In today’s fast-paced world, it’s too easy to let distractions invade our time behind the wheel. Distracted driving is a growing concern that poses a significant risk not only to the driver but also to passengers and others on the road. As technology becomes more embedded in our daily lives, understanding the dangers and consequences of distracted driving is more important than ever.

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts attention from driving. This includes using your phone to text or call, eating and drinking, adjusting the radio, or even having a conversation with passengers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 390,000 injuries occur each year due to accidents involving texting while driving.

Why It Matters

The consequences of distracted driving can be severe. In 2021 alone, nearly 3,500 lives were lost due to accidents caused by distractions. A moment of inattention can lead to devastating outcomes, affecting not just the distracted driver but also innocent people on the road.

Tips to Stay Focused

1. **Put Your Phone Away: ** If possible, silence your phone and store it out of reach. Use apps that block notifications while driving to minimize temptation.

2. **Plan Ahead: ** Before getting on the road, set your GPS, adjust your music, and ensure everything you need for your trip is within reach.

3. **Limit Passenger Distractions: ** Encourage passengers to keep conversations light and avoid engaging in activities that could distract you while driving.

4. **Stay Calm: ** If you 're feeling stressed or anxious, take a moment to breathe and focus on the road. Pull over safely if you need to regroup.

5. **Educate Others: ** Share knowledge about the dangers of distracted driving with friends and family. Raising awareness can help create a culture of safer driving practices.

Distracted driving is a preventable hazard that demands our attention. By staying focused behind the wheel, we can protect ourselves and others on the road. Let’s commit to safer driving habits and help reduce the alarming statistics around distracted driving. Remember, when you operate a motor vehicle, nothing should divert your attention from the road ahead. Safe travels!

As the vibrant colors of spring begin to blossom, it’s the perfect season for renewal and fresh starts. Beyond revitalizing our gardens and cleaning out our homes, spring offers an ideal opportunity to reassess one of the most essential aspects of our lives: our insurance needs. Just as we embrace growth and change in our surroundings, we should also take time to evaluate our coverage to ensure it aligns with our current circumstances. 

Why Assess Your Insurance Needs?

Life is full of transitions—new jobs, marriages, births, or even the purchase of a home. These changes can significantly impact your financial landscape and, consequently, your insurance requirements. Failing to periodically review your policies might leave you underinsured, overpaying, or worse, without adequate protection. Spring gives us a chance to reflect and make necessary adjustments to safeguard our future.

Key Areas to Consider

1. **Life Events:** Major life changes should prompt a thorough review of your insurance. For instance, if you recently welcomed a child, you may need to increase your life insurance or consider a new health plan to include your growing family. Similarly, marriage or divorce may lead to adjustments in both life and property insurance.

2. **Asset Changes:** Have you recently bought or sold valuable assets like a car or home? It’s crucial to update your insurance policies to reflect these changes. Additionally, consider whether you need additional coverage for new assets, such as jewelry or electronic devices.

3. **Health Changes:** As we age or experience health changes, our insurance needs may evolve. Review your health insurance plan to ensure it covers all necessary medical services. If you’ve developed a chronic condition, for example, you may need a plan with wider network coverage or better prescription benefits.

4. **Coverage Gaps:** Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home; it’s also time to clean up any gaps in your insurance coverage. Assess whether your current policies adequately protect you from risks like natural disasters, liability claims, or other unforeseen events. 

5. **Changing Financial Priorities:** Your financial goals may shift over time. If you are saving for retirement, the policies you had in place as a newlywed might not align with your current financial plans. Reevaluate life insurance and investment policies to ensure they still fit your financial strategy.

Steps to Reassess Your Insurance Needs

1. **Conduct a Policy Review:** Gather all your current insurance policies—home, auto, health, life, and any others. Take note of the coverage limits, deductibles, and premiums.

2. **Identify Changes:** Reflect on the life events and changes that have occurred since your last review. Make a list of any new priorities, assets, or needs that should be addressed in your insurance.

3. **Consult an Agent:** Don’t hesitate to reach out to an insurance agent for guidance. They can help clarify complicated terms and suggest coverage options tailored to your current circumstances.

4. **Compare Policies:** Take this opportunity to shop around. Comparing insurance providers can reveal better coverage options at competitive rates. Online tools and resources make this process easier than ever.

