Everyone has seen a few online videos of someone slipping and falling in a random store (overturning a shelf in the process). We might laugh at the video, but we are forgetting to realize that after the camera stopped rolling, the victim might have sustained a severe injury. The ramifications of these accidents might represent a true threat to any business.

If a customer were to fall in your store, then they could choose to sue the business owner over the accident. This could cause your business significant financial challenges, regardless of whether the fall was an accident. That is why you need general liability insurance to help you respond to such issues.

What Are Common Fall Risks in My Business?
You cannot constantly blame a person’s fall just on them being clumsy. Usually, something (I.e., a hazard) must create a scenario for the fall to occur in the first place. That is why when someone falls in your business, it might be due to several existing problems, such as:

• Wet floors, leaks, and other spills
• Uneven or damaged flooring or steps
• Insecure or damaged furniture
• Falling objects
• Obstructions in walkways

And more.

When you fail to mitigate these risks, they could threaten anyone who enters your premises. Potential victims might range from customers and clients, to vendors, employees, and yourself. It is your customers who you must actively work to protect with the highest level of conscientiousness.

Negative Impacts of Fall Injuries
Every business owner doubtless is aware that they must take responsibility for negative occurrences in their space. As a result, if someone were to get hurt in your business, such as by slipping and falling in a puddle, then the affected party might place the blame on the business.

Slip and fall accidents might result in painful, incapacitating injuries. Plus, they could also cause the victim to face lost income, significant medical bills, and other financial strains. As a result, they might demand that your business compensate them.

Covering Slip and Fall Damage
If someone were to slip and fall in your business, then you will need to help the injured party. Still, you should not put yourself in a strained financial situation by trying to meet this obligation. At this point, general liability insurance can come in handy. A general liability policy could help businesses compensate others if they made mistakes that harmed these third parties. Therefore, the business will not have to pay critical internal funds just to meet its obligations to others.

Take the time to invest in a well-funded business insurance general liability policy. It might prove instrumental in protecting both your business and injured parties. Talk one of our agents today about how to tailor this value more expressly to your needs.

Safe drivers are cognizant of the risks of the road, aware of their surroundings, and committed to paying attention to the changing situations around them. Still, many people get behind the wheel when they are too tired to be truly committed to their driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates nearly 700 drivers were killed in accidents related to drowsy driving in 2019.

Driving when tired can be just as dangerous as driving drunk. As a result, you’re likely to be labeled a high-risk driver, which could signal a lot of red flags to your auto insurer. Because of this added challenge, you are likely to see your auto insurance rates rise. Therefore, you are doing yourself a financial favor by avoiding getting behind the wheel when you are tired.

What are a few of the ways that you will be able to tell if you are too tired to drive?

#1: Notice Your Physical Signs of Drowsiness

Your body is your roadmap for life; it tells you when you are tired and need to rest. At minimum, you are tired if you are yawning often, or dozing off in the middle of a given task. In other words, if you were alone for just a minute, then you would fall asleep. Therefore, if you need to sleep, then you shouldn’t try to go for a drive, instead. You could doze off behind the wheel—one of the worst possible times for you to do so.

#2: You Cannot Remember Driving

Perhaps you have been driving for quite a while. However, you don’t remember the last few miles you traveled, or maybe you can’t remember whether the last stoplight you went through was red or green. If you are having trouble remembering where you just went, then you are driving distracted, and this might be a clear sign that you are too tired.

#3: Your Lifestyle Makes You Prone to Tiredness

Even if you feel fine at the start of a drive, that doesn’t mean you won’t get tired the longer a drive goes on. After all, numerous lifestyle factors might drive you to become more tired during long drives. Some of these risk factors include:

• You did not get seven (or more) hours or sleep in the last night or two.
• You were drinking alcohol within the last four to five hours.
• You are driving a long distance. If so, be sure you take a break at least every 100 miles.

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You do not want to file car insurance claims for accidents caused by being drowsy. In the end, an at-fault accident claim might drive your rates up significantly. If you had a hard day or did not get any sleep, it is important not to get behind the wheel until you have rested up.
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Do you own a boat? If you live in Texas or near Lake Livingston, you might! Ever wonder what you should ask your agent or broker about insuring it? Brad Seeley, senior marine product manager for Foremost Insurance Company, has some suggestions:

1. Do I need insurance for my boat?
"Some people may think that their boat is adequately covered through an endorsement on their homeowner's policy," explains Seeley. "Worse yet, they don't carry any coverage at all. Boat owners should look for a specialized insurance policy that offers the coverages that fit their boat and lifestyle. It's better to be prepared and have it insured for peace of mind while on the water."

