How To Celebrate July Fourth Safely
Fireworks during the Fourth of July are as American as apple-pie, but did you know that two out of five fires reported on that day are started by fireworks, more than for any other cause? So you think it cannot happen to you? Here are a few facts:
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In 2018 over 9,800 people went to the emergency room as a result of fireworks related injuries. There were an estimated 15,700 reported fires started by fireworks. These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported deaths, and $32 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!
 
Fireworks Safety Tips
 

• Buy fireworks only from licensed vendors
• Never combine fireworks
• Obey all local laws
• Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting
• Follow directions
• Never relight a firework
• Don’t smoke or drink while lighting fireworks
• Soak used fireworks in water before placing in trash 
• Make sure there is parental supervision
• Never experiment with homemade fireworks
• Use fireworks outdoors, in a safe area away from dry grass and buildings
• Keep a fire extinguisher, bucket of water, wet towels and a garden hose nearby
• Light one firework at a time - then move back quickly!
• Never shoot fireworks from metal or glass containers
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket
• Never point or throw fireworks at people or animals
• Clean up all used fireworks including debris

 “Fireworks and celebrations go together, especially during the Fourth of July and year end celebrations. Remember, fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious burn and eye injuries. You can help us prevent fireworks-related injuries and deaths” Consumer Products Safety Commission.

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.
Enjoy the holiday; we live in a great country, happy birthday America!

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.
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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.

Personal Insurance Update
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This time of year, many recent high school graduates are preparing for their next phase of life.  Their plans may include heading off to college in another city or state.  One of the most important things they will need at school is something that doesn’t have to be packed at all – the right insurance coverage. Here is a list of some of the items you should consider before your child heads off to the University.

Insurance Coverage for College Students

Personal property - Depending on the value, items like clothes and computers should be covered under your homeowner’s policy.  However, if your student has an expensive computer, smart phone, tablet, jewelry, or other items, you might not be covered.  Most homeowner’s policies have limitations on items valued at over $1,200.  This will depend on your individual policy, so we recommend contacting your independent agent.

Auto – If your student is taking a car to college, make sure your agent knows of the address change.  This can actually save you money depending on the location.  As a full-time student, your child may qualify for a Good Student Discount (if he maintains a grade point average of 3.0 or higher).

Health insurance - Children can remain on your health policy until the age of 26.  Many colleges will offer student health insurance at a very reasonable cost.

Persona Liability - This coverage is provided anywhere the student goes, inside the U.S.A.  Your student would be covered under your current homeowner’s policy, or even a renter’s policy, if one is in place.

Everyone has seen insurance advertisements that feature a lizard, a man who creates trouble, and a wacky woman in white trying to sell you insurance.  These ads may be entertaining, but how in the world can you really tell these companies apart?  What are the differences?  Is one company really better than any other?  Will the coverage, price, and service meet my needs?

There are two distinct kinds of agents in the United States; Independent agents/brokers, and direct writers.  Let’s define these for you.

Independent Agents
An independent agency is a business that is owned and operated by local business professionals.  Some larger agencies may have a board of directors and many partners, but usually the ownership is local and independent.  These agents offer many different insurance products through many different insurance companies.  Independent agents sell the products that most appropriately meet the needs of their clients. Independent agents typically are very well trained and knowledgeable of the complexities of the insurance market and insurance law.

Most independent agents have multiple companies from which to shop your insurance needs.  This makes it more likely that they will find the exact fit for your specific situation. It also allows for greater competition, which benefits their clients.

The goal of the independent agent is to provide their clients with the best possible combination of coverage, price, and service.  For example, independent agents have experience in understanding what services insurance companies provide and are able to match unique services with client needs. Not all insurance companies are alike.

Direct Writers
A direct writer is an agent who distributes policies for only one insurance company.  Direct writers are agents paid by the insurance company and cannot utilize the entire insurance market.

If your roof needed replacement would you go to just one roofer for a quote?  Would you hire a roofer because their ads are funny?  Wouldn’t it make good financial sense to go to more than one roofer to get options and pricing comparisons?

The True Value of Your Agent
The value of the insurance you buy truly is established when, and if, you have a claim.  Independent agents advise and help clients through the claim process. Our job is to find you the best possible combination of coverage, price, and insurance.  Independent agents/brokers work for the customer, direct writers work for the company.  Enough said!
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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.