5. **Update Your Coverage:** After evaluating your needs and considering new options, update your policies accordingly. Ensure that all changes are documented and confirm that you understand your new coverage.

As we enjoy the renewal that spring brings, let’s not forget to reassess the things that protect us. Embracing a fresh start with your insurance needs allows you to better safeguard your future and bring peace of mind. Whether it’s through enhancing your coverage or eliminating unnecessary costs, taking the time for this important reassessment can lead to greater financial security.

Spring into action and review your insurance needs today! By doing so, you'll not only protect what you have but also prepare for the exciting changes yet to come.

Towing a tiny house can be a daunting task. However, knowing what to expect in advance can make the process much easier. To help customers out, Foremost® a Farmers Insurance® company is providing information about tiny house towing. Of course, any guidance provided by one's trailer, hitch, and vehicle manufacturers should take priority.

Best vehicles for towing tiny houses.
Choice of tow vehicle is one of the most important things to get right when towing a tiny house. If the vehicle couldn't handle the load, the situation would be over before it started.

In most cases, it's best to use a truck. The chosen truck should be one that can handle the weight of the home. Typically, there is a sticker on the driver's side front door to find its towing capacity. If it's not there, a dealer or manufacturer can be contacted for assistance.

Using a truck that can handle the weight of the tiny house, is a good start. If one is not available, consider renting one, and it may be helpful to confirm whether there'd be coverage.

Hooking up a tiny house.
According to Tiny Home Builders, when towing a tiny house, it is recommended that the trailer to be level to the ground. It will take a bit of manual work to determine the desired hitch height. The front jack on the trailer can be used to get it level. One can measure the height from the coupler to the ground. Experts recommend that hitch height be higher than this measurement. Patience will be needed to find the right height. The weight of the load will cause the springs of the tow vehicle to compress, so it may need a few adjustments to remain level. Once the desired hitch height is determined, either a ball mount with the correct drop, or an adjustable ball mount can be used, by simply changing the height.

Checking the weight at the tongue of the trailer is a good idea. Tongue weight scales, which can cost $100 or more, are available for the task. The Tiny Life says that the ideal tongue weight is between 10-15% of the trailer's gross weight. If it's more or less than this, a weight distribution hitch may need to be used. Because most tiny homes are pretty heavy, it may be safer to use one.

Connecting a trailer generally requires one to put the coupler in place and use a lock pin to keep it from disengaging. Then, the chains can be crossed in an 'X' form and attached to both sides of the tube receiver. Typically, the left chain crosses over and attaches to the right side of the tube receiver, with the right chain crossing over and attaching to the left side. Next, the wiring harness on the trailer is attached to the tow vehicle. The towing truck should have a compatible plug. If it doesn't, an adapter may be available. For example, if the truck has a four-pin connecter and needs a seven-pin connecter, a seven-pin adapter may be able to be used.

Trailers with electric brakes should have a breakaway kit with instructions on how to attach the kit to the trailer.

Pre-tow checklist.
Before towing a tiny house, the tires on the truck and the trailer should be checked to be sure they're properly inflated, and all lug nuts are tight. Additionally, there should be no wear and tear, such as worn tread. If the tread is low, the tires may need replacement before towing. All external lights on the vehicle and trailer should be working as intended. The battery for any breakaway kit should be fully charged. Lastly, the gas tank should be filled before hitting the road and the spare tire available and properly inflated.

To prepare the tiny house for the journey, the windows and vents should be closed. All doors and countertops should be clear. The refrigerator should be latched, and utilities should be disconnected. Lastly, jacks should be up or removed, storage compartments should be secure, wheel chocks should be removed, and doors should be locked.

Towing the tiny house.
While towing a tiny house, the added length and height to the vehicle needs to be considered. Drivers need to pay close attention to any overpasses and be careful when turning or changing lanes. Drivers need to start breaking earlier than usual, since the added weight will make it harder for the vehicle and home to stop. When moving in reverse, it should be remembered that the trailer will move in the opposite direction that the wheel is turned. So, if one's wheel is turned to the right, the trailer would move to the left. Lastly, drivers should appreciate that stopping for gas may need to occur more frequently, as the added weight will cause the vehicle to consume gas faster.
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It may feel like an intimidating process, but with planning and prep, you can work towards a safe and smooth towing process. Safe travels and good luck with your move!
 
