Every business must have COVID-19 safety procedures in place in 2021. Helping your employees return to work safely and confidently during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is no easy task.

Employers must ensure social distancing for employees and customers, frequent and adequate employee hand-washing, and that sick employees stay home. Employers must also provide basic workplace hazard education about coronavirus and how to prevent transmission in languages best understood by employees. Your workers’ compensation insurer can offer tools and advice in this area.
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Here are tips for your business to consider

• Making sure your facility is fully clean, disinfected, and equipped with a blueprint for maintaining safe conditions.
• Setting up a support system in place for employees as they return to work and adjust to new realities and emotional challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Creating a plan for a safe work environment that protects employees and customers alike from risks connected to COVID-19, including exposure and transmission.
• Prepare business continuity plans for significant absenteeism, supply chain disruptions, or changes in the way you need to conduct business.
• Establish an emergency communications plan. Identify key contacts (with back-ups), the chain of communications (including suppliers and customers), and processes for tracking and communicating about business and employee status.
• Share your response plans with employees and clearly communicate expectations. It is important to let employees know plans and expectations if COVID-19 occurs in communities where you have a workplace.

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.
 
Sources: Cleveland Clinic, CDC, & OSHA

​Part of your business planning for 2021 should include an annual business insurance review. Your business changes, and so do your exposures. After you review some of these items, call our office, and we will be happy to discuss these and more with you.
It’s never been more important to partner with a broker that specializes in your business, understanding your unique exposures, with risk services capabilities and strong carrier relationships.
 
Why Complete a Business Insurance Review?

• Your exposures may have changed.
• COVID-19 has created the need to evaluate everything you do.
• Laws and regulations may have created new liabilities.
• Your policy may have had small changes that require consideration and adjustment.
• You may have too much coverage or to little coverage.

 
COVID-19 Planning

• Do you have remote work policies and procedures?
• Make sure you have a cleaning protocol in place.
• Check your business interruption coverage; it may need to be adjusted and increased.
• Make sure your business follows OSHA guidelines.
• During an infectious disease outbreak, such as the current outbreak of COVID-19, small business owners must prepare for disruption in their business as well as prepare to protect their employees’ health and safety in the workplace.
• Do you have the right kind of insurance to cover business equipment off-premises?

 
Items to Consider When Completing a Business Insurance Review

• Review sales and revenue- Have your company’s annual sales increased or decreased? The more business you do, the greater the potential liability you face.
• Property Values- Have you added any new equipment, purchased or leased a new building?

• Did you purchase any new vehicles?
• Do you sell any of your products in foreign countries?
• Is your safety and loss control program up to date?
• When was the last time someone reviewed your SIC codes for accuracy?
• Are you serving any new industries? This might increase your liability.

 
Have you added any new partners? There might be a need for life insurance.
As a business owner, you can ensure that your company is protected by keeping your general liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and commercial auto policies updated to reflect changes in your business.
 
 

According to insurance experts, here are the top five business risks. The Allianz Risk Barometer surveyed more than 500 managers and corporate insurance experts in 47 countries, to identify the primary challenges facing businesses this year.1 
While these are responses from large corporations, we take away many applications for medium and small businesses. Here are some of the risk issues for 2020.

1. Natural Disasters – These issues are always a concern for small and medium business. We can offer flood, earthquake and wind insurance as your needs arise.
2. Cyber Liability- Cyber liability and data theft is one of the hottest topics for businesses, risk managers and insurance companies. 2019 had some of the biggest data thefts that we have seen. But even more interesting, is that small businesses are exposed more than large businesses. In fact, 25% of data breaches affect businesses with less than 50 employees. A small business has a greater chance of having a cyber breach than it does of having a fire.
3. Government mandates and regulations - There continues to be increased oversight from government in healthcare and financial reporting that creates new risk and liability for businesses.
4. Political and Civil Issues - As seen in 2020, political and civil issues have a direct impact on many small businesses. Having the right kind of business insurance is important to protect your business in the event of civil riots.
5. Business Interruption - If your business has a loss and you are unable to operate for a period of time, you will need financial resources in order to get back in operation. You may even need to continue payroll for a period of time. Business interruption insurance can provide these resources.

We are committed to providing clients with the highest quality insurance plans available combined with some of the lowest possible rates. Whether you are shopping for auto insurance, home insurance, life or business insurance, we can help you obtain the best coverage available with the lowest rate possible. 

