Raymond Nelson Insurance Archives | Raymond Nelson Insurance

Kentucky Storm Season is Here: Beware of Storm-Chasing Contractors!

April and May bring the peak of severe weather to Kentucky, with high winds, hail, and heavy rains putting homes and businesses at risk. Unfortunately, this is also the time when storm-chasing contractors appear, promising quick and cheap repairs. While some contractors are reputable, many take advantage of storm victims—doing shoddy work or disappearing after taking your money.

How to Spot a Storm Chaser

Storm-chasing contractors move from town to town, targeting storm-damaged areas. Here’s how to recognize them:

Unsolicited Offers – They knock on your door, claiming to notice damage you weren’t aware of.
High-Pressure Sales Tactics – They push you to sign a contract immediately, often claiming it’s a “limited-time offer.”
Lack of Local Reputation – They may have an out-of-state license plate, a temporary phone number, or no local references.
Upfront Payment Demands – Reputable contractors don’t ask for full payment before work begins.
No Written Estimates or Contracts – They avoid providing paperwork, making it difficult to hold them accountable.

How to Protect Yourself

Verify Licensing & Insurance – Always check for a valid Kentucky contractor’s license and proof of insurance.
Read Reviews & Ask for References – Look up their business on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and read online reviews.
Get Multiple Quotes – Compare bids from at least three local contractors before making a decision.
Avoid Paying in Full Upfront – A reasonable down payment is standard, but never pay the full amount before work begins.
Check with Your Insurance Provider – Consult your insurance company before signing anything to ensure your claim is handled properly.

Trustworthy Storm Recovery Starts with Local Experts

When storms hit, you need a contractor you can trust. At Raymond Nelson Insurance, we help policyholders navigate the claims process and connect with reliable local professionals. If you need assistance after a storm, reach out to us first—we’re here to help!

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.

Maximize Your Insurance Tax Savings

Tax season is here, and while it might not be the most exciting time of year, it presents a valuable opportunity to assess how your insurance policies could help lower your tax bill. Many people don’t realize that certain insurance premiums and expenses may be tax-deductible or provide financial benefits. By understanding the tax implications of your coverage, you can make informed decisions that benefit your bottom line.

Health Insurance Deductions

If you’re self-employed, you may be able to deduct your health insurance premiums, including those for medical, dental, and long-term care coverage. Even if you’re not self-employed, out-of-pocket medical expenses that exceed a certain percentage of your adjusted gross income (AGI) may be deductible. Be sure to keep track of your medical insurance payments and expenses to see if you qualify.

Life Insurance and Estate Planning

While life insurance premiums are generally not tax-deductible, there are still tax advantages associated with these policies. For example, the death benefit paid to beneficiaries is typically tax-free. Additionally, some permanent life insurance policies build cash value that grows tax-deferred, providing a potential financial planning advantage.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care (LTC) insurance can be a smart investment in your future while offering tax benefits. Premiums for qualified LTC policies may be partially deductible, depending on your age and tax situation. These deductions are subject to IRS limits, so check the latest guidelines to determine how much you can claim.

Business Insurance Deductions

If you own a business, various insurance policies may be deductible as business expenses. These can include:

Business liability insurance
Workers’ compensation insurance
Property insurance
Malpractice insurance

By deducting these costs, you can reduce your taxable income and improve your business’s financial health.

Homeowners and Renters Insurance

While homeowners and renters insurance premiums are generally not tax-deductible, there are exceptions. If you use part of your home exclusively for business, you may be able to deduct a portion of your homeowners insurance as part of the home office deduction. Additionally, if you suffer a loss due to a federally declared disaster and insurance does not fully cover it, you may be able to claim a casualty loss deduction.

Maximizing Your Tax Benefits

To make the most of these potential tax advantages, keep detailed records of your insurance premiums and expenses throughout the year. Work with a tax professional to ensure you’re claiming all eligible deductions and making strategic decisions about your insurance coverage.

