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. ​

The Holidays are almost upon us, and if you have been to any department store, the sounds of Christmas are ringing out. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, over 400 homes are destroyed annually by causes related to Christmas tree fires. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission hospital emergency rooms treat over 12,900 people each year for injuries such as falls, cuts and shocks related to holiday lights, decorations and Christmas trees. Before you put up the lights or cut down the tree, we wanted to provide you with a few safety reminders to keep you and your family safe this holiday season.

The Tree

• Keep Christmas Trees Fresh; water regularly.
• Keep trees away from heat sources.
• Take Christmas trees down before January.
• Do not burn the trees in your fireplace.
• Avoid placing breakable tree ornaments, or ones with small detachable parts, on lower branches where small children or pets can reach them.
• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label "Fire Resistant”.

Lights

• Only use lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory.
• Never string together more lights than are recommended by the manufacturer.
• Make sure extension cords are rated for the intended use.
• Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use.
• Turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house.
• If you use a timer for your outdoor lights, make sure it is rated for outside use.
• Outdoor lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs)

Ladder Safety

• When putting up holiday decorations, always use the proper step stool or ladder to reach high places. Don’t stand on chairs, desks, or other furniture.
• A straight or extension ladder should be placed one foot away from the surface it rests against for every four feet of ladder height.
• Use ladders with slip-resistant feet.
• Never stand on top two steps.

Enjoy the season with family and friends, and never drink and drive. 

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. 

We know that reading an insurance policy can be tough. The insurance industry is working hard to make auto, home and business insurance policies easier to read. Most insurance policies are 40 to 60 pages, with lots of legal terms that are hard for even attorneys to understand. 
​
But the fact remains, it is very important that you read and understand your insurance policy. To help make the task easier for you, we offer this guide. 
Insurance Policy Reading Tips

Start With The “Declarations Page”

• Check all information to make sure it is correct.
• Review address, policy dates and names insured.
• Review limits to make sure they are what you ordered.
• Confirm premium information.
For Auto Policies, Check The “Vehicle Information”
• Is the correct vehicle identified?
• Verify the VIN number.
• Confirm the vehicle’s value.
• Review the list of drivers if they are identified.

The “Insuring Agreement”

This is the section where most of the key coverages will be found. Take time to review the various coverage and coverage terms.

​“The Exclusions”
It is very important to read this section as well. Typical examples of excluded perils under a homeowner’s policy are flood, earthquake, and wear and tear. A typical example of an excluded loss under an automobile policy is damage due to wear and tear. Business insurance exclusions can include employment liability, cyber liability, and criminal acts. 
“Definitions Section”

Every policy should include a Definitions Section to provide an explanation of certain language.

​We are your trusted partner. Call us to help you better understand your policy. We can help explain what is in your policy and more importantly, help make sure that you are appropriately protected for the future.

​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.

Tis The Season… For Problems

As we approach the holiday season, we thought it might be good to provide you with a few insurance tips on how to protect yourself and your family during this season. The holiday season usually sees an increase in homeowners and other personal types of accidents and claims. Here are a few examples.

Common Insurance Claims During The Holiday Season

• Damage to home as a result of holiday party mishaps
• Theft of personal property
• Identity theft
• Food poisoning and illness
• Stolen gifts out of mall parking lot
• House fires as a result of dry trees or candles
• Auto accidents due to rain or bad weather
• Drunk driving accidents
• Guests trip and fall claims during a holiday party
• Falling while decorating
• Winter sports activities
• Falling trees due to wind storms
• Ice and snow damages
• Travel mishaps

 
Identity Theft Increases during November and December

With more online shopping identity thieves target online shoppers. Criminals access public Wi-Fi systems to hack into your computer and smartphone.
Today, some homeowner insurance policies will either include or offer as an add-on, some type if identity theft coverage but in most cases, the coverage is limited. A stand-alone identity theft policy that is more comprehensive will typically contain the following benefits:

• Coverage for the named insured, spouse, and resident children
• Counseling with a licensed private investigator
• Data breach notifications
• Reimbursement for identity restoration costs
• Credit card activity alerts
• Bank account activity alerts
• Fictitious Identity Monitoring

Homeowners Insurance

A standard homeowner’s insurance policy can offer protection from many of the trips, spills, and holiday mishaps. If your home insurance is written properly it can offer insurance coverage for;

• Trips and falls
• Theft of personal property
• Personal liability risks for third party claims
• Theft of personal property from your vehicle
• Fire and other property damage
• Damage to your home as a result of a covered loss

Some homeowner’s insurance can offer a limited amount of identity theft protection. We do recommend you consider identity theft insurance, which can protect your online identity.

