lack of maintenance), then coverage would be denied.

What’s covered?

Generally, coverage would include the following:
- Accidental discharge or overflow from plumbing, air conditioning, or automatic sprinkler system.
- However, it can also cover frozen pipes if proper precautions* are taken to prevent them from freezing.
Though some insurance might cover the damage caused by the water, they may not protect the actual pipes or that burst.
Here’s what to do if a pipe bursts.

*Proper precautions

The homeowner must take all measures, such as insulating the pipes or turning the water supply off during winter.
The homeowner must prove that every precaution was taken to prevent pipes from freezing.
How to prevent pipes from freezing.

Three types of coverage

Personal Property Coverage
- This will cover the damaged property from burst pipes, such as property in the basement.
- The coverage amount would depend on the policy.
Dwelling coverage
- This would cover any part of the home that has sustained damage.
- This coverage would cover the repair or replacement of damages to property.
Use coverage
- This covers expenses incurred above normal living expenses, such as staying in a hotel while repairs are being done.

Speak with your Raymond Nelson Insurance agent to ensure you have the proper coverage for all your insurance needs.