At Raymond Nelson Insurance, we’re here to help you navigate your insurance needs and find policies that offer the best financial protection and benefits. If you have questions about how your insurance coverage could impact your taxes, contact us today!

Why Winter is the Best Time to get Flood Insurance

When people think about flooding, they often picture spring rains or summer hurricanes. But did you know that winter is one of the most overlooked times for flood risks?

Melting snow, ice jams, and heavy seasonal storms can cause unexpected flooding, leaving homeowners unprepared. That’s why getting flood insurance during the winter months is a smart move—and Raymond Nelson Insurance is here to help you stay protected.

Winter Flood Risks:

Many homeowners assume that if they don’t live in a high-risk flood zone, they don’t need flood insurance. But according to FEMA, about 25% of all flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. Here’s how winter can put your home at risk:

Snowmelt Flooding – A heavy snowfall followed by a sudden warm spell can cause rapid snowmelt. This can overwhelm drainage systems and lead to flooding.
Ice Dams and Blockages – Ice formations on rivers and streams can create natural dams. This can cause water to back up and flood nearby areas.
Winter Storm Surges – Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to winter storms, which can bring strong winds and high tides. This can lead to flooding.
Frozen Ground Runoff – When the ground is frozen, it can’t absorb rain or melted snow. This increases the risk of surface flooding.

Don’t Wait to get Flood Insurance

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that flood insurance policies usually have a 30-day waiting period before they take effect. If you wait until spring rains start, it may be too late to get covered in time. By securing flood insurance in the winter, you ensure that your home is protected before the risk increases.

Now’s the Time to Review Your Health & Life Insurance, Too

While you’re taking steps to protect your home, don’t forget about your personal well-being. Winter is a great time to review your health and life insurance policies to make sure they meet your needs.

Health Insurance Check-Up – The colder months often bring flu, seasonal illnesses, and unexpected medical expenses. Winter is a great time to check for coverage gaps or better options.
Life Insurance Protection – Life is unpredictable, and ensuring your family’s financial security should always be a priority. Whether you need term life insurance for income protection or a whole life policy for long-term security, we can help. Reviewing your policy now can give you peace of mind for the future.

Whether it’s flood, health, or life insurance, being proactive is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your assets. We offer personalized guidance to help you find the best coverage for your needs—before the unexpected happens.

Contact us today to discuss your flood, health, and life insurance options and ensure a safer, more secure future.

At Raymond Nelson Insurance, we go the extra mile to find the coverage that best protects what matters most. 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.

Setting Insurance Goals for the New Year

The new year is an excellent time to review and refine your insurance plans to align with your current needs and future goals. Here are practical steps to help you set insurance goals for 2025:

Assess Your Current Coverage

Review Policies: Look at your health, auto, home, life, and other insurance policies.
Check Coverage Limits: Ensure your coverage aligns with your assets and liabilities.
Identify Gaps: Evaluate if there are areas where you’re underinsured, such as disability or long-term care insurance.

Update Beneficiary Information

Life Changes: Marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or other major events may require updates.
Correct Errors: Double-check the spelling of names and other personal details.
Consider Contingents: Ensure you’ve designated secondary (contingent) beneficiaries.

Plan for Milestones

Buying a Home: Consider homeowners or renters insurance upgrades.
New Family Members: Evaluate the need for increased life or health insurance coverage.
Retirement: Adjust coverage based on reduced income and new health needs.

Prepare for Emergencies

Review Riders: Look into optional add-ons like flood, earthquake, or umbrella insurance.
Create a Claims Plan: Know how to file a claim and have key documents easily accessible.
Build Reserves: Ensure you have savings to cover deductibles or uninsured incidents.

Understand Policy Details

Learn Terms: Familiarize yourself with deductibles, exclusions, and policy limits.
Read the Fine Print: Ensure you’re aware of renewal terms and rate increase clauses.