If you need insurance for your tiny house (or the trailer and/or vehicle you're towing it with), you can get quote from Foremost, a Farmers Insurance® company today!

Did you learn how to get better gas mileage in your driver's education classes? If it's been a few years since you earned your driver's license, you may not remember what they taught you or if they even covered the topic of getting better gas mileage. When headlines report "record high gas prices," nearly everyone wants to know how to improve fuel economy. If a commute to work or school is a requirement in your life and you want to stretch those precious gallons of gas each week, the tips we've gathered below may be helpful.

Let's start with the basics first. What is gas mileage or fuel economy? The National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) sets the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard for auto manufacturers, regulating how far vehicles must travel on a gallon of fuel. CAFE standards apply to passenger vehicles and light trucks (collectively, light-duty vehicles). Current standards are 28 miles per gallon.

In April 2022, new CAFE standards were announced that will require new 2024-2026 vehicles sold in the United States to average at least 40 miles per gallon.

The NHTSA along with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also regulate the fuel-economy window stickers on new vehicles that tell consumers how many miles per gallon the vehicle will get under general driving conditions.

Now that we've covered the basics, let's get to the ways you can improve gas mileage for your vehicle.

Drive the speed limit. Speeding can lower a vehicle's overall fuel efficiency. According to fueleconomy.gov, gas mileage usually decreases at speeds above 50 mph. Now, that doesn't mean drive below posted speed limits, which can be unsafe. Be aware that vehicles will likely consume more fuel at higher rates of speed.

Mind the brakes and accelerator. Habitual aggressive driving - putting the pedal to the metal and then braking quickly to slow down - can also contribute to lower fuel economy. Avoiding this type of driving can help improve average gas mileage between 15% and 30%.

Use the cruise control. This might be a no-brainer, but using a vehicle's cruise control function, on the highway when traffic allows, helps maintain a constant speed, helping drivers achieve the first two tips we covered and, in most cases, will improve fuel efficiency.

Mind the vehicle's cargo limitations. If you're driving a truck and wondering how to improve your truck's gas mileage this tip is especially important. Each vehicle's manual includes the load carrying capacity for the vehicle itself and for towing, if applicable. This includes carrying things on top of the vehicle in any type of roof-top carrier, including cargo boxes, bikes and kayaks. Check your manual to be sure anything you carry is within the stated limits and realize that when you are carrying or towing more people or gear than normal, your gas mileage may decrease. For fuel efficiency, it's a good practice to not haul extra weight if the items are not needed on a regular basis.

Maintain the vehicle's tires. Underinflated tires can decrease overall gas milage by about .2% for every 1 psi drop in the average tire pressure of all the tires. Checking tire pressure regularly and making sure they are inflated to the vehicle's indicated tire pressure can help. Your car's owner's manual should include this information if you are unsure.

Maintain the vehicle. If a car's engine is not running properly, there's a good chance that it is not using fuel efficiently. It's a good idea to pay attention to the dashboard indicator lights, get routine maintenance and oil changes at the indicated mileage intervals, and have the vehicle inspected by a licensed mechanic to address any issues.

Consider a newer car. As mentioned earlier in this article, auto manufacturers must adhere to CAFE standards for the vehicles they sell in the US. The average fuel efficiency has increased over the years, so it follows that on average a newer vehicle should get better mileage than an older vehicle manufactured when the CAFE standards were lower. Keep in mind though, that the type of vehicle you choose also factors into the overall gas mileage. A smaller compact car and a large SUV manufactured in the same year may adhere to that year's CAFE standard, but the smaller car will most likely get better gas mileage than the large SUV. Make sure you do your research when you purchase a new or new-to-you pre-owned car, so you understand the fuel efficiency of the vehicle you choose.

Go electric or hybrid. This may not be the tip you're looking for, but if you're in the market for a new vehicle anyway, choosing a vehicle that runs on a combination of gas and electric or solely on electric can also help you cut your overall gas consumption. If you go electric, you'll want to be conscious of the vehicle's electric battery consumption. Many of the same tips we've already covered here like following the speed limit and maintaining the vehicle and its tires can also help an electric vehicle's charge last longer.

If you end up changing vehicles in a quest to improve your gas mileage and have questions about insuring your car, speak with a Foremost® agent to shop for auto insurance coverage.