All of us value the long term relationship with our clients, and are proud to give families, individuals and businesses the personal attention required when it matters most. When claims arise, we realize that it can be very stressful and will do everything possible to assure timely and complete recovery.
 
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Personal and Business insurance
The modern day customer is looking for value, ease of services, and quick responses.  In an era of impersonal internet companies, slick advertising, and “branding,” it can be hard for consumers to determine where to find the best insurance program for their needs.  To provide the best possible combination of coverage, services, and pricing, you need to look no further than your local independent agent.
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Our Approach to Insurance Is Different
The best way to get the insurance that is right for you is to develop a relationship with your insurance agent.  The good news is that this process is not complicated or time consuming.

• We respond quickly.
• Insurance protects what is important to you, and we understand that.
• We gain an understanding of your individual needs.
• We educate rather than sell.
• Finding the right insurance coverage is an important purchase, because everyone’s needs are unique.
• Our professional team is trained and licensed.
• Insurance is too important to be ordered online like a book.
• Don’t wait for an un-insured claim to happen before you look for the right agent and coverage.

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 are committed to providing clients with the highest quality insurance plans available combined with some of the lowest possible rates. Whether you are shopping for auto insurance, home insurance, life or business insurance, we can help you obtain the best coverage available with the lowest rate possible. Most people don’t take time to review exposures, options, or their current economic condition before making their insurance purchase. We want to help you, so we prepared these insurance buying tips for 2020.

1. Don’t buy insurance through the internet – Call our agency and let us provide outstanding service along with competitive pricing.
2. Maintain good credit - Regularly check your credit score, since a low score may impact your premium.
3. Review your auto limits – If you have limits of less than $100,000, that won't even cover the medical bills in a serious accident. The minimum liability coverage that anyone with any assets or income to protect should be carrying is $500,000 to $1 million or more.
4. Maintain a home inventory – Having an accurate account of your personal property can provide for greater recovery in the event of a loss.
5. Bundle your insurance – Combine your auto, home and umbrella policies with one insurer to receive greater discounts.
6. Set the right deductible - A higher deductible reduces your premium, but you have to pay more out of pocket in the event of an accident. If you have a good driving record and haven’t had an accident, you may want to gamble and opt for a higher deductible The reward for this risk could be up to a 40% savings.
7. Consider Identity Theft – Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the U.S.
8. Buy from a financially strong company – Your insurance is only as good as the company who stands behind the policy. The insurance company should have an “A” rating or higher.
9. Be prepared to make adjustments as your lifestyle and needs change.

Call us today and let us help protect what is important to you. 

As many people are getting back to work, many employers wonder how they can have their employees return safely. Employers are confronted with the complexities of returning employees to work in a manner that is safe and ensures operational continuity.

Now is the time administrators should be building policies and procedures so that when employees and the public return, you will have a plan in place.

• Conduct a Hazard Assessment for new protocols/equipment put in place consistent with OSHA rules.
• As with all policies and procedures, employers should ensure that any return-to-work protocols are implemented in a fair and non-discriminatory manner.
• Develop communication systems for returning workers, ensuring that they are aware of the safety measures in place and how to comply with them.
• Make sure that proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and general cleaning materials such as soap and hand sanitizer are available.
• OSHA recommends providing tissues, no-touch trash cans, hand soap, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, disinfectants, and disposable towels for workers to clean their work surfaces.
• Consider appointing a chief COVID officer responsible for ensuring that all public safety and health guidelines are implemented and that employees follow them.
• Intensify cleaning, disinfection, and ventilation.
• Stager breaks and recreation times.
• Close off common spaces where employees or others are likely to congregate.
• Consider what screening procedures are needed for visitors to the school.

OSHA requires employers to provide employees with a safe place to work. Employers may be responsible for workplace safety violations related to the coronavirus outbreak under OSHA's "general duty" clause, which requires that each employer furnish to each of its employees a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm.

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. 

Directors and Officers (D & O) Liability Update

Every business, no matter what the size, has a D & O exposure.  Some people may mistakenly think that D & O risks are just for large firms, but actual court cases tell a different story.  D & O claims come about because of decisions made by the firm’s officers and employees.  Claims can come from employees, competitors, investors, and the government.  Most of these kinds of claims are not covered under a standard commercial insurance policy.

Here are some interesting facts brought to you by the Insurance Information Institute:

• Over 53% of privately held firms have had D & O related claims.
• Twenty-five percent of companies have had an employment related claim.
• The average defense cost for a D & O claim is around $75,000.
• Firms with less than 50 employees have the same percentage of claims as larger firms.

