Category: News

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.