One of the most important financial decisions you will make is insuring your home. This important decision can’t be done on the internet in 7 minutes, because your home can go up in flames in less than 10 minutes and you might be left with a large un-insured loss.

Buying Homeowners Insurance--The Right Way

1. Use an independent agent. We will search the market for the best coverage value for you.  Do you know that some insurers don’t like older homes, while others do? Do you also know that some insurers give certain discounts that others don’t? We know how to give you the best value.
2. Read your policy. It is important that you know what your policy covers. We can certainly answer any questions you have, but it pays to review your coverage.
3. Talk with us about your coverage needs. You may travel frequently, have many toys like ATV or boats, or you may have expensive jewelry; all these life style choices need to be considered when selecting homeowners insurance.
4. Have you completed any home improvement projects? Did you add a bathroom, enlarge your deck, or add a media room?  Home improvement projects may require an update to your policy.  
5. Often adding other coverage like auto, boat or RV to combine coverage will gain a better cost advantage.
6. Having a home security system or home sprinkler system often will help lower premiums.

We all want to save money, especially on our home insurance. However, you must know how to get a good rate without compromising on coverage. By talking to us and discussing the coverages needed for your home, you will be able to receive the best possible combination of coverage, price and service.

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. ​

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 moving into Hurricane season and we to remind you of how important it is to have the right kind of insurance and to be prepared. Hurricanes bring two big problems: water and wind. Depending on where you live, you may need to buy these separate policies in order to cover hurricane damage:

• Flood insurance: No homeowner’s insurance policy will cover floods, including water from a storm surge. To get coverage, you’ll need flood insurance.
• Windstorm insurance: Homeowners insurance policies in some hurricane-prone states won’t pay for windstorm damage. If you live in one of these states and want coverage, buy a separate windstorm insurance policy.

Here are some basic emergency preparedness suggestions to include in your planning process.

• Create a family communication plan for children and adults to have. Put copies in children's backpack and in your wallet or purse.
• Flood insurance is not covered under your homeowner’s policy. While hurricanes are generally covered, if a flood ensues later, it may not be covered. You will need a separate flood policy.
• Install hurricane shutters.
• Prune all trees around your home.
• Keep a mobile emergency kit in your car.
• Monitor radio and local TV stations for evacuation orders. Act without delay to avoid traffic.
• Assemble/replenish disaster supplies kit: FEMA recommends three days of food and water for each member of the household, including pets. You can assemble a kit yourself, or purchase a pre-assembled kit online or from many local stores.  Store items in your household designated safe location.
• Discuss with your family the safe locations for shelter in the places you are likely to spend time: home, school, work, place of worship, etc.
• Find out your vulnerability to flooding, wind, and storm surges, and whether you live in a mandatory evacuation zone. Visit the FloodSmart.gov website to see updated flood maps.

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. 

For many people, standard insurance products like home, auto, life, and personal umbrella insurance are adequate to protect their families and their assets.  However, for high net-worth individuals there is much more to consider.  
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People with a high net-worth need to look at insurance in a different way than others do.  No longer are they trying just to insure a home or car, but instead they should be protecting their many assets through insurance.  High net-worth individuals also have a different lifestyle that creates new risks that should be managed.  Affluent individuals have unique property and casualty insurance needs due to their exposure to risk and to the types of assets they own.  Individuals with money become targets when anything goes wrong.  It is important not only to insure your property and other tangible assets, but also to protect your financial wealth.  Here are some of the products and solutions that may help high net-worth individuals protect themselves and their assets.

Personal Umbrella Coverage
High net-worth individuals need a competitive personal umbrella insurance policy with a limit of at least one million dollars.  In some cases, depending on your wealth, you may need liability limits of up to five million dollars.  A personal umbrella is able to go over many different insurance policies, and help protect assets with defense coverage as well.

