Texas Business Insurance Renewal
Your business insurance is an important part of your risk management program. It is important to have the right insurance coverage, competitive pricing and the right insurer. We have found at least five factors that are important to manage when renewing your business insurance program.

Business Insurance
A business insurance program can include commercial property, auto, commercial liability, employment liability, workers’ compensation, professional liability and excess liability.

Insurance Renewal Tips
Provide complete information about your operation. Paint a picture that describes what you do and how well you do it. You have to sell the underwriter on what is different about your operation and how the insurance company needs to insure your risk, because you are above average.

Use an independent agent. We are best equipped to provide you with the best combination of coverage, price and service.

Combine your property, auto and liability with one insurer if possible. You will receive package discounts.

Have a well-managed safety program.
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Putting a little effort into your business insurance renewal can reap rewards in the form of better coverage and lower premiums. As an Independent Insurance Agency we represent many insurance companies to fit your businesses dynamic needs.  Whether you're a new business or a small business, we can help. Being an Independent Agent means we are not only your agent, but we are your insurance broker as well.  We understand every business and industry is unique, so we will work with you to find the best business insurance coverage at the lowest rate. Contact us today for a free quote. 

The Holidays are almost upon us, and if you have been to any department store, the sounds of Christmas are ringing out. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, over 400 homes are destroyed annually by causes related to Christmas tree fires. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission hospital emergency rooms treat over 12,900 people each year for injuries such as falls, cuts and shocks related to holiday lights, decorations and Christmas trees. Before you put up the lights or cut down the tree, we wanted to provide you with a few safety reminders to keep you and your family safe this holiday season.

The Tree

• Keep Christmas Trees Fresh; water regularly.
• Keep trees away from heat sources.
• Take Christmas trees down before January.
• Do not burn the trees in your fireplace.
• Avoid placing breakable tree ornaments, or ones with small detachable parts, on lower branches where small children or pets can reach them.
• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label "Fire Resistant”.

Lights

• Only use lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory.
• Never string together more lights than are recommended by the manufacturer.
• Make sure extension cords are rated for the intended use.
• Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use.
• Turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house.
• If you use a timer for your outdoor lights, make sure it is rated for outside use.
• Outdoor lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs)

Ladder Safety

• When putting up holiday decorations, always use the proper step stool or ladder to reach high places. Don’t stand on chairs, desks, or other furniture.
• A straight or extension ladder should be placed one foot away from the surface it rests against for every four feet of ladder height.
• Use ladders with slip-resistant feet.
• Never stand on top two steps.

Enjoy the season with family and friends, and never drink and drive. 

Insurance coverage made easy. When it comes to buying your insurance, you have options.  You can go to a captive insurance agent, an agent that represents one company, or you can go to an independent insurance agent that represents many companies.  Strive Insurance Group, Inc. (formerly Gordon Lund Insurance Agency, Inc) is a full-service independent insurance agency representing many insurance companies.  This means that we shop many different insurance companies to obtain the best rate and coverage for your insurance.  We do this at no additional fee or service charge to you.  Simply put, our goal is to find you the best coverage and rate for your auto, home, business, or life insurance.  Whether you need a business insurance quote or an auto insurance quote, we can help.  To obtain an insurance quote, click on the tab and enter your information into the form.  If you have any questions along the way, please don't hesitate to contact one of our insurance agents. 

We know that reading an insurance policy can be tough. The insurance industry is working hard to make auto, home and business insurance policies easier to read. Most insurance policies are 40 to 60 pages, with lots of legal terms that are hard for even attorneys to understand. 
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But the fact remains, it is very important that you read and understand your insurance policy. To help make the task easier for you, we offer this guide. 
Insurance Policy Reading Tips

Start With The “Declarations Page”

• Check all information to make sure it is correct.
• Review address, policy dates and names insured.
• Review limits to make sure they are what you ordered.
• Confirm premium information.
For Auto Policies, Check The “Vehicle Information”
• Is the correct vehicle identified?
• Verify the VIN number.
• Confirm the vehicle’s value.
• Review the list of drivers if they are identified.