2. Will my personal property be covered?
"Buying life vests, water skis and fishing gear can really add up," says Seeley. "A good policy will not only provide coverage for all of this equipment, but also for other personal property on board."

3. What discounts are available?
"There's a variety of discounts a customer could qualify for, like a multi-policy discount if they insure more than just a boat with the same company, or a multi-unit discount if they insure more than one boat," states Seeley. "Discounts will help a customer save money on the policy's premium."

4. Is Towing and Assistance available?
"A day of fun in the sun could easily be ruined if the boat breaks down while on the water," adds Seeley. "This is a great coverage to add to a policy and covers either the cost of certain emergency fixes at the point where the boat broke down, or the cost of towing the boat to nearest repair shop. Towing and assistance should also apply to the trailer if it breaks down while towing the boat."

5. Is the type of boat I have eligible for insurance coverage?
"There are many different kinds of boats — pontoons, open bow, fishing boats, cabin cruisers—and even more things to consider like speed, length, value and use of the vessels. " explains Seeley. "That's why it's important to make sure your agent knows all these things up front, even how you will use your boat. Your agent can help you get the coverages that are just the right fit."

Your safety is number one to us. Stay safe this summer on the shore and on your boat. Contact First Community Financial Group today to get a free quote for you boat, motorcycle, ATV and more!

Increasing healthcare costs have most people concerned about keeping expenses low, even leading some to pass up health insurance because they think they cannot afford it. Under the Affordable Care Act, everyone must purchase healthcare coverage or risk possibly paying a fine to the government. Truth is, even if you have to pinch pennies for a while, you can’t afford to skip health insurance. There’s always a chance you may slip at the pool and break a bone or your child may get burnt while roasting marshmallows at a backyard BBQ. 

Even though you need health insurance, there are still ways you can cut back on expenses. Here are some tips to help you save money on your healthcare costs.

Ask for the generic prescription: It’s often just as good as the name brand one, but without the colorful branding and catchy ad jingle. For medications you take regularly, the savings can end up being significant over the course of a year.

Inquire about a cash discount: When you haven’t met your deductible and have to pay out-of-pocket, ask your doctor for a discount for paying in cash. Start the negotiations by offering to pay 50 percent of your bill; you’ll be surprised at how well this can work in some cases. 

Give up unhealthy habits: People who smoke, drink or live a sedentary lifestyle usually have more illnesses and long-term diseases. By changing your lifestyle, you’re less likely to make frequent trips to the doctor.

Beef up your Health Savings Account:?Putting money in a Health Savings Account offers you a triple tax break. Contributions lower your taxable income, they grow tax-deferred and can be used tax-free for medical expenses. Find out if you’re eligible for a Health Savings Account, and if so, open one and start contributing each year.

Get regular checkups: Catching diseases or health problems early on is a key factor in treatment and regaining your good health. No matter how busy you are or how much you dislike the doctor’s office, stay current on your checkups.

Lose weight:? With more than a third of Americans obese, many people could stand to lose a few pounds. Even shedding as little as 10 percent of your body weight helps you stay healthier and cut your risk for many diseases. 

Need healthcare coverage? Want more tips on saving in regards to healthcare? Your independent insurance agent is here to help!

We’ll help you find the right coverage. Call First Community Financial Group today to get started on the right health care policy for you.
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Home break-ins are all too common, especially during the daytime on weekdays when most people are away at their jobs. Home break-ins are also most frequent during the warm months of the year. However, many break-ins are preventable by increasing your home security. Use these tips to protect your property.

Install a Home Alarm System
There are home alarm systems that use a variety of sensor technology, such as motion detectors, contact sensors and glass-breakage detectors. Most alarm systems also notify either the local police or a monitoring center through a land line. After installation, it’s important to advertise the fact that your home is protected by an alarm so that thieves are deterred. Use the stickers provided and place them in obvious spots where a break-in is likely to occur.

Secure Sliding Patio Doors
The latching mechanisms on sliding doors are easily forced open. Place a bar or a broom stick handle into the track on the door bottom. It should be sized so that the door doesn’t move, yet the stick is easily removed from the inside.
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Keep Ladders and Tools Inside
Don’t leave tools and ladders lying around in the yard. These can facilitate a burglar’s entry into your home. Burglars are opportunistic by nature and will take advantage of anything that makes their work easier.

