Tag: RNI

Why Making Left Turns May Be Riskier Than You Think

At Raymond Nelson Insurance, we’re always looking for ways to help our clients stay safer on the road. That’s why we’re bringing attention to a surprising statistic: over 60% of intersection crashes involve a left turn. It’s a number that’s causing some traffic experts—and even major companies like UPS—to rethink how we navigate our roads.

So why are left turns so dangerous? And could avoiding them really make that much of a difference? Let’s take a closer look.

The Hidden Risks of a Left Turn

Left turns might seem like an ordinary part of driving, but they’re actually one of the riskiest maneuvers you can make—especially at busy intersections. Here’s why:

  • Multiple points of conflict: When turning left, you often have to cross oncoming traffic, watch for pedestrians, and navigate around cyclists. That’s a lot of potential hazards in one move.
  • Limited visibility: Oncoming vehicles, parked cars, or even other turning vehicles can obstruct your view, making it hard to judge distance or speed accurately.
  • Pressure to make a decision quickly: At intersections without a dedicated left turn arrow, drivers often feel pressured to “go for it” when they see a gap in traffic, which increases the risk of a collision.
What the Experts Say

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), left-turn crashes are far more likely to result in serious injury than right-turn crashes. That’s one reason traffic engineers in some cities are designing road systems that reduce or eliminate left turns altogether—including more roundabouts, dedicated U-turn lanes, and restricted intersection designs.

Why Some Companies Are Skipping Left Turns

One of the best-known examples of avoiding left turns comes from UPS. Their routing system is designed to minimize or eliminate left turns on delivery routes. The results?

  • Improved safety for their drivers and the public.
  • Significant time savings by avoiding delays waiting to turn.
  • Lower fuel consumption and emissions from reduced idling.
  • This is especially true for trucking companies.

If a global delivery company can save millions by avoiding left turns, imagine the impact it could have on your daily commute.

 

Safety Is Always Worth It

At Raymond Nelson Insurance, your safety is our priority. Whether it’s helping you choose the right auto coverage or sharing tips to avoid common risks, we’re here to help you drive smarter and safer.

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.

Are You Protected Against Common Thanksgiving Accidents?

Thanksgiving brings people together, but it can also bring some unexpected mishaps! Fortunately, many insurance policies cover common Thanksgiving accidents. Here’s a rundown of what types of incidents might be covered:
Kitchen Fires and Cooking Accidents
  • Homeowners Insurance: If a kitchen fire or cooking accident damages your home, your homeowner’s policy typically covers fire damage, smoke damage, and repairs. This includes damage to the structure of your home and often extends to damaged appliances or countertops.
  • Personal Property Coverage: If a fire damages items in the kitchen (e.g., furniture, electronics nearby), these can also be covered under your personal property protection.
Injury to Guests
  • Liability Coverage (Homeowners Insurance): If a guest is injured in your home (e.g., they slip on a spill or hurt themselves while helping in the kitchen), your homeowner’s liability coverage can help with their medical expenses and protect you from potential lawsuits.
  • Medical Payments to Others: homeowners policies also have a “medical payments to others” section, which may cover smaller medical expenses regardless of fault.
Car Accidents
  • Auto Insurance (Comprehensive and Collision): Thanksgiving often means more traffic, road trips, and the potential for accidents. Collision coverage can help with repairs if you’re in a car accident. Comprehensive coverage can cover damages caused by animals (like deer, which are more active in late fall) or other non-collision events.
  • Liability Coverage: What happens if you’re found at fault for an accident? Your liability insurance will cover damages to others, including their vehicle and medical expenses.
Food Poisoning
  • Homeowners Liability Insurance: What happens if you serve food that accidentally causes food poisoning or an allergic reaction? Liability coverage may cover the medical expenses for affected guests, depending on the circumstances.

Thanksgiving accidents can be a hassle, but the right coverage helps protect against major financial setbacks.

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.

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.

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 Covered for Water Backup Damage?

Spring storms can cause unexpected water damage to your home. Here’s why you should consider adding water backup coverage to your homeowners policy.

Most homeowners don’t think about water backup coverage when getting home insurance, but water backup can cause extensive damage to your home. 

Why you need it:
  • It’s not included in a standard homeowners insurance policy.
    • If you don’t have water backup coverage for your home, condo, or even your renters insurance policy, then you could be stuck paying for cleanup or damages caused by a sump pump or similar equipment that is not considered a plumbing system.

 

  • Everyone has the potential to need this type of coverage.
    • Even if you have flood insurance, it’s a different policy.

 

  • It can cover you for loss of use if your home is uninhabitable.
    • In most cases of a sump pump failure, you may have to leave the residence while clean happens.
    • Or if your furnace is damaged due to water backup and it’s 30º outside and you can’t heat your home.
    • Loss of use coverage covers living expenses above and beyond a person’s normal living expenses.
    • It can cover your hotel room while your claim adjuster approves your claim.
How to prevent water backup:
    • Don’t pour oil or grease down your drains.

 

    • Watch what you flush down your toilets (no paper towels or feminine products).

 

    • Consider using plastic pipes to prevent tree roots from entering them.

 

    • Check your sump pump regularly.

 

    • Install a backwater prevention valve to prevent sewer backups.

 

    • Buy a battery backup to keep your sump pump running when the power goes out.

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.

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.

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.