The “Insuring Agreement”

This is the section where most of the key coverages will be found. Take time to review the various coverage and coverage terms.

​“The Exclusions”
It is very important to read this section as well. Typical examples of excluded perils under a homeowner’s policy are flood, earthquake, and wear and tear. A typical example of an excluded loss under an automobile policy is damage due to wear and tear. Business insurance exclusions can include employment liability, cyber liability, and criminal acts. 
“Definitions Section”

Every policy should include a Definitions Section to provide an explanation of certain language.

​We are your trusted partner. Call us to help you better understand your policy. We can help explain what is in your policy and more importantly, help make sure that you are appropriately protected for the future.

​Strive Insurance Group, Inc. is a full-service independent insurance agency that has been serving the insurance needs of the Dallas area since 1984 (formerly Gordon Lund Insurance). Don't worry, nothing has changed, but our name. In addition to having a presence in the Dallas and North Texas area, we have also expanded to Austin and Central Texas with agent representation and the same professional service.

We represent, and have established a strategic alliance, with only the highest quality insurance carriers. In doing so, we can provide you with the service and protection to meet your dynamic needs. As your needs change, we can review and collaborate to decide which insurance company or companies are best suited to your situation.

Tis The Season… For Problems

As we approach the holiday season, we thought it might be good to provide you with a few insurance tips on how to protect yourself and your family during this season. The holiday season usually sees an increase in homeowners and other personal types of accidents and claims. Here are a few examples.

Common Insurance Claims During The Holiday Season

• Damage to home as a result of holiday party mishaps
• Theft of personal property
• Identity theft
• Food poisoning and illness
• Stolen gifts out of mall parking lot
• House fires as a result of dry trees or candles
• Auto accidents due to rain or bad weather
• Drunk driving accidents
• Guests trip and fall claims during a holiday party
• Falling while decorating
• Winter sports activities
• Falling trees due to wind storms
• Ice and snow damages
• Travel mishaps

 
Identity Theft Increases during November and December

With more online shopping identity thieves target online shoppers. Criminals access public Wi-Fi systems to hack into your computer and smartphone.
Today, some homeowner insurance policies will either include or offer as an add-on, some type if identity theft coverage but in most cases, the coverage is limited. A stand-alone identity theft policy that is more comprehensive will typically contain the following benefits:

• Coverage for the named insured, spouse, and resident children
• Counseling with a licensed private investigator
• Data breach notifications
• Reimbursement for identity restoration costs
• Credit card activity alerts
• Bank account activity alerts
• Fictitious Identity Monitoring

Homeowners Insurance

A standard homeowner’s insurance policy can offer protection from many of the trips, spills, and holiday mishaps. If your home insurance is written properly it can offer insurance coverage for;

• Trips and falls
• Theft of personal property
• Personal liability risks for third party claims
• Theft of personal property from your vehicle
• Fire and other property damage
• Damage to your home as a result of a covered loss

Some homeowner’s insurance can offer a limited amount of identity theft protection. We do recommend you consider identity theft insurance, which can protect your online identity.

Renters or Condo Insurance
Renters insurance can also provide coverage during the holidays.

• Trips and falls
• Theft of personal property
• Personal liability risks for third party claims
• Theft of personal property from your vehicle
• Fire and other property damage not insured by the owner

Auto Insurance
Auto insurance can provide coverage for you and your passengers while driving during the holiday season. There is a variety of different auto coverage options to suit different people, family situations, financial statuses and more. While state law requires certain coverages and minimum limits, most drivers should carry much higher limits to protect themselves and family should an accident take place. The primary coverages included the following:

Collision Coverage – Covers the costs of repairs or replacement of a vehicle in the event of an accident.