Stop Porch Pirates This Holiday Season
The holiday season is filled with fun, parties, food, gift, overeating and unfortunately some risk. One of the fasted growing risks for many people is stolen packages by porch pirates. According to proopertycasualtiy360, over 26 million packages are stolen during the holiday season. Need more bad news?
Your homeowners or renter’s insurance generally may not cover this loss as it tends to be under your deductible. There could be coverage if you have personal property off premises insurance. Also for theft coverage to apply generally, you need proof of loss by a broker indoor, etc. Call our office for a review of your homeowner’s insurance, as each policy is unique to your circumstances.

Things To Do

• Delivery confirmation is a good way to prove the package was delivered.
• Thieves will follow delivery trucks, waiting for the perfect target.
• These thieves commonly strike during working hours as many homes are empty at that time.
• You can insure your packages.
• Consider having a person there when the delivery is scheduled.
• Install a security camera.

High Tech Solutions
There are a few high tech solutions to consider.

• Landport or BoxLock provides a delivery box on your porch that has an electronic lock.
• Amazon Key, which has a fairly simple premise: When a delivery arrives at your house, and you’re not home, the courier scans a barcode that sends a request to Amazon’s cloud. If it’s approved Amazon remotely unlocks your door and starts recording video through the online retailer’s Cloud Cam.
• Install a front door camera. Many shippers will not replace the item with this kind of device.

What To Do If A Package Is Stolen

• Track your package. Check the delivery confirmation and tracking number.
• Make sure a neighbor did not pick it up for you.
• Contact the seller. Different retailers have different policies and processes for handling stolen items, but usually, you are entitled to a refund or a replacement item.
• File a claim with the shipping company.
• Check your Credit Cards for Purchase Protection.

​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

A Personal Insurance Update
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As you consider buying your first or second home, it pays to have a good understanding of just what you are getting into when it comes to home ownership. Here are a few tips for you to think about before you make that move.

• If you rent now, it would be good to have renter’s insurance. Even if it for a short period, renter’s insurance can cover certain losses during the move.
• When looking for a home consider things like the distance of the house to the nearest fire station and are there fire hydrants in your neighborhood?
• Think about the age of the house as some older home can be very costly to replace.
• If you are building a house, does it make sense to install sprinklers
• Is the location in a flood zone or prone to flooding?
• Is the area in an earthquake zone?
• Check with the local police to see the crime rate of the neighborhood.
• Always have your home inspected before you commit to buy.

Don’t wait until the last minute to think about homeowner’s insurance and don’t be shy about asking for estimates on more than one house. Ask if the house will qualify, and get an estimate of the premium. Call our office, and we can help you understand how these and other items will affect your homeowner’s insurance costs.

Choosing the right coverage for your home may depend on a number of factors. You generally need enough insurance to cover the cost of rebuilding your home and replacing your personal possessions. The homeowner's policy also provides liability insurance to defend you in the event of a lawsuit.

As our name implies, we strive to make your insurance experience positive. We understand you have many options when it comes to getting personal insurance, so we are going to strive to give you first class customer service you deserve.
 

Homeowners need to be aware of their home’s replacement cost, as this value is what will determine any claim settlement. Replacement cost is the actual cost to replace any personal property or structure to its pre-loss condition. Replacement cost can change from year to year, regardless of real estate trends.

How To Determine Your Replacement Cost
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Personal property
The most important thing you can do to determine the replacement values of your personal property is to create a home inventory.

• 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, guns or collections, 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.

Your Home
Having an accurate replacement cost is critical in having the right amount of insurance.

• Get an estimate or appraisal of the replacement cost of your home.
• Talk to a new home builder in your area.
• Determine the square foot construction cost (new) in your area and multiply by your home’s square footage.
• Your insurance agent will have resources for you.

We all want our family vacations to go perfectly, but even with the best intentions, things can happen.  Ticket mishaps, delays, schedule changes, auto accidents, and more can cause your vacation to be ruined. Your personal insurance program can be expanded to include travel and accident insurance. Call our office for a free review.