Check Your Door Knob Locks
A common problem with door knob locks is that sometimes the latch barely extends into the strike plate. This could be the result of a sloppy installation or of repeated temperature and humidity cycles that cause the dimensions of the surrounding wood to change. When the latch barely extends into the strike plate, the door is easily popped open with a good shove. Test all of your doors. Exterior doors should be further reinforced with a deadbolt lock.

Install Motion Activated Lights
Motion activated lights that illuminate the exterior of your garage door and other exterior doors will help deter the thief who tries to break in at night. These lights should either remain on or should be timed to turn off after several hours.

Install a Timer
Use a timer that automatically turns on internal and external lights when you’re away on a trip or vacation. Set the timing so that it mimics your normal routine.

Back Up Your Window Latches
Windows often use latches rather than locks. Depending on your particular window type, simple and inexpensive secondary locks are available in various hardware stores. These are easily installed within an hour or so.

Use the above tips to beef up your home’s security so that your loved ones and property are protected. Also make sure that your homeowners insurance provides enough coverage by giving your insurance agent a call.
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Are you covered? Contact First Community Financial Group  today for more information on home insurance.

Money can be a bit tight, especially with inflation out of control. But even in these situations, it’s important that you pay your auto insurance premium. There are severe consequences of driving without auto insurance.

It’s Illegal
When you own a vehicle, maintaining at least the minimum auto insurance is a requirement. Liability insurance is necessary to cover any damage you cause if you are in a car wreck.

Additionally, if you are driving without minimum coverage, you may get a ticket if an officer of the law stops you. As a consequence of getting pulled over, you’ll might have to pay court costs, a lawyer, your auto insurance premium, and a fee for letting your coverage lapse. In the end, a lapse in your insurance could make your financial situation worse.

Your Finance Company Requires Auto Insurance
Many people finance their vehicle purchase, instead of paying cash for their car. These agreements often requires you to maintain full coverage continually. Full coverage includes liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Full coverage protects both you and your finance company. If you are in a wreck, full coverage will help you get your car repaired or replaced, which protects your finance company’s interests too.

You Could Get into a Wreck
Statistically, there are more distracted drivers on the road than ever before. People are driving and responding to text messages, having phone conversations, or changing the radio station. All of these behaviors prevent them from committing their undivided attention to the highway. At any moment, a distracted driver can crash into you. Or, if you are the distracted driver, you can crash into someone else. If this happens while you don’t have auto insurance, then you are in for a big surprise; your insurance won’t pay for repairs.

If you hit someone else during a lapse in coverage, your insurance company won’t cover the damage. You will be responsible for paying to repair their vehicle. The costs of doing so can easily cost thousands of dollars, which could bankrupt the average driver.

Additionally, if you are the victim, getting into a wreck without insurance is still an inconvenience. After an accident, a settlement can take weeks or months, leaving your vehicle disabled the entire time.

The takeaway is, never drive without car insurance. Call us today for a free car insurance quote.

What is the point of Labor Day? I simultaneously posed this question to both Google and anyone within earshot at the office yesterday and got back numerous responses; ranging from "the last day of summer," to "a celebration of the American worker" and "a day to spend time with family before school starts again." While the internet delivered an in-depth history of American labor unions, the office conversation drifted into family traditions of barbeques, sporting events, camping, beach days and more. And while no one could agree on the best way to spend the unofficial end of summer, everyone brought up the same final point—"isn't it the last day you're supposed to wear white pants?"

And that's true. Traditionally, Labor Day is the last day it is considered fashionable to wear white pants and seersucker suits. While seersucker is a more forgiving material, white, regardless of the fabric, is not. So with that in mind, I present to you a list of ways to safely celebrate this Labor Day weekend and preserve your cherished white trousers so they may rise again next Memorial Day.

