​Recent surveys by human resource managers have identified a number of workplace issues facing employers and employees. These problems affect the work being done, employee morale, and overall company performance. Take a look at the top five workplace issues and see if your company faces any of these.

1. Lack of Training- Many workers state that most employers do not offer any “real” job training. Even many new employees are not trained on the firm’s communication systems or account management systems. Most employees get sent to a desk and that’s it.
2. The Right Tools- The average employee uses over 10 different tools to perform daily tasks. Make sure employees learn how to use new tools and know how the old and new tools work together. Then, make sure employees are actually using the tools to do important work.
3. Emergency...What Emergency? - Today more than ever employers need to develop, communicate and plan for emergencies. Emergencies can include a natural event, security issue, or public health concern. Take the time to develop a plan of action to get people out of the facility and to account for everyone.
4. Lack of Safety Procedures – Does your firm have written safety procedures for each job function? If not, you may be missing out on a more productive workforce. Studies show that employees, who have a clear understanding of the job including how to do it safely, perform better.
5. Discrimination in the Workplace – Believe it or not, discrimination is a big issue with many workers. Legal protection against discrimination on the grounds of disability, sex, and race is now well established in the workplace.  Age discrimination, however, remains a significant problem at work.   A recent Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) survey revealed that 59% of employees believe they had been disadvantaged because of their age. It is estimated that age discrimination costs the economy between 19 billion and 31 billion a year in lost output.

Take time and score how your firm may be doing in these areas.
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.

There are several common mistakes some people make when it comes to purchasing commercial 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 insurance.

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

Mistake Two
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 the needed coverage. For example, does the lower premium include replacement cost coverage on buildings and equipment?

Mistake Three
Buying from a national company is always better.
Don't listen to the entertaining advertising on TV. Most national agents only represent one insurance company. They can't shop your account to determine the best combination of price and coverage.

Mistake Four
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.

Mistake Five
Umbrella insurance is only high net worth companies or individuals
A small electrical contractor was at fault for the total loss of a historic property, a loss that exceeded his general liability policy. The contractor's umbrella paid the loss in excess of $7,000,000. Umbrella or excess coverage is some of the least costly insurance you can buy. Don't risk a lost for a little expense.

Mistake Six
I don't need employment liability insurance, I only have five employees, and they are like family.
This is the fastest-growing area of litigation for small businesses. The average claim cost in 2020 was $75,000.

Mistake Seven
Not knowing your policy
Consumers' biggest mistake is not knowing what's in the fine print of their policies. Take time to read the policy. Ask your agent to meet with you at least annually to review your coverage. 

Mistake Eight
Flood insurance is only for business in high-risk areas
Big mistake; we recommend you ask for a flood quote to at least review the cost-benefit of the coverage.

Mistake Nine
I don't need disability insurance because I can get Social Security
Don't count on Social Security to take care of all your needs if you become disabled. The cost is not as much as you may think.
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Mistake Ten
There isn't anything I can do to manage my insurance costs except shop price.
There are many things you can do to reduce your premiums; here are a few:

• Consider increasing your deductibles
• Consider the vehicle model when making a purchase. Some are more expensive to insure
• Add smoke and security alarms to your office

 

For many people, insurance can be difficult to understand.  Most people know that insurance is needed, but often they do not fully understand what they are buying or if they are properly covered.  That is why it is important to have an insurance agent on your side.  A good agent will help you determine what your insurance needs are, educate you about your options, and help you understand the specifics of the insurance you are buying.
Here are five things that you need to know as you consider your insurance options.

• You cannot add coverage for a claim that has already occurred.  For example, if there is flooding in your area, you cannot buy flood insurance during an event.
• ​Coverage gaps can be costly. Having a gap or lapse in coverage can be costly.  Always pay your premiums on time, or ask for a grace period from your insurer.  You will end up paying more if you have lapses in your policy.
• Insurance is not intended to cover everything. Insurance is designed to provide financial recovery after an accident or unforeseen loss. Every policy has exclusions which are important to understand. Remember, insurance is not intended to cover regular maintenance.
• An agent can be a valuable resource. A licensed agent can help you find the best possible combination of coverage, price, and service that fits your individual needs.  A good agent will be willing to answer any questions you may have and be there for you when a claim occurs.
• Do not skimp on liability insurance.  The cost of litigation these days underscores the need for everyone to have an adequate amount of liability insurance.  The greater your assets are, the greater your need is to have your assets covered.  To protect yourself and your family financially, buy enough liability insurance on your auto and home insurance policies to cover above your net worth.  We can help you determine how much coverage your individual needs require.