Vacation Pre-Planning
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A little work in advance can help reduce the likelihood of bad things happening on your vacation.  Here are some things to consider before you leave home:

• Make sure all your insurance is paid and up to date.  Having your auto insurance lapse due to non-payment would not be a good thing while you are driving to Disneyworld.
• Do not take all your credit cards with you.  Take only the ones you will need.
• Create an itinerary of where you are planning to be and on what date. Give this to a neighbor or relative.
• Make copies of passports if traveling out of the country. Give a copy to a relative or friend.
• Never wear anything that projects affluence (i.e. gold chains, expensive watches, rings, high-end luggage, or other paraphernalia).  It is best to leave your expensive jewelry at home.
• Never put your home address on your luggage tags. Write your phone number instead.
• Wait until you get home to post your vacation pictures on social media. Facebook is a goldmine for burglars.
• Always lock your car, and never leave anything of value inside.
• Do not use wireless networks in cafes or coffee shops.
• Be aware of animals.  In some foreign countries, people will place a monkey on your shoulder and make you to pay to get it off!
• You will need special auto insurance if you plan to drive into Mexico.
• Separate your money so your spouse has a portion and you keep a portion.
• Do you really want your first motorcycle ride to be in Mexico? Do not rent equipment or vehicles with which you are not familiar.

 
We offer commercial and personal insurance to ensure that you are protected from catastrophe.  Our staff is dedicated to providing all of our clients with complete coverage at the best rates our companies can offer.  Our years of experience and education allow us to guide our clients in making well-informed decisions regarding their insurance needs.
 
 

 A Home Insurance Review
Have you ever stopped to think about all the things that could cause damage to your home and personal property? Probably not, but we think about your personal insurance coverage every day. Your homeowner’s insurance is designed to protect you from claims that can come from many different events. We can design a homeowner’s insurance product that fits your individual needs. Here are a few of the kinds of events that can be covered under your roof.
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Damage To Your Home Can Include

• Fire and smoke damage
• Lightning strikes
• Falling objects
• Explosion
• Vandalism and malicious mischief
• Theft
• Windstorms and hail
• The weight of ice, snow or sleet
• Water damage
• Damage from an aircraft, car or vehicle

What is Not Covered Under Your Roof
A standard homeowner’s insurance policy will not cover; earthquake, flood, wear and tear, damage from animals, mold, acts of war, government actions, tenant damage, defective work, plus others.

Personal Property
Your homeowner’s insurance can also cover your personal belongings. This might include; clothes, furniture, and other items.

Do You Have A Leak In Your Roof?
Do you have coverage for additional living expenses if you are required to move out of your home while it is being repaired? If you own guns, art, or other collections, you may need additional coverage. Is your expensive jewelry covered while away from your home? If you don’t know the answers to these questions, call us today.

If you have the right kind of homeowners insurance, a loss like this should be covered.  However, we always recommend you call our team to have a review of your personal insurance program.
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As our name implies, we strive to make your insurance experience positive. We understand you have many options when it comes to getting personal insurance, so we are going to strive to give you first class customer service you deserve.

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

1. Use an independent agent like us to represent you in the market.  We know and understand personal insurance, and we are much better equipped to help you manage your personal insurance program.  We will stand by you in every claim situation.

2. Only use financially strong insurers.  It is vital that your insurance is there to pay for claims.  Look for insurers with an “A” rating by AM Best.

3. Make sure you have high liability limits.  It is essential that every homeowner have enough liability insurance to cover the unexpected events.  This is especially true if you own an RV, ATV or boat.

4. Consider increasing your deductibles.  Often a slight increase in your deductibles can reduce premiums.  If you are able to manage a larger deductible, you may be better off in the end.
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5. Allow your agent to manage your entire personal insurance needs. Having one source for all your policies will save you time.  Also having one professional handle all your needs gives them the ability to understand your entire needs.

As our name implies, we strive to make your insurance experience positive. We understand you have many options when it comes to getting personal insurance, so we are going to strive to give you first class customer service you deserve.
Strive Insurance Group, Inc. is a full-service independent insurance agency that has been serving the insurance needs of the Dallas area since 1984 (formerly Gordon Lund Insurance). Don't worry, nothing has changed, but our name. In addition to having a presence in the Dallas and North Texas area, we have also expanded to Austin and Central Texas with agent representation and the same professional service.