Comprehensive Coverage – Pays for the costs and damages associated with events such as engine fires, hail damage, hitting a deer and other damages not caused by collision.

Bodily Injury Coverage – Provides financial compensation for injuries or death due to an auto accident, within the policy’s coverage limits.

Property Damage – Reimburses for damage to property, such as another vehicle, a fence, a building, and other types of features.

Let us help you by providing a free, no obligation, auto insurance quote, including various coverage options to choose from. We’ll help you identify the right insurance policy, and the best insurance company, to financially protect your car, truck, and other passenger vehicles. Call or fill out our online insurance quote request today.
Strive Insurance Group, Inc. is a full-service independent insurance agency that has been serving the insurance needs of the Dallas area since 1984 (formerly Gordon Lund Insurance). Don't worry, nothing has changed, but our name. In addition to having a presence in the Dallas and North Texas area, we have also expanded to Austin and Central Texas with agent representation and the same professional service.

We represent, and have established a strategic alliance, with only the highest quality insurance carriers. In doing so, we can provide you with the service and protection to meet your dynamic needs. As your needs change, we can review and collaborate to decide which insurance company or companies are best suited to your situation.
 

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Personal Insurance and Safety Update

Halloween is over and that means we are in the middle of the holiday season.  During the next 45 days, we will all be busy shopping, eating out, and traveling.  Thieves know that the police are overloaded during the holiday season, and they take full advantage it.  Burglars know that there are many expensive items in homes and cars during the holidays.

Your home or renter’s insurance will provide coverage for theft or loss if you have the coverage. Now would be a good time to call us for a free personal insurance review. Whether you are holiday shopping at the mall, online, or a little of both, keeping yourself and your personal information safe is important.  Here are a few holiday shopping safety tips:

Holiday Shopping Safety

• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Lock your shopping bags in your trunk.
• Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom.
• Never leave car doors unlocked or windows open.
• Always park in lighted areas. DO NOT park in remote areas.
• Shop with a friend.
• Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help in case your child is separated from you.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
• Keep receipts in your wallet or purse.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• As you return to your car, make sure to keep your car key in your hand.

 
We work to ensure that your personal insurance provides the protection you deserve and need.  We understand you may need different coverage like a personal umbrella, RV insurance, valuable articles coverage, earthquake, or flood coverage.
Over the years, we have found that homeowners who adhere to the following strategies have a better chance of obtaining the best possible combination of coverage, price, and service.

Our trusted insurance professionals are here to help you with every step of the insurance process and can design a personal or commercial insurance policy to fit your needs. One of the insurance professionals will work closely with you to ensure that you receive individualized attention you deserve.

Strive Insurance Group, Inc. is a full-service independent insurance agency that has been serving the insurance needs of the Dallas area since 1984 (formerly Gordon Lund Insurance). Don't worry, nothing has changed, but our name. In addition to having a presence in the Dallas and North Texas area, we have also expanded to Austin and Central Texas with agent representation and the same professional service.

We represent, and have established a strategic alliance, with only the highest quality insurance carriers. In doing so, we can provide you with the service and protection to meet your dynamic needs. As your needs change, we can review and collaborate to decide which insurance company or companies are best suited to your situation.

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Builder's Risk Insurance generally covers the owner, the lending institution, the contractor(s) performing the work, and other related parties. In addition to providing coverage for damage to the building itself, most plans also cover temporary constructs (like scaffolding), materials, and equipment being used (whether it's currently on-site or off-site). The majority of policies are written on an all-perils basis, which means that reimbursements are available for any losses except those specifically excluded.

Common exclusions from this coverage include (but are not limited to):

• The value of the land itself
• Employee theft
• Damages beyond the estimated value of the construction
• Any losses brought by law or ordinance changes
• Damage from earthquakes
• Losses from war, nuclear hazards, or actions by civil authority

As you can see, most of the exclusions are not likely to occur during the course of a normal construction project. The value of the land is the only one likely to change as new work is done, and you will likely need to account for any improvements or losses the next time your company prepares taxes.