Domestic Employees Insurance
Individuals who employ cooks, housekeepers, nannies or others to work in their homes need to have insurance coverage for their employees.  Having this kind of insurance helps protect you if your employee sues you for damages.  It is also important to carry workers’ compensation insurance on your staff.  This policy may also cover certain medical expenses that may be paid to the employee, and can help to replace any wages lost.

Coverage For Wine
Many high net-worth people have wine collections.  A standard homeowner’s policy may not be adequate to respond to a loss.  Wine insurance can cover the entire dollar amount of the wine with a limit for each bottle.

Fine Art Insurance And Other Collections
Fine art insurance can cover the full market value, or appraised value, on any art you own.  Most standard homeowner’s insurance policies have limitations on the amount of coverage offered.  Fine art insurance also covers the art when it is purchased; even it is away from your home. Here are other items you may need to insure.

• Precious jewelry
• Fine art
• Musical instruments
• Rare postage stamps and coins
• Sports memorabilia
• Fine china and silverware
• High-end electronics
• Other antiques and collectibles

 Property Coverage for High-End Homes
High-end homes often have unique construction that requires special property insurance coverage.  Custom construction drives the replacement cost higher.  It is very important to have full replacement coverage that addresses all the custom and unique types of property in the home.

Coverage for Home-Based Businesses
Many high net-worth individuals operate home-based businesses.  A standard homeowner’s insurance policy will not cover this risk.  A commercial insurance policy is needed to protect the risks of operating a home-based business adequately.

Serving on For-Profit and Non-Profit Boards
Many high net-worth individuals serve on for-profit and non-profit boards.  Some of these positions have indemnification and insurance included with serving on the board. However, some do not adequately protect the individual, and a separate policy is needed.

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 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. 

Spring Brings the Need for Safety

Now that the weather is changing, many of us are heading outside to have some fun or start the home improvement projects that we have been planning for all winter.  However, before the outdoor fun begins, please remember to do it safely.  Every year, more than 60,000 people are treated in emergency rooms for lawn-mower injuries.

Stay Safe While Having Fun
As you plan your spring activities, remember these safety tips:

• If you are going on a bike ride, be sure to wear a helmet.  Verify that the helmet sits level on top of the head–not rocking in any direction–and always fasten the safety strap.
• When using a barbecue grill, always be sure to leave sufficient space between the grill and your home’s siding and eaves.
• Keep children and pets far away from the grill.
• With gas grills, be sure that the hose connection is tight and check hoses carefully for leaks.
• If you own a pool, install a pool alarm to detect accidental or unauthorized entrance into the water.  Always have an adult in the area when children are using the pool.  Limit use of alcohol when enjoying your pool.
• It is a good idea to do a safety inspection on all play structures, including tree houses.  Inspect play structures for sharp screws, bolts, or nails.  Make sure the swing set is on a level area and the legs are properly anchored.
• Do not leave tools or sharp objects in the back yard.

Stay Safe While Completing Work Projects

• Spring is a good time to complete an inspection of all motorized equipment to make sure they are in good working order.
• Always wear protective eye gear, shoes, and long pants when using gardening power tools to protect your eyes, legs, and feet from flying rocks and debris.
• Never start your projects when you are tired. Fatigue can cause severe injuries with accidental slippage while using a dangerous power tool.
• If you are digging around your yard, verify that there are no electrical or gas lines in the area.
• Remember that your body may not be used to heat, so if it is hot be careful not to get dehydrated or even heat stroke.  Hydrate yourself on a regular basis.

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.

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.
 

Included in most homeowners, condo-owners, and renters insurance policies is coverage for the contents of your home.  However, do you know how much coverage you would need if you had to replace everything in your house?  Would you know what you had in each room of your home in the event of a claim?  Would you be able to remember every item you have accumulated over the years if they were all gone?  Recent survey results show 65 percent of homeowners have not made a list or inventory of their possessions. 

Creating and updating an inventory of your personal possessions is one of the best ways to make the most of your homeowners or renters insurance, and it makes filing a claim easier and more efficient.  If your home is damaged or totally lost due to a fire or other event, having a home inventory will help you recover all your personal property with the least amount of time and stress.