Tips for Goal Setting

Be Specific: Define clear goals, such as “increase life insurance coverage by 20%” or “review all policies by March.”
Set Deadlines: Assign a timeframe to complete each task.
Track Progress: Use a checklist or calendar reminders to stay on track.

Starting the new year with a solid plan for your insurance needs can bring peace of mind and financial security. Take proactive steps now to ensure you’re protected in the year ahead. For more information, contact your Raymond Nelson Insurance agent.

Homeowners Insurance and Halloween Mishaps

Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year, especially for children. With more people walking around your property, the chances of accidents—like someone tripping on a decoration or falling on your porch—can increase. Does your homeowners insurance cover a Halloween mishap?

Fortunately, if you’re a homeowner, your insurance policy may provide important protection during this spooky season. Here’s what you need to know:

Personal Liability Coverage

The personal liability coverage in your homeowners’ insurance policy is designed to protect you financially if someone gets injured on your property and holds you responsible. If a trick-or-treater trips over a pumpkin on your porch or slips on your walkway, they could suffer injuries that require medical attention. In this case, personal liability coverage would help pay for their medical expenses, and even legal fees if the family decides to sue you for negligence.

Medical Payments Coverage

In addition to liability coverage, homeowners insurance policies typically include medical payments coverage, which can help cover minor injuries for guests on your property. Unlike liability coverage, medical payments coverage is a no-fault benefit, meaning it can help pay for medical costs (such as a quick visit to the doctor or emergency room) regardless of who was at fault for the injury.

Preventing Accidents

While homeowners insurance can help protect you financially, it’s still best to avoid accidents altogether. Here are some safety tips to keep trick-or-treaters safe while they visit your home:
- Clear Walkways – Make sure your sidewalks, stairs, and driveways are free from obstructions like garden hoses, fallen branches, or debris.
- Secure Decorations – Ensure that any Halloween decorations you set up are securely fastened and not creating tripping hazards. Watch out for low-hanging or dangling items that could obstruct vision or cause falls.
- Light It Up – Keep your property well-lit so trick-or-treaters can see where they’re going.
- Keep Pets Indoors – Even the friendliest pets can become anxious with a constant stream of visitors. To prevent accidents or scares, keep pets away from the front door.

By ensuring your property is safe and knowing your policy’s details, you can enjoy the holiday knowing that both you and your Halloween visitors are protected.

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How Often Should You Review Your Insurance?

A good rule of thumb is to review your insurance at least once a year. Now is a great time to review insurance before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

Benefits of Regularly Reviewing Your Insurance:

Avoid Gaps in Coverage: Life is unpredictable, and failing to review your insurance regularly could leave you underinsured. For example, if you fail to update your life insurance after having children, your family might not be adequately protected.
Potential Savings: If your risk factors have decreased—such as quitting smoking or installing security systems—you might qualify for lower premiums.
Update Beneficiaries: Life changes such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child should always lead to an update of beneficiaries in your policies.

When is the Best Time to Review Your Insurance?

While annual reviews can occur at any point in the year, certain times might be more convenient or advantageous:

- Before the Holiday Season
  - You’re more likely to forget during the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
- Tax Season
  - As you gather your financial information for tax preparation, it’s a natural time to take stock of your overall financial health, including your insurance policies.
- During Major Life Changes
  - As mentioned earlier, any major life event, such as marriage, buying a home, or having a child, should prompt an immediate review of your policies.

Here’s a List of Life Events or Milestones that should Prompt Immediate Review:

Change in Employment

- - If you’ve changed jobs, lost your job, or started your own business, your insurance needs might shift. Employer-provided health or life insurance may no longer apply, so it’s essential to ensure you have the coverage you need.

Marriage or Divorce

- - These significant life changes affect all aspects of your finances, including your insurance. After getting married, you may want to combine policies or increase your coverage. After a divorce, updating beneficiaries and removing your ex-spouse from policies is essential.

