Summer is the time when many homeowners start to think about and plan for, various home remodeling projects. If you are thinking about updating your kitchen, putting on that new roof, or even landscape projects, it pays to do some pre-planning. Whatever the project, you need to protect yourself from the financial risks and hazards associated with a home remodel project.

• What’s your project? Are you looking to remodel one room or make minor updates to a small space? The type of project determines whether you’ll need a general contractor or someone more specialized.
• Check-in with your local homebuilders’ association. You’ll be able to search contractors within your area and put together a list of potentials.
• Get referrals. Ask your friends, family, and coworkers who they’ve worked within the past. They may have a great contractor you haven’t heard of — or know of a few you should stay away from.
• Prepare ahead. Compile a list of reputable contractors before you need one. The stress of an emergency repair might impair your judgment.
• Get multiple estimates. If the price is a big concern, checking with only one contractor won’t guarantee you the best price. But the cheapest estimate also doesn’t ensure the best work. If you have the time, try and get a second or third quote.

If you plan on hiring a contractor, you should consider these tips to help make sure your project is completed the way you want. 

• Plan on permit costs from your local government. 
• Ask contractors about their experience with your specific project. 
• Make sure the contractor is licensed. You can usually go to the State Contractors Board for this information. 
• Provide the contractor with guidelines for working in and around your home. 
• Check local directories for recommendations. Yelp can be a good resource. 
• Be specific in your project; this would include type of products used and even brands you desire. 
• It is ok to get more than one bid.
• The lowest price may not be the best quality.
• Always have a written agreement with your contractor. It should include a timeline and competition date.
• Never pay 100% upfront. It is customary to pay one third down, one third as you go and one third upon completion. 
• Go visit other homes on which the contractor has worked. 
• Make sure the contractor has liability and worker’s compensation insurance. 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. Ask for a certificate of insurance. 

When you buy insurance, whether it’s for your home, your car or your business, you want an advocate who will properly assess the risks you face and give you an objective analysis of the marketplace, it’s up to you to make the final choice.
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Our team of agents continually pursues additional professional education and certifications. It is our goal to ‘wow' you with the best service every time you call

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.

 
 

An Insurance Update
Most people have some gaps in their personal insurance coverage. We do our best to help our clients understand where these are and provide solutions so that these gaps don’t exist. Having an independent agent help, you find the right kind of personal insurance for you can go a long way in providing you with peace of mind.
Personal insurance is complex, and we are here to help you understand the complex, so you have made an informed and educated decision.

What are Insurance gaps?
Insurance gaps can be areas where you thought there was coverage, but in reality, there is not. It may be that the coverage is not available or is too expensive or you just did not know about it. Gaps can occur if you have more than one agent handling your personal insurance. Between your home, auto, RV or personal umbrella there might be times when one agent thought the other was taking care of the issue. Insurance gaps can include:
•    Flood insurance
•    Identity theft
•    Earthquake
•    Sewer back-up
•    Auto insurance limit issues
•    Your home is undervalued
•    Lack of a personal umbrella
•    Limited coverage for other drivers on your auto policy.
 
These are just a few of the personal insurance issues that can create real problems for you. Call our office for a free review.  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.
 
 

Your landscaper falls from your tree while he is pruning it, and the injuries send him to the hospital.  His medical bills are about $5,000 and he does not have any insurance. Will your homeowner's insurance cover you if the worker decides to file a lawsuit?
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Most homeowners do not fully understand that they could be liable for damages from a maid, landscaper, or contractor if they are injured on the homeowner’s property.  Homeowner’s insurance is designed to cover you for losses to third parties when you are responsible for the injury.  Homeowner’s insurance does not cover business operations.

How to make sure you are protected

• Make sure all contractors have liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
• Understand the difference between an employee and contractor.
• When it comes to coverage for home workers, every homeowner's insurance policy is different. Your policy may include a provision that provides limited coverage for minor workers performing lawn mowing or other tasks that require the use of power tools on your property.
• Your homeowner’s insurance policy may specifically exclude domestic workers such as nannies or maids.
• If you discover that your homeowner's policy offers limited or no liability coverage for workers, you may consider purchasing additional liability insurance. 

Summer is here for most of us, which means getting outside, traveling, playing sports, and completing home improvement projects. But spring and summer can be dangerous. Here are some of the most common claims that occur in spring and summer.

• BBQ fires
• Boating accidents
• Car accidents
• Drownings
• Bike accidents
• Home burglary

Having the proper personal insurance can help if and when claims occur.

We can provide personal insurance options that fit your individual needs. That may mean a personal umbrella for added protection, competitive coverage for a vacation home, life insurance, disability insurance, or even mortgage protection coverage. It may also mean we advise you to increase your deductibles on older vehicles. If you have a custom home, we would recommend adding the feature to your homeowner’s insurance that is designed to provide the needed replacement coverage in the event of a loss. 

Home Insurance – Do you have true replacement cost coverage. Are you insuring your loss of use if your home were destroyed?

Auto Insurance – We recommend buying more than the state minimum requirements for liability coverage. The small additional premium can help protect your financial future. 

Motorcycle Insurance - 24-Hour Roadside Assistance, your bike breaks down in the middle of a long road trip. Count on roadside help with this coverage
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Watercraft Insurance - Protect your watercraft and trailer, including options for agreed value and emergency services.
 
 
 

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.
 
 

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.

 

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.

The winter months present a number of potential headaches for the homeowner, including ice dams.  Ice dams are dams of ice that form on roofs and cause water to back up. Ice dams form when the snow that touches the roof melts, and then that water freezes again before running off your roof.

Gutters are not the only place where ice dams form. Blocked or clogged gutters can fill with ice and provide the foundation for an ice dam.
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Ice Dam Prevention

• Perform regular maintenance on your roof and gutters.
• Keep your heating system well maintained.
• Heated cables can equalize the temperature on your roof, which can prevent unequal melting that causes ice dams.
• Protect your roof by installing water and ice shield under the shingles at the edges of your roof, chimney and skylights, and around any vents.
• Steaming away ice dams is a professional only option because it requires commercial steaming equipment that heats water and dispenses it under pressure.
• The best way to address the problem of recurring ice dams is to improve the insulation and ventilation in your attic.
• Remove snow with a long-handled roof rake.
• Seal around electrical cables and vent pipes with a fire-stop sealant.