Here are some of the kinds of claims to which your business is exposed:

Misrepresentation
If you misrepresent your company’s services, financials or other information, third parties may sue you for your actions.  This can include services you say you provide on your webpage or financial information you provide to a lender.

Breach of Duty
Your firm’s officers and employees are required to carry out their duties with a standard of honesty and professionalism.  If these legal duties are breached, you are subject to litigation by the injured party.

Employment Issues
Your employees can sue the business for a variety of employment issues that can be covered under a D & O or employment practices liability policy. 
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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. 

There are a number of common mistakes some individuals and businesses make when it comes to purchasing insurance. Insurance is the product you buy in case the unexpected happens. Unfortunately, by the time you need it, it's too late to make sure you have the right type and amount of insurance coverage. Make sure you don't make the following mistakes while buying business insurance or personal insurance.

​Having two agents is better because they keep each other competitive
Having two agents duplicates effort and can create coverage gaps. For example, there are certain coverage’s that can be included under a liability policy and auto policy. One agent is better able to manage your entire insurance program.

The lower the premium the better
Premiums are determined by a combination of exposures and coverage. If you get a lower premium you may be missing needed coverage. For example, does the lower premium include replacement cost coverage on buildings and equipment?

The internet is a great place to get good insurance deals
Low-cost internet insurance usually allows you to select the coverage and limits you want. But in most cases, you end up with a limited and inadequate program. You find this out after you have an uninsured claim.

Not having the right value for your personal property
Most people undervalue their personal belongings. We recommend you complete a home inventory to make sure you have the correct value on all your property. Remember, the insurance covers what it costs to replace the item, not what you paid for it.

Believing the TV commercial said it was covered
All claims are subject to your individual policy terms and conditions. That is why an independent agent is important. We can provide information about what is covered and what is not.
As an independent agent, we have relationships with many A-rated national and regional insurance companies; we provide a comprehensive array of insurance products for a variety of personal and commercial clients.
 

You make decisions every day that can come back to bite you.  You may not think so, but in this day of litigiousness, your business may be at risk.  One way to manage your risk is to consider management liability insurance.  Management, or professional liability, insurance is not just good business; it is as necessary as heat and lighting for your office.  Statutes, federal, and state laws change on a regular basis, so it is vital that your company protect its assets with management or professional liability insurance.
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Issues to Consider

• General Liability Insurance does not cover the risks of Employment Liability, Professional Liability, or Directors and Officers Liability.  You need a separate insurance policy to cover these risks.
• Defense costs are going up at a rapid rate. Management liability insurance can provide needed defense coverage, even if you are not liable.
• Company owners can be held personally liable for their actions as well as the actions of other managers or executives.
• Twenty five percent of private firms have had some sort of employment issue that could not be resolved without legal counsel involvement.  The average defense costs are $250 per hour.
• Many firms fail to purchase Cyber Insurance. However, the average cost of each compromised record is around $175.00. Most states have laws requiring notification if you have had an incident.

The best thing you can do is call our office and have us provide you with a risk review, including coverage options.  Once you have had a chance to review coverage and pricing, then you can make an informed decision.

Our insurance agency's reputation for representing the best insurance companies, providing excellent customer service and competitive pricing to our clients has been earned and proven for over 25 years.  We take great pride in finding you the best coverage and backing it up with prompt personal service.  We have been serving the Dallas/Richardson, TX area for over 25 years and have recently expanded to the Austin, Cedar Park, and Round Rock area. ​

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. 
 
 

According to the Small Business Administration, 25% of businesses do not re-open after a disaster.  Most of these failed businesses did not have a disaster plan in place.Small business disaster preparedness planning is easier than you think. 
Disasters Can Include:

• Floods
• Wild Fires
• Wind Damage
• Earthquakes
• Civil Unrest

What Should Go Into a Disaster Plan?

• Emergency contact information on all employees.
• Contact information for key vendors and clients.
• A plan to continue operating after a disaster; this may include a secondary location.
• Determine what operations are critical and need to continue, and which activities are not.
• Have a clear evacuation plan and general meeting area for staff.
• Make sure you have a disaster kit that includes water, blankets, flashlights, and other safety equipment.
• Have a plan for the security of personal information.
• If you have any hazardous materials, make sure you have a plan to manage spills.
• Have a communication plan for clients, suppliers, employees, and the community.

Preserve your equipment and business records by referencing this IRS guide on protecting your information before an emergency strikes.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also offers an emergency preparedness checklist and toolkit.

​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.