Home Purchase or Rental

- - Whether you buy a new home or move into a rental, you’ll need to ensure your homeowners or renters insurance aligns with your new living situation.

Having a Child

- - Expanding your family means more responsibility. Reviewing your life and health insurance policies can ensure that your loved ones are protected should anything happen to you.

Major Purchases

- Acquiring high-value assets like a new car, jewelry, or electronics should prompt a review of your auto or home insurance to ensure they’re adequately covered.

Reviewing your insurance policies isn’t something you should only do once. Whether it’s an annual review or triggered by a major life change, regularly assessing your coverage ensures you’re protected and potentially saves you money. By aligning your insurance with your current life stage and needs, you guarantee peace of mind, knowing you’re prepared for whatever comes your way.

Insurance Coverage for College-Bound Children

Does my child need insurance in college? Here are some tips for ensuring your college-bound children have the right insurance coverage:

Health Insurance

Stay on Parent’s Plan:
- Under the Affordable Care Act, children can stay on their parent’s health insurance plan until they turn 26.
Student Health Plans:
- Many colleges offer student health insurance plans but check with your provider to see if they are of value.

Auto Insurance

Notify Your Insurer:
- Inform your auto insurance company that your child is moving to college. This can affect rates based on the new location and mileage usage.
Good Student Discounts:
- Many insurers offer discounts for students who maintain good grades.
Resident Student Discounts:
- Some companies offer discounts if the student is attending school more than 100 miles away and doesn’t have regular access to a car.

Renters Insurance

Coverage for Personal Belongings:
- Renters insurance can protect your child’s belongings in case of theft, fire, or other damages.
  - Check if your homeowner’s insurance covers your child’s dorm room or if separate renters insurance is needed.
Liability Coverage:
- Renters insurance also provides liability coverage, which can protect your child if someone is injured in their dorm or apartment.
Roommate Considerations:
- If your child has roommates, suggest they get their own renters insurance policy, as one policy typically does not cover multiple people.

Additional Tips

Identity Theft Protection:
- Consider adding identity theft protection to your insurance plan. College students can be particularly vulnerable to identity theft.
Umbrella Insurance:
- An umbrella policy can provide additional liability coverage beyond your auto and homeowners insurance limits, offering extra protection.
Review Policies Regularly:
- As your child progresses through college, review your insurance policies annually to ensure they continue to meet your needs and take advantage of any available discounts or adjustments.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that your college-bound child is well-protected, giving you peace of mind while they focus on their education.

How Does Having a Pool Affect Your Homeowner’s Insurance?

A pool can add value to your home, but it can also add some insurance complications. Here are several ways that can significantly affect your homeowner’s insurance.

Increased Liability Coverage

Higher Risk:
- Pools are considered an attractive nuisance, meaning they can attract children and increase the risk of accidents.
Higher Liability Limits:
- Insurers may require higher liability coverage.

Increased Premiums

Higher Costs:
- The increased risk associated with owning a pool generally leads to high premiums.
Maintenance and safety features:
- Pools with safety features like fences, covers, and alarms might mitigate premium increases.

Property Coverage

Increased property value:
- A pool can increase the home’s value, which might lead to higher property coverage limits.
Repair and replacement:
- Coverage for damage to the pool itself (due to natural disasters, vandalism, etc.) may be limited or require additional endorsements.

Safety Requirements

Inspections:
- Insurers might require safety inspections to ensure compliance with local regulations and safety standards.
Safety features:
- Requirements may include fencing, pool covers, and lockable gates to reduce the risk of accidents.

Tips for Keeping Your Pool Safe:

Erect a locking fence around your pool.
Mount lights by your pool to keep the area well-lit at night.
Install one or more security cameras that let you monitor activity around the pool.
Avoid installing diving boards, slides, and other accessories that people may injure themselves on.
Keep the pool deck clean, dry, and free of any glass that might break and get in the pool.
Make sure that anytime the pool is being used there’s an adult present who is trained to perform CPR.