Creating a personal home inventory helps in calculating how much your personal property is worth.  Knowing this ensures that you have an accurate value to insure.  If you have too little coverage, you would not have enough funds to replace lost property, and if you have too much coverage, you are paying higher premiums than you need to pay.

How to Create a Home Inventory
 
Creating a home inventory is actually simple these days thanks to technology.  Here are a few tips.

• Create a digital record of every room. While you are videoing, describe each item and identify a replacement cost.
• It may be useful to categorize clothing. For example, 10 pairs of men’s pants, 12 tee-shirts, 6 pairs of Nike shoes, etc.
• Make sure you focus on high end items like jewelry, guns, computers and art work.
• If you have expensive art or other items, it would be good to have it appraised.
• Update the inventory from time to time.
• Keep the inventory in a safe or at a secondary location. It can even be stored in the cloud.

 ​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.

As our country continues to manage through the COVID-19 crises, we thought it might be useful to take some time to remind you of the importance of your personal insurance during this time.  The coronavirus pandemic won’t affect your auto or homeowner’s insurance too much, but there are a few coverages that could be impacted because of the temporary lifestyle change.

• Do not cancel your auto insurance just because you are temporarily not driving.  Auto insurance is required by law.  If you are looking for ways to save money on your auto insurance, give us a call.
• If you are working remotely via computer, there should be no issues with your homeowners or renter’s insurance.  However, this is true as long as there are no customers coming to your home.  If you are running a business from your home, you will need business insurance.  We are happy to help you with this. 
• If you have a claim, we are open, as are the insurers.  Give us a call, and we will be ready to help you. Your policy has toll-free claim numbers to help you get the process going.
• Many insurance companies are offering relaxed payment terms.  We suggest you contact them directly if you feel you may miss a payment. Of course, you can always contact our office to assist you.
• Be aware of credit card and cyber scams. Unfortunately, criminals have ramped up their efforts during this crisis.  The fraud ranges from false claims of cures and treatments for the coronavirus to fake charities attempting to soliciting money to help those suffering.
• As we all have so much time at home, now is a good time to complete a home inventory of your personal property.  Creating and updating an inventory of your personal possessions is one of the best ways to make the most of your homeowners or renters insurance, and it makes filing a claim easier and more efficient.  If your home is damaged or totally lost due to a fire or other event, having a home inventory will help you recover all your personal property with the least amount of time and stress.
• Life insurance should not be affected because of COVID-19.  If you already have life insurance, you are covered, and a company cannot make changes to a policy that is already active.  If you do not currently have coverage, however, your application may be affected.  Keep in mind that each life insurance company is handling the pandemic differently.  It is important to have us shop your life insurance to make sure the company you choose meets your needs.

 
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.

Many people are planning a home remodeling project for the spring or summer.  These projects may include a new backyard, kitchen or addition for the expanding family. Whatever the project, you need to protect yourself from the financial risks and hazards associated with a home remodel project.

If you are planning on hiring a contractor or construction company to help you with your project, keep these tips in mind. Following these guidelines will help reduce your risk and increase your chances for a successful, and hopefully stress-free, project.
1.    Before you hire a contractor ask for references. The Better Business Bureau is a good place to start.
2.    Know what you want and have a specific list of products, including the brands. For example, if you want a furnace, be specific about the type and brand. There are many brands; some good and some not so good.
3.    Always have a written contract with a competition date.
4.    Go visit other homes on which the contractor has worked.
5.    Some contractors may ask for100% of the payment upfront. Never do this. A small (10% to 15% upfront is normal)

Bonus Tip: Make sure the contractor is insured. Ask for a certificate of insurance for general liability and workers compensation.

Homeowner’s Insurance
If you are increasing the value of your home as a result of the remodel, you will need to make adjustments in your homeowner’s insurance limits. Your homeowner’s insurance will not cover the contractor or his work. If the contractor causes damage to your home, you will want their insurance to provide restoration.

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. ​