Content courtesy of foremost.com

​When it comes to protecting your home and belongings, understanding your insurance options is crucial. Two common types of coverage are replacement cost value (RCV) and actual cash value (ACV). 

To help clarify your options, we've prepared an overview of these coverages. Swipe through to learn more. 

Contact us today to discuss your coverage needs and find the best solution for your peace of mind.

​A fresh, new year always serves as an opportune time to review your auto insurance policy and ensure it’s up to date. 🚗 

With this in mind, we have put together an overview of how your policy can protect you against unpredictable winter driving conditions.

Have questions or want to review your coverage? Let us know!

Restoring a classic car can be a tall task. Whether your beloved classic car has withered over the years, or you've just bought a basket case as a passion project, there's a lot that goes into getting it back in pristine condition.
But the following tips can help your classic car restoration DIY project go smoothly and help make all the work worth it!

1. Exercise patience.Even if you have every piece laid out in front of you - with a set of detailed instructions - restoring a classic car can take a lot longer than you expect.
   There are countless things that can go wrong. And many times, they do.
   Sometimes you might find that it's difficult to source some parts you need.
   Other times, the parts can be delayed.
   Further, as you become more proficient throughout your classic car restoration project, you may start to notice some of your earlier efforts don't match your updated standards.
   If (or when) that happens, you may decide to redo a few things - which can be a whole day's worth of work, or longer.
   If you go into the project expecting unexpected delays, you might not get as frustrated when they inevitably happen. You may even embrace them!
2. Know your skillset.Classic car restoration requires a diverse skillset. And it's very rare for one person to be able to complete every job at the highest professional standards.
   If you're one of those people, great!
   If not, that's ok.
   Do as best as you can. And remember, there's nothing wrong with outsourcing a few tasks to experienced professionals.
   But if you're confident enough to literally do it all yourself, cut yourself some slack if some of your work is average.
3. Stay organized.Your classic car restoration can get hectic. If you aren't keeping track of everything, you can easily double the amount of time it takes to complete the job.
   When you strip the car down, consider labeling each part.
   Additionally, it may help to take pictures of everything so you can see how all the various components fit together, as well as how all the wires and pipes are run.
   For small parts, consider placing them in freezer bags (and labeling them).
   Labeling everything and taking pictures is well worth the time you'll spend doing it.
4. Have fun!If you're taking on a classic car restoration yourself, you're probably exceptionally passionate about your vehicle.
   But once you start experiencing the ups and downs that come with the process, you can easily get frustrated and stop enjoying the process.
   Remember that there's always someone out there that has solved the problem you're facing now.
   There are countless tools, quality parts, tutorials and even trainings to help you out.
   And once you finally get your classic car out on the road, your sense of fulfillment will likely far outweigh any frustrations you experienced during the restoration process.

Good luck with your classic car restoration!

content courtesy of Foremost Insurance.

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​College is expensive enough without finding out too late that an accident or theft isn’t covered under your current policies. So, as you get your children ready to head off to school in the fall, there’s one vital “to-do” to add to your list (other than writing that tuition check): a review of your insurance coverage.

It's important to keep in mind that policy language varies from state to state, and there are never "one-size-fits-all" situations, but below is a general guide. If you have questions, or want to go over your insurance needs, don’t hesitate to contact us!
 
HOMEOWNERS (may vary by state and individual policy)

• Coverage of personal property: Most homeowners policies provide 10 percent of Coverage C (Personal Property) for property owned by an insured that is at a residence other than the insured’s.  For example, if the contents of a policyholder’s home are insured for $100,000, a student’s property up to $10,000 would be covered if living in a dormitory – provided the damage is caused by a covered peril and the student meets the definition of an insured.
• For apartments or houses off-campus, the same coverage generally applies. Certain items, such as jewelry or expensive electronics, may require special coverage, or a “rider.” Renters insurance is strongly recommended if a particular policy does not cover a student’s personal property.
• Liability coverage: There usually is an exclusion for damage to property rented to an insured, so generally damage to a dorm room or apartment would not be covered.
• Ensuring adequate coverage:  Contact us to get specific answers and information about your coverages. Also, it’s a great idea to create an inventory of the items your student is taking to school, as is keeping photos of and receipts for the items.
• Renters insurance: If your student’s needs can't be met under your current policy, don't forget renters insurance. Landlords’ policies generally only cover the structure, not the possessions of renters.