 

​We have all read fake news stories.  We especially liked the one about the 200-pound cat that went on a diet!  There are also many fake news stories out there about insurance.  Some of these news articles claim that it is supposedly easier and better to buy personal insurance online.  These articles go so far as to claim you can get better coverage if you do it yourself.  Unfortunately, many of these articles are part of the “fake news” trend and many unsuspecting consumers have been hurt by decisions they have made because of them.  We do not want anyone to make a poor decision because of fake insurance news. 
Here are the facts; these are not fake news stories

• When you buy insurance online you are taking the risk that you might not be getting the coverage you and family need.  Licensed professional insurance agents go through a long education process to obtain a license and keep that license.  Professional agents must take continuing education to keep up on all the changes in coverage, the law, and company offerings.  Therefore, a professional licensed agent has the knowledge and experience to find the best coverage and value for your individual needs.
• Many insurance advertisements describe certain types of coverage like vehicle replacement cost, vanishing deductibles and more.  However, what they do not tell you is that these kinds of coverage’s cost more and are not offered to everyone.
• Buying the state minimum auto liability is never a good idea. Rarely does the state minimum cover the expenses of a totaled vehicle and medical bills from injured parties.
• Another fake news story is that only people who live in a flood zone need flood insurance.  According to the Federal Government, over 35% of all flood damage occurs to homes outside the flood zone.
•  You do not have to be a millionaire to lose your home and retirement in a liability loss.

Personal umbrella insurance can protect your family’s assets.  For very little cost, you can have the protection of a personal umbrella policy.  

Do you want to start a home-based business? Having a home business of your own is a good way to make a living. Keep in mind that it there are risks involved. Most home-based businesses do not have the same risks as other businesses, including buildings, employees, production machinery, and a fleet of vehicles. 

However, home-based businesses do have many risks that need to be considered.
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Do Some Pre Planning

• Check with your local zoning to see if home-based businesses are allowed
• If you are planning on having customers visit your home, you may need special permits.

Home Based Business Risks Can Include

• Product liability
• Professional Liability
• Injury or damage to customers
• Auto accidents
• Disability
• Cyber breach
• Property loss and damage
• Crime and dishonesty
• Cyber liability
• Web page copyright liability
• Employees or contractor’s issues

 
The key is to understand what these risks are so you can take the necessary actions to make sure that your business is protected. It’s important to carry the right commercial insurance to protect your business in case of an unforeseen event. Hire a reputable insurance provider to help you assess the potential risks and determine which types of policies meet your business needs. 

As an independent insurance agency we are affiliated with multiple industry-leading companies. It is these partnerships that allow us to provide our clients with better coverage at a competitive price. Our staff is knowledgeable and committed to providing a quality customer service experience to our valued clients.

We are prepared to help you manage all your business risks.

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.

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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Uber, Airbnb and VRBO may increase your personal liability risk
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We live in a digital world that now allows us to share everything from our car, bike, boat, apartment and even our home with total strangers. Smart phones, and the applications that can be added, offer many useful tools, but some of these things create new and increased liability for you. Before you decide to jump into the sharing economy consider the following:

• Do these sharing sites have the ability to protect your confidential information? Many times you are giving your credit card information to companies that may not have the ability to protect it.
• If you use Airbnb to sublease your apartment, you might check your lease. Many lease agreements have “no sublease” clauses that do not allow for this kind of activity. Also, some big cities are now actually considering outlawing the Airbnb services as it reduces hotel/motel taxes.
• Uber offers a taxi service where individuals can offer rides to those who subscribe. Are you confident that these individuals have had proper background checks? Are they experienced drivers?  Do they have the correct insurance? Remember, even in states that have mandatory auto insurance laws, over 25% of drivers don’t have insurance.
• Personal auto insurance issues should be considered if using your car for hire. There is a big difference in the auto insurance world between a car pool for work and being paid to deliver people.
• If you rent your primary home to others, it may limit your personal insurance coverage. Call out office for a review.

The use of the new sharing economy will most likely continue and may be a good way to save money. However, if you have an uninsured claim, the cost may be much greater than the savings. Be aware that using these services may increase your risk of loss. The insurance industry will respond over time to the sharing economy, but in the meantime, there are limitations and restrictions in your current homeowner’s and personal auto insurance policies of which you need to be aware.

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.

We hope you never have an accident or loss.  But if you have a loss, knowing that your claim is covered by insurance will help.  That’s what insurance is all about.  And, if you understand the claim filing process, you will find you will have fewer headaches and have your claim resolved much faster.
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Here are some tips to help you file your claim
Our agency is here to help you through the entire claim process.

1. Always read your insurance policy so you know what is covered and what is not covered.
2. If you are unsure if your claim is covered, it is always good to call our office, or talk to the insurance company.
3. For auto accidents (depending on the damages), you may need to report the accident to the DMV.
4. After the loss, you need to provide notification to the insurance company. This may be as simple as contacting our office or the company directly.
5. Document as much as you can. If you are involved in an auto accident, take photos with your smart phone. Get as many witnesses as possible.
6. You have an obligation to prevent further damage. For example, if you have roof damage you will need to patch the roof with plastic or other material to prevent any further water damage.
7. Understand that the claim process will involve working with a number of people. Our office can help take some of the work off your plate, but you will have to talk to the adjuster at some point to review the claim and settlement.
8. Before accepting any settlement, make sure you are satisfied with the amount.
9. Remember, all losses will be subject to your deductible.
10. Use our agency as your resource; we are here to help you manage the claim process.

 
Our employees are committed to developing ongoing communication with our clients, and striving to exceed your expectations. You are not buying a product; you are managing your risk. Remember, insurance is not a product; it’s a promise and a trusted relationship.

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.