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. 

Parking lots in Texas– we love the convenience but hate the frustrations, especially when people are driving too fast, backing out of spots without looking and otherwise modeling bad parking lot behavior.

That behavior just so happens to be the cause of many a door ding and irritated driver. Even worse, careless behavior can cause a collision or injury. So, let’s all slow down and follow these five tips to make parking lots safer for everyone:

1. Don’t Speed
   Speeding decreases the amount of time you have to react when a child runs out in front of you, another driver stops suddenly, or a car begins backing out unexpectedly. Is a collision – or even a fatality – really worth the price of getting to your destination just a bit sooner?
   
   
2. Use Your Eyes – and Mirrors and Cameras
   Keep a lookout for perils at all times, even if the lot seems empty. When you’re pulling into a spot, watch for doors being opened. When backing out, look all around, in your mirrors and in your rear-view camera and proceed slowly.
   
   
3. Give Yourself – and Others – Some Space
   Parking in between the lines and in a spot sized for your vehicle may help to minimize dings and scratches. Better yet, park in a less-crowded area and enjoy the stroll into the store – just don’t park where you feel unsafe. And always park away from stray carts.
   
   
4. Expect the Unexpected
   Assume things will happen. That someone will dart out in front of you, that a cart will come rolling toward you, that someone backing out of his/her spot won’t see you backing out of yours. When you’re on guard, you’re better prepared for those who aren’t.
   
   
5. Be Respectful
   A little kindness goes a long way in a parking lot or parking garage. So stop for pedestrians, don’t cause traffic jams waiting for a spot and, above all, don’t lose your cool.

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Remember, when you’re watching for dangers, you have a better chance of avoiding them. If an incident does occur, we here at First Community Financial Group are ready to help.


Content provided by Safeco and Liberty Mutual Insurance

Whether you were caught speeding (or worse) or you simply want to be a better driver, there are a wide range of defensive driving and driver improvement courses available in Texas these days.
 
But which is right for you? Here are five tips to help you decide:
 
1. Check with your state or municipality. If you’re taking training to avoid a traffic infraction, not just any course will do. You’ll need to take an approved course – ask for a list before signing up.
 
2. Check with your insurer. The same goes if you’d like to potentially save on your car insurance. Your carrier may only offer a car insurance discount for completing certain courses. Also ask how much your discount will be — this will help when it comes time to choose a course.
 
3. Choose the type of course. There are online and classroom options, typically ranging from 4-12 hours depending on the course material. And there are advantages to each. Online courses offer convenience (and sometimes a lower cost), while in-person settings can provide more interaction.
 
4. Determine how much you want to spend. If you’re trying to avoid a ticket (and a potential increase in your insurance premiums), the cost might not be much of an issue. If you’re taking a course to receive an insurance discount, however, make sure the total discount you’ll receive is greater than the cost of the course.
 
5. Check out the reviews. Online review sites, such as Yelp, can show you what others thought of a course. Keep in mind, people who felt “forced” to take a course might have a biased opinion, especially compared to someone who took the course willingly.
 
No matter why you’re considering a defensive driving course, we’re happy to help you weigh the pros and cons. The biggest pro being, once you complete your training, you’re likely to be a little more careful the next time you get behind the wheel. And, that always pays off!
 

​Although snow can make winter driving difficult, it's not the real threat. Icy roads are one of the top causes of car accidents in the United States, and cause hundreds of deaths each year. It's easy to lose control of your car when the roads are icy and is difficult to gain control again. There aren't any fool-proof ways to avoid black ice, but you can certainly protect yourself by understanding and knowing how to deal with this seasonal issue!

• Know where to expect black ice -- Black ice is generally formed when a light rain or drizzle falls on a road surface that is below freezing and is most common at night or in the early morning when temperatures are at their lowest. AccuWeather suggests watching out for bridges and underpasses, road areas shaded by the sun, or low-lying areas that may have standing water or run off from nearby melting snowbanks.
• Look for black ice (when you can) -- If lighting conditions are right, a driver might be able to spot ice on the road. If the majority of the road you are driving on appears to be a dull color except for one section that appears to be shiny, odds are, the glossy area is ice. Keeping headlights on might help provide that visible shine.

 

• Check your tire tread -- Use the penny test to check treads — if you can see Lincoln's head, get new tires! If not, you're good to go. For more car preparation tips like this one, follow our blog to the Winter Auto Safety Checklist.

Here are some tips to help you regain control of your car if you're sliding on black ice:

1. Stay calm.
2. Don't make sudden movements, you would only lose more control.
3. Do not hit the brakes.
4. Try to keep the steering wheel straight.
5. If you feel your car sliding right or left, make a gentle turn in the SAME direction you feel you're going.
6. De-accelerate slowly by lifting your foot from the gas pedal.
7. If you can, shift into a lower gear.
8. If you still cannot gain control of your car, try to steer into an area with low impact like a snowbank or empty field.
9. Find a safe location to park your vehicle as soon as possible.

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Hopefully you now feel better prepared to brave the winter ahead!​

Please visit the link below from Foremost (Farmers) Insurance Group to get 5 tips on how to protect your car from hail.

Hail damage can be expensive to repair. So, when the weather report calls for a hailstorm, it's best that you take action. These strategies may not work 100% of the time, but your damages could be far more expensive if you don't try anything at all. That said, read on to learn how to help protect your car from hail damage. Then give one of our agents a call or contact us at the link above to ask for your free auto insurance quote!

CLICK HERE :  5 Tips on How to Protect Your Car From Hail | Foremost Insurance Group