 
AUTO (may vary by state)

• Coverage without a car at school: If your student will continue to drive while at home on school breaks, they should continue to be listed on your auto policy. If they are attending school more than 100 miles from home, and are not taking a vehicle with them, the policy may qualify for a distant-student discount.
• Coverage with a car at school: In most instances, a car registered to parents and listed on their policy will be covered if used by a listed student away at school. But you should make sure that your insurance carrier writes coverage in the college’s state and location. And note that a change to the principal location of the vehicle could result in a change in premium.
• Driving a friend’s car at school: Students generally would be covered while driving a friend’s car if the students are listed on their parents’ policy and do not have regular use of the vehicle. The coverage would likely be secondary in this case, as the carrier for the friend’s vehicle likely would be the primary coverage.
• Coverage discounts: In addition to the possible distant-student discount mentioned above, students may qualify for a good-student discount. To qualify, most insurance carriers require that a student must be enrolled in at least four courses per term as a full-time student at an accredited college or university and meet certain academic qualifications. Also, drivers under the age of 21 who complete a driver education course may be eligible for a policy discount.

 
Going away to school is an exciting time for both students and their parents. Making sure you’ve got the right insurance coverage can help you protect your assets as you invest in your child’s future. We’re happy to discuss your coverage and options — just give us a call at First Community Financial Group or stop by and see us!

When it comes to towing trailers, whether for work or recreational purposes, having the right trailer hitch is crucial for ensuring safety and efficiency. Trailer hitches are devices that enable a vehicle to tow another by providing a secure connection between the two. There are various types of trailer hitches available, each designed to suit different towing needs. In this guide, we'll delve into the world of trailer hitches, discussing the various types, their classifications and some things to know to help you choose the right one for your specific requirements.
What types of trailer hitches are there?Trailer hitches generally come in three basic styles: receiver, fifth-wheel and gooseneck.
It's said that receiver hitches are the most common, and they're broken up into five classes.
What are the classes of trailer hitches?Some experts in the field explain the five classes as follows:

1. Class 1 Trailer Hitch:Designed for light-duty towing and typically used for small trailers, such as bike racks and lightweight cargo carriers. They have the lowest towing capacity among all classes, making them suitable for compact cars and sedans.
   
2. Class 2 Trailer Hitch:Offers a step up in terms of towing capacity. They are often used for towing small trailers and boats. Vehicles with a Class 2 tow package can tow a bit more weight than those with a Class 1 hitch. This class is suitable for midsize cars, SUVs and crossovers.
   
3. Class 3 Trailer Hitch:One of the most common types and ideal for towing larger loads. They are often used for towing medium-sized trailers, including travel trailers, larger boats and small campers. Class 3 hitches are commonly found on SUVs and trucks and offer a significant increase in towing capacity compared to Class 2 hitches.
   
4. Class 4 Trailer Hitch:For heavy-duty towing needs, a Class 4 hitch might be the way to go. These hitches are meant to handle larger trailers, such as heavy-duty campers, horse trailers and larger boats. Trucks and full-sized SUVs are usually equipped with Class 4 hitches due to their substantial towing capabilities.
   
5. Class 5 Trailer Hitch:The biggest of the bunch, Class 5 trailer hitches are made for super-duty purposes, and they're commonly found on commercial work trucks. If you need one of these, you should also look into whether you need a commercial auto insurance policy.
   

What class hitch do I need?The type of hitch you need depends on the specific trailer you plan to tow. For most midsize SUVs and trucks, a Class 2 or Class 3 hitch may get the job done. However, if you have a larger travel trailer or plan to carry additional cargo, upgrading to a Class 4 hitch might be necessary. That said, if you still don't know, consider contacting an expert.
Will my car insurance cover my trailer?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to that question. If you want to make sure you are financially protecting your vehicle, trailer and belongings, it may be best to speak with a licensed agent who knows the ins and outs of insurance. And if you don't know where to look to find reputable agents, consider searching through our agent locator tool. This tool gives you the option to enter your ZIP Code and find insurance agents near you. And the best thing is, if you have other toys that you tow like a boat, motorcycle or even an ATV, they can help you find coverage for those too!

Content courtesy of Foremost Insurance Company.