A Personal Insurance and Safety Update
In 2020, 19,400 people went to emergency rooms because of barbeque related accidents.  Sixteen percent of home structure fires involving a grill were caused during ignition because something flammable was too close to the grill.  Twenty percent of all reported grill fires were a result of leaks or breaks.  Gas grills account for more home fires overall than do charcoal grills.  Emergency rooms see the use of gasoline on a charcoal grill as the most common error associated with burn cases.

You might think you know all you need to know about barbeque safety and grilling, but here are some reminders.  We want your grilling experience to be fun and safe for the entire family.
 
General Grilling Safety
 

• Never barbeque inside, in a garage, on the roof, or on a second story deck.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• If you are using a charcoal grill, let the lighter fluid soak into the coals a few minutes before lighting them so that any vapors have time to evaporate.  When you do light the coals, stand back.
• Do not use lighter fluid on hot coals.
• Open the grill lid before you light it
• Do not wear loose fitting clothing.
• Keep an extinguisher outside or close by.
• Make sure you use the grill 10 feet away from your house.
• Use the grill close to a water source.
• Do not let raw meat sit out too long without being chilled or cooked.
• Always wash your hands before and after handling food.
• Do not over-indulge in alcohol while barbecuing.

 
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. 
​Strive Insurance Group, Inc. is a full-service independent insurance agency that has been serving insurance customers since 1984 (formerly Gordon Lund Insurance). Don't worry, nothing has changed, but our name. We are licensed in Texas, California and Missouri. 

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 are approaching our nation's birthday, July 4th, and we hope everyone has a great day of celebration with friends and family. In 2020 over 5,800 people went to the emergency room as a result of fireworks-related injuries. There were an estimated 13,750 reported fires started by fireworks. These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported deaths, and $40 million in direct property damage. This is why it is a good idea to have a free home insurance review and quote, call us today!

Homeowner's Insurance
If you over-celebrate and do have a loss or damage, please call our office. It is very likely that the claim would be covered under your homeowner's insurance policy.

General 4th of July safety
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Be a safe swimmer. Water sports and fireworks are two of the biggest pastimes for the Fourth of July celebrations, and these are both linked to numerous deaths and injuries each year. Never swim alone, and make sure that kids' water play is adequately supervised at all times.

Be a safe boater. Never consume alcohol while driving a boat. Set water safety rules for your family and passengers.

Use alcohol responsibly. Alcohol and fireworks can be a hazardous and dangerous combination.

Use sunscreen. At the start of summer, skin is especially tender, so use a high SPF.

Keep alert for local weather conditions. Check to see if any warning signs or flags are posted.

Remember your pet. They are not used to all the fireworks, so keep them inside.

Grill safely. Before you use your grill, make sure all hoses are secure and leak-free. Never grill inside. Keep grill away for al structures.

Fireworks Safety

• Never try to make your own fireworks.
• Light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
• Only use legal store-bought fireworks.
• Don't point sparklers or fireworks at yourself or others.
• Make sure spectators are out of range before lighting fireworks.
• Always keep matches and lighter fluid far away from fireworks.
• Read labels and carefully follow directions.
• Only light fireworks on the ground and in areas that are dry and fire-resistant.
• Don't attempt to light multiple devices at the same time.
• Never allow young children to handle fireworks or sparklers.
• Teach children to "stop, drop, and roll" if their clothes catch fire.
• Always keep a portable fire extinguisher close by. Also, keep a water hose or buckets of water nearby to put out fires.

 
 

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

 

​Many people think insurance is a bit dry. Well we want to help change that. Here are some interesting insurance facts you may not have thought of.

• Starbucks pays more for employee health insurance than it pays for coffee.
• Although the concept of insurance can be traced back to ancient civilizations, the first known insurance contract was signed in 1347 in Genoa, Italy.
• Did you know a few homeowner policies provide coverage for Kidnap and Ransom?
• The most expensive insurance policy in the world belongs to the American director Steven Spielberg, his life was insured for $ 1.2 billion.
• Your driving record can predict how long you will live.  Research shows people with no tickets or accidents live longer on average regardless of the type of death.
• Your home insurance probably covers volcano and meteor damage
• If a tree from your property falls and damages your neighbor’s fence, whose insurance do you think pays for the damage? Do you think it would be your insurance or your neighbor’s insurance?   It’s your neighbor’s insurance.  Why?  The reason is that this is considered an Act of God.  Unless you were aware the tree was in danger of falling, it’s your neighbor’s insurance that is on the hook.

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. 

Our agency truly values 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.

We can help you determine the right homeowner’s insurance coverage
Every year there are many new homeowners who look to us for help with their first home. Understand homeowner’s insurance can bring stress and misunderstanding, and we are here to help you find the right combination of coverage, price, and service.
We find most first-time home buyers may not understand what is covered and not covered under a typical home insurance policy. Many times the mortgage company will require insurance, and the homeowner won’t question the coverage specifics. But it is just a minimum requirement for what you are purchasing. If you are an uninformed buyer, you might not address every possible scenario that might be covered by another policy.
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Keys to understanding your home insurance policy

• Talk to an agent who can out the coverage you actually need.
• Ask about policy exclusions.
• Read your policy.
• Understand the difference between insurance and just mortgage insurance.
• Ask about coverage for fences, landscaping, and other outbuildings.
• Consider insurance for loss of use and extra expense.
• Do you have guns, jewelry, art, or other collectibles?