As an Independent Insurance Agency we represent many insurance companies to fit your businesses dynamic needs.  Whether you're a new business or a small business, we can help.   Being an Independent Agent means we are not only your agent, but we are your insurance broker as well.  We understand every business and industry is unique, so we will work with you to find the best business insurance coverage at the lowest rate. Contact us today for a free quote. 

Insurance coverage made easy. When it comes to buying your insurance, you have options.  You can go to a captive insurance agent, an agent that represents one company, or you can go to an independent insurance agent that represents many companies.

Strive Insurance Group, Inc. is a full-service independent insurance agency representing many insurance companies.  This means that we shop many different insurance companies to obtain the best rate and coverage for your insurance.  We do this at no additional fee or service charge to you.  Simply put, our goal is to find you the best coverage and rate for your auto, home, business, or life insurance.  

Almost all of your personal property is insured under your homeowner's policy; however, most valuables have sublimit that leave might you severely underinsured. We are talking about; jewelry, guns, cameras, silverware, chins, sporting equipment, art, coin collections, wine, and other expensive items. The best way to protect your valuables is through a scheduled articles floater.
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A scheduled articles floater is either a separate policy or a rider added to your homeowner's policy, depending on your carrier. A scheduled articles floater itemizes valuable items on your homeowner's policy and extends the policy's coverage to the items.
Why You Need The Coverage?
Typically, your homeowner's policy will cover your valuable items anywhere from $500 to $2500 and may include a deductible without any schedule; depending on the insurer. With a scheduled articles floater you can obtain coverage up to the replacement value of the item. Insurers will ask for a bill of sale or appraisal to verify the replacement value.

The primary reason why you should choose to purchase a scheduled articles floater is that it offers additional coverage not provided in your "normal" coverage. Accidental loss or damage is a coverage included under the personal articles floater. A missing stone in an engagement dropped down the drain or lost at the beach, would be typically be covered under a personal articles floater.

Strive Insurance Group, Inc. is a full-service independent insurance agency that has been serving the insurance needs of the Dallas area since 1984 (formerly Gordon Lund Insurance). Don't worry, nothing has changed, but our name. In addition to having a presence in the Dallas and North Texas area, we have also expanded to Austin and Central Texas with agent representation and the same professional service.

We represent, and have established a strategic alliance, with only the highest quality insurance carriers. In doing so, we can provide you with the service and protection to meet your dynamic needs. As your needs change, we can review and collaborate to decide which insurance company or companies are best suited to your situation.
Give us a call so we can provide you with options.
 

Make Halloween Safe for Everyone
In the next few days, we will be watching children scramble from house to house in search of the elusive Halloween treat.  However, keeping our kids safe as they are out Halloween night is always a concern.  A little pre-planning can prevent unfortunate accidents that could turn out to be tragic.  Remember, your homeowner’s insurance will cover you in most cases should someone trip and fall on your premises.
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Here are some pointers for ensuring your house is a safe place for trick-or-treaters on Oct. 31.

• Provide healthier treats for trick-or-treaters such as low-calorie treats and drinks. For your guests, offer a variety of fruits and vegetables.
• Be sure walking areas and stairs are well-lit and free of obstacles that could cause someone to fall.
• Keep candle-lit jack o'lanterns and luminaries away from doorsteps, walkways, landings, and curtains. Place them on sturdy tables, keep them out of the reach of pets and small children, and never leave them unattended.
• Remind drivers to watch out for trick-or-treaters and to drive safely.

 
Safety tips for kids

• Never, ever, go into a house.
• Costumes should be short enough to prevent children from tripping and falling
• An adult or an older responsible child should always accompany young children. Even older children should go trick-or-treating with an adult, or with friends.  Never go out alone.
• Only go to homes with a porch light on.
• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective.
• Do not eat homemade food.
• Examine all candy.  If it has been opened, toss it out.
• Use a flashlight.