Homeowners need to discuss their specific situation with their insurance provider to understand how a pool will impact their coverage and premiums.

The History of Our Agency

Do you know how Raymond Nelson Insurance Agency first got our start? Read about the history of our agency in our latest blog.

1971 – Door-to-Door Insurance

In 1971, Mr. Raymond Nelson was living in Hopkinsville, KY, selling life insurance door-to-door. His dedication and commitment to helping people protect their futures saw him build strong relationships within the community over the next decade.

However, after ten years of hard work in this demanding role, Raymond sought a more effective and impactful way to assist his clients. Raymond envisioned a brick and mortar business where personal relationships and reliability formed the foundation of every interaction, marking a significant shift from the traditional door-to-door sales approach he had known.

1981 – Brick & Mortar Building

This aspiration led to the founding of Raymond Nelson Insurance, Inc. in 1981. Driven by a passion for providing exceptional service, he established the agency with the core principle of always going above and beyond for clients. His dedication to this mission set a new standard in the insurance industry, while ensuring that Raymond Nelson Insurance would be a trusted partner for clients in their times of need.

Today – Licensed in 22 States

Initially focused on the trucking and transportation industry, we have since expanded both our regional footprint and our insurance offerings. From our beginnings in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, we now operate as a full-service agency licensed in over 22 states. We are proud to provide comprehensive coverage across the United States and Canada as well. Whether for personal or commercial insurance needs, we are always committed to securing the best protection for your business and loved ones.

Today we offer a comprehensive range of insurance solutions designed to meet the diverse needs of their clients. Our personal lines agents manage policies that cover home, auto, and other personal assets, ensuring individuals and families are well-protected. For businesses, our commercial agents provide tailored coverage options for various industries, safeguarding companies against potential risks. Our transportation agents offer policies that cater to the unique requirements of the logistics and transportation sectors.

Additionally, we are proud to continue our founder’s legacy by providing life insurance policies, helping clients secure their loved ones’ financial future.

Over 100 Years of Combined Experience

With over 100 years of combined experience, our agents specialize in safeguarding businesses, homes, and families too. We offer a wide range of coverage options, leveraging our expertise to provide insurance solutions that are both affordable and thorough.

Personalized, compassionate service is our hallmark. We prioritize our clients’ needs above all, taking the time to understand and serve their best interests. We ensure they receive the coverage they truly need.

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 as well. Call us today at (270) 885-1800 or contact us online for more information.

Does My Homeowners Insurance Cover My Yard?

Homeowners insurance typically covers the structure of your home, personal belongings, and liability, but is there insurance for your yard? Your policy may have limited coverage for landscaping. Basic policies usually cover landscaping only to a certain extent and it may be conditional to covered perils.

What does homeowners insurance cover?

Yard

Your yard may be covered depending on the type of damage that occurs. If the damage results from a peril such as fire, lightning, or theft, it will typically be covered.
Coverage may include damage caused by a vehicle that isn’t owned by a resident of the house.
- Keep in mind that coverage may only help with the removal, not the replacement of the damaged landscaping.

Fallen trees

If a tree falls on your property due to a storm or strong winds and damages an insured structure, the removal costs will likely be covered.
- However, if your tree falling was a result of the homeowner’s negligence or a maintenance-related issue, the removal costs likely won’t be covered.

Trees, Plants, and Shrubs

Trees, plants, and shrubs are typically covered by homeowners insurance. For other landscaping features, damages may be covered if they’re due to perils such as fire, explosions, lightning, theft, and vehicles.

If you have expensive landscaping or want more comprehensive coverage, then you may need to purchase additional coverage or a rider to your policy.

If you have any additional questions about insurance for your yard, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help ensure you have the information and protection you need throughout your remodeling journey.

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