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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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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.

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.

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.

Protect Your Property From Frozen Pipes

During these winter months, we want to bring to your attention the increased risk of frozen pipes in residential properties. Frozen pipes can lead to significant damage and result in costly repairs, which may only be covered if preventive measures are taken.

To ensure the safety of your property and the preservation of your coverage, we recommend the following precautions:

Insulation:

Adequately insulate exposed pipes, especially those in unheated areas such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
To learn more about insulation, click here.

Seal Gaps:

Identify and seal any gaps or cracks in walls, floors, and around windows and doors to prevent cold air from entering.

Heating:

Maintain a consistent temperature in your home, especially during extreme cold spells. Set your thermostat to at least 55°F (12°C) when you are away.
Think about a programmable thermostat.

Drip Faucets:

Allow faucets to drip slightly to relieve pressure in the pipes and prevent freezing.

Open Cabinet Doors:

Keep cabinet doors under sinks open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.

Leave Interior Doors Open:

Allow warm air to flow freely throughout your home by keeping interior doors open.

Exterior Faucets:

Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and shut off exterior faucets if possible.

Taking these precautions can significantly reduce the risk of frozen pipes and potential water damage to your property. Please remember that your insurance policy may not cover damages resulting from neglecting these preventive measures.

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