 
 Safety Tips for Motorists

• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians, and curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
• Turn your lights on.
• At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.

Sources: http://www.nsc.org/, https://www.aap.org, https://www.cdc.gov
Strive Insurance Group, Inc. is a full-service independent insurance agency that has been serving the insurance needs of the Dallas area since 1984 (formerly Gordon Lund Insurance). Don't worry, nothing has changed, but our name. In addition to having a presence in the Dallas and North Texas area, we have also expanded to Austin and Central Texas with agent representation and the same professional service.

Many people believe that they have little or no control over their homeowner’s insurance.  Often, people think that premiums are determined by some “secret formula.”  It is true that every company has rates for their homeowner’s premiums, but there are many factors that help make up your homeowner’s premiums.
Factors that help determine your Seattle homeowner’s premiums

• Location
• Age of home
• Age of roof
• The replacement cost
• Distance to fire station

Get the best possible homeowner’s premiums

• Install deadbolt locks.
• Increase your deductible.
• Some insurers offer occupational discounts for teachers, police, firefighters, government employees, etc.
• Install a central station security system.
• Your agent can help you evaluate the different policies and companies so you can make the choice this is right for you.
• Ask for other discounts offered by your insurer.
• Make sure your replacement cost is up to date.
• Do you have replacement cost or actual cash value (ACV) coverage?  We recommend replacement cost.
• Do you need loss of use coverage? Most homeowners and renters do.

 
Strive Insurance Group, Inc. is a full-service independent insurance agency that has been serving the insurance needs of the Dallas area since 1984 (formerly Gordon Lund Insurance). Don't worry, nothing has changed, but our name. In addition to having a presence in the Dallas and North Texas area, we have also expanded to Austin and Central Texas with agent representation and the same professional service.
​
We represent, and have established a strategic alliance, with only the highest quality insurance carriers. In doing so, we can provide you with the service and protection to meet your dynamic needs. As your needs change, we can review and collaborate to decide which insurance company or companies are best suited to your situation.
 

Motorcycle Study
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Motorcycle riders often get an unjustified reputation as being reckless, risk takers, and that they generally disobey traffic laws. This perception is unfounded and there are many statistics that back up the fact that most motorcycle accidents are not the fault of the motorcycle rider, but that of another driver.

A recent study conducted by the University of Southern California (USC) found that approximately three-fourths of motorcycle accidents involved a collision with another vehicle. The study also found that the driver of the other vehicle violated the motorcyclist’s right-of-way, thus causing the accident. These findings confirm that motorcycle riders have unjustly received a bad reputation from the general public.  Motorcycles are inherently prone to accidents caused by other drivers because of their small size. Motorcycles easily fit into the blind spot of typical passenger automobiles. The truth is that most motorcycle riders are very good drivers and keep an eye out for motorists who do not see them.

Motorcycle Insurance
Construct the motorcycle insurance package that’s right for you with a variety of coverages including:

• Bodily Injury Liability
• Collision Coverage
• Comprehensive Coverage
• Medical Payments

 
With options ranging from basic liability insurance all the way up to full coverage with protection for additional custom parts and equipment, there is a policy for virtually every rider.
 
Strive Insurance Group, Inc. is a full-service independent insurance agency that has been serving the insurance needs of the Dallas area since 1984 (formerly Gordon Lund Insurance). Don't worry, nothing has changed, but our name. In addition to having a presence in the Dallas and North Texas area, we have also expanded to Austin and Central Texas with agent representation and the same professional service.
 
We represent, and have established a strategic alliance, with only the highest quality insurance carriers. In doing so, we can provide you with the service and protection to meet your dynamic needs. As your needs change, we can review and collaborate to decide which insurance company or companies are best suited to your situation.