Renters or Condo Insurance
Renters insurance can also provide coverage during the holidays.

• Trips and falls
• Theft of personal property
• Personal liability risks for third party claims
• Theft of personal property from your vehicle
• Fire and other property damage not insured by the owner

Auto Insurance
Auto insurance can provide coverage for you and your passengers while driving during the holiday season. There is a variety of different auto coverage options to suit different people, family situations, financial statuses and more. While state law requires certain coverages and minimum limits, most drivers should carry much higher limits to protect themselves and family should an accident take place. The primary coverages included the following:

Collision Coverage – Covers the costs of repairs or replacement of a vehicle in the event of an accident.

Comprehensive Coverage – Pays for the costs and damages associated with events such as engine fires, hail damage, hitting a deer and other damages not caused by collision.

Bodily Injury Coverage – Provides financial compensation for injuries or death due to an auto accident, within the policy’s coverage limits.

Property Damage – Reimburses for damage to property, such as another vehicle, a fence, a building, and other types of features.

Let us help you by providing a free, no obligation, auto insurance quote, including various coverage options to choose from. We’ll help you identify the right insurance policy, and the best insurance company, to financially protect your car, truck, and other passenger vehicles. Call or fill out our online insurance quote request today.
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.
 

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Personal Insurance and Safety Update

Halloween is over and that means we are in the middle of the holiday season.  During the next 45 days, we will all be busy shopping, eating out, and traveling.  Thieves know that the police are overloaded during the holiday season, and they take full advantage it.  Burglars know that there are many expensive items in homes and cars during the holidays.

Your home or renter’s insurance will provide coverage for theft or loss if you have the coverage. Now would be a good time to call us for a free personal insurance review. Whether you are holiday shopping at the mall, online, or a little of both, keeping yourself and your personal information safe is important.  Here are a few holiday shopping safety tips:

Holiday Shopping Safety

• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Lock your shopping bags in your trunk.
• Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom.
• Never leave car doors unlocked or windows open.
• Always park in lighted areas. DO NOT park in remote areas.
• Shop with a friend.
• Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help in case your child is separated from you.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
• Keep receipts in your wallet or purse.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• As you return to your car, make sure to keep your car key in your hand.

 
We work to ensure that your personal insurance provides the protection you deserve and need.  We understand you may need different coverage like a 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.

Our trusted insurance professionals are here to help you with every step of the insurance process and can design a personal or commercial insurance policy to fit your needs. One of the insurance professionals will work closely with you to ensure that you receive individualized attention 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.

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.

Almost all of your personal property is insured under your homeowner's policy; however, most valuables have sublimit that leave might you severely underinsured. We are talking about; jewelry, guns, cameras, silverware, chins, sporting equipment, art, coin collections, wine, and other expensive items. The best way to protect your valuables is through a scheduled articles floater.
​
A scheduled articles floater is either a separate policy or a rider added to your homeowner's policy, depending on your carrier. A scheduled articles floater itemizes valuable items on your homeowner's policy and extends the policy's coverage to the items.
Why You Need The Coverage?
Typically, your homeowner's policy will cover your valuable items anywhere from $500 to $2500 and may include a deductible without any schedule; depending on the insurer. With a scheduled articles floater you can obtain coverage up to the replacement value of the item. Insurers will ask for a bill of sale or appraisal to verify the replacement value.

The primary reason why you should choose to purchase a scheduled articles floater is that it offers additional coverage not provided in your "normal" coverage. Accidental loss or damage is a coverage included under the personal articles floater. A missing stone in an engagement dropped down the drain or lost at the beach, would be typically be covered under a personal articles floater.

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.
Give us a call so we can provide you with options.