Grilling Safety
When most people hear the words "white pants" the first thing that comes to mind is stains, and on Labor Day that means barbeque sauce. Many people may think that putting on an apron and keeping a reasonable distance while their brother-in-law enthusiastically bastes his chicken wings is enough, but here are a few other points to keep in mind:

• Properly clean the grill of grease and keep a fire extinguisher nearby. A simple stain offers some hope of redemption, but a burnt pair of slacks is never coming back.
• Keep cold food cold, hot food hot and check the temperature of all cooked meat. Scrubbing a dab of sauce out is one thing, but getting someone sick and having to scrub out something else, is, well, something else entirely. You can find proper food temperatures and other food handling tips on the USDA's website.
• Check your equipment. If you're using a gas grill, look over the lines and make sure the tank is properly connected. If charcoal is your thing--go easy on the lighter fluid. Again, burns are permanent.

Road Trip Safety
Keeping your britches fresh on the road can be tricky, but with these few tips your weekend should be clean and clear.

• Get your vehicle tuned-up before you leave. Let's face it, if you have to change a tire or get under the hood of your car, your newly pressed seersucker slacks are not going to live to survive the next season.
• Plan for the unexpected. Keep an emergency box in the trunk filled with water, blankets, jumper cables, tools, flares, a first-aid kit and whatever you think may come in handy (such as a spot clean pen).
• Pack accordingly. Just like that second (or third) s'more put a strain on your belt, over-packing your car can make it difficult to maneuver your vehicle. Pack heavy things low and remember to secure anything stored in an open cargo area.

Driving Drunk is Never in Style
Regardless of whether or not you follow the "no white after Labor Day" rule or even know what seersucker is, impaired driving is never an option. The National Safety Council estimates that approximately 400 people die in traffic accidents each year over Labor Day weekend, and in 2010, 22% of all automobile accidents were attributed to intoxicated drivers.

• Don't drink and drive. You've planned everything else about your weekend; your dish to pass, the friends you're going with, even your outfit—plan a safe way home too. Whether it's a sober friend or a local taxi service, nothing goes better with a smart suit than a chauffeured ride home.
• Keep your focus on the road. You'll have plenty of time when you get there to show off your outfit or to pick at whatever it is that got spilled on your ivory chinos, in the car keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes forward.
• Drive defensively. Just like your friends will be more than willing to call you out if you try and sneak your favorite pair of summertime slacks to a late-September garden party, you should be on the lookout for the erratic behavior of other drivers. And don't hesitate to report a driver you suspect is drunk.

Finally, if you see someone about to drive drunk, take their keys and help them to get home safely. Because just as you want your lucky pair of white pants or fitted seersucker jacket to be there next spring, you're going to want your friends to be there even more.

From all of us at First Community Financial Group, have a fun and safe weekend!
Content provided by Foremost Ins.

A certificate of insurance matters a great deal in the business insurance industry. Sometimes referred to as proof of business insurance, this certificate is a snapshot of a company’s current insurance policies. Customers, vendors and landlords commonly request to see a business’ certificate of insurance.
This document helps such parties verify the business has the proper coverage. If an insurance claim arises, the customer will rest easy knowing the proper remedy may be available.
Certificate of Insurance HoldersEach certificate of insurance applies to a single holder. The holder is the business or entity requesting the certificate of insurance. A certificate of insurance is not applicable to other businesses. Each unique certificate of insurance solely applies to its individual holder.
A Certificate of Insurance is a Snapshot in TimeIt is important to stress that each certificate is a snapshot of current business insurance coverage. These documents are valid for a single day. A business can cancel its insurance coverage at any moment. It is also possible for a business to modify its insurance policy at any point in time. For these reasons the certificates often are only temporary.
Obtaining a Certificate of InsuranceBusinesses should periodically request a certificate of insurance. This document helps generate a rapport with prospective clients. It makes the business appear legitimate and trustworthy.
An insurance agent can usually generate a business’s certificate of insurance upon request. A nominal fee may apply, but many reports are free. Some prospective customers will specifically ask to see a business’s certificate of insurance. It is advisable to hang this important document in a highly visible area of the business.
A Certificate of Insurance is a Must-Have for Every Type of BusinessIf a company can’t prove it has business insurance, it may suffer competitive disadvantage. It does not matter if you own a sporting goods store, a hair salon, a construction company or another type of business. You should periodically update your certificate of insurance as a gesture of good faith.
This simple update may inspire customers to do business with your company. It may alleviates concerns regarding potential accidents and other incidents that might arise during the course of business. Obtain your certificate of insurance today. Display it prominently to prove you have business insurance. This important document just might help your company establish a slew of new profitable business relationships.
Need a certificate of insurance? Call us at First Community Financial Group  today for a policy quote.