A good agent will be willing to meet with you to review all your questions and provide the coverage you need.
 
 

​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.  

Insurance For High Net Worth Individuals
Personal Insurance; A safety Net For High Net Worth People
There are many benefits to having been blessed with wealth. You may have a vacation home, boat, plane, or get to travel the world. But individuals with high net worth have increased risks that need to be managed. Personal insurance policies created for high net worth individuals can have much higher limits than average policies, providing the adequate coverage high net worth individuals need for more expensive homes and automobiles, as well as valuable collections, yachts, and aviation.

One-way, high net worth insurance responds to this challenge is by bringing multiple areas of coverage and expertise together into a comprehensive insurance solution based on your individual needs.  Many “standard” personal insurance policies have limitations that create the need for a different personal insurance approach.
We can offer specific coverage for the following risks:

• Foreign travel
• Expensive art or gun collections
• Expensive jewelry
• Private aviation
• A greater amount of cash in the home
• Expensive or custom vehicles
• Watercraft that are not covered under a normal policy
• Hired staff
• Custom homes with unique or one of a kind construction
• Homes in foreign countries
• Involvement in charities that create new risks
• Custom furniture or other personal items
• Imported fixtures

Affluent individuals often choose a personal umbrella policy, which provides expanded coverage and increased protection of their assets beyond what is provided under homeowner’s and auto insurance policies. Navigating the insurance maze can certainly be challenging. But it’s important to have the right amount of insurance coverage if you want to preserve the wealth you’re working so hard to build.

​Strive Insurance Group, Inc. is a full-service independent insurance agency that has been serving insurance customers since 1984 (formerly Gordon Lund Insurance). Don't worry, nothing has changed, but our name. We are licensed in Texas, California and Missouri. 

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.

Our team of agents works very hard to make sure your premiums are as competitive as possible. There are many ways in which we help our clients keep insurance costs down. We also believe that it is equally important to have the right kind of coverage that meets your needs at a competitive price. 

Are you paying too much for your personal insurance? If you believe you are paying too much for your current insurance coverage, then the following suggestions may help you save money:

Auto Insurance Savings Tips

Ask about discounts
Most insurance companies offer discounts. While the availability of discounts will vary depending on your insurer, where you live, and whether you meet eligibility, make sure to ask if there are any discounts you can take advantage of.

Drive safely
OK, this one is obvious but true. Drivers with no accidents, tickets, or insurance claims, almost always pay less for their auto insurance coverage.

Good Grades 
Most insurance companies offer discounts to student drivers who have good grades.

Remove or reduce coverage on older vehicles.
If your car is getting up there in age, you may want to think about dropping the collision or comprehensive coverage (or both) on your policy.

Bundle your Services with one Agent 
Bundling your home and auto with the same agent often provides efficiencies in time and money.
 
Home Insurance Savings Tips

Raise your deductible
A deductible is the amount of money that you are responsible for paying toward an insured loss. The higher your deductible, the more money you can save on your premium.

Make your home more secure
Invest in a home security system. Having a smoke detector, burglar alarm or deadbolt locks on your home can earn you a 5% discount, depending on your insurer.

Bundle your insurance
Bundling auto and home insurance with the same company typically saves you 5% to 15% on your homeowners premium, according to data from the Insurance Information Institute. Again depending on your insurer.
 
Make improvements to your home
Updating your roof, furnace, water heater, or windows can help reduce your insurance cost.

If you're a homeowner, your premiums could be quietly costing you more money than they should. The good news is that insurers provide relatively easy-to-obtain discounts that can shave money off your homeowner’s insurance premium.

Strive Insurance Group, Inc. is a full-service independent insurance agency that has been serving insurance customers since 1984 (formerly Gordon Lund Insurance). Don't worry, nothing has changed, but our name. We are licensed in Texas, California and Missouri. ​
 

As a homeowner, you carry homeowner's insurance to protect yourself in case of damage to your home. A devastating storm can leave flooding waters, property damage, and personal injuries in its wake. Perhaps one of the least expected dangers that follow a storm is fraudulent contractors.

After recent storms and major disasters, a few unscrupulous contractors use a trick to defraud homeowners every year - convincing them to sign away their rights through an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) form.  Most contractors are professional, and will do what is right. But there are some who follow major disasters and try to take advantage of you.

A contractor or repair company representative will often tell you that an Assignment of Benefits or "AOB" form is necessary for them to do work on your home. They may promise it will make the process easier for you as it will allow them to "handle everything." They might even offer to lower or eliminate your deductible if you sign the form immediately.

Don't allow contractors to start work before the damage is assessed by your insurer. Most importantly, don't sign an AOB form. We are here for you and can help you navigate the claims process and avoid contractor abuse and fraud.

• Use well know contractors
• Ask for a written contract
• Ask to see proof of insurance and licensing from the contractor
• Make sure your agent and insurance company is involved. 
• Have your claims adjuster inspect all damage?

​Call our office for help, we are here to serve you. 

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.