Electric Scooters
Electric scooters are popping up in cities across America, but they have been popular in Europe for years.  We are at the beginning of this new form of personal transportation, which creates a few questions regarding risk, liability, and insurance coverage.
 
Scooter usage Facts (Forbes)

• Only 4.4 % of riders wear helmets
• 80% of accidents are results of falling
• Head trauma is the most common type of injury 

Most cities do not have regulations or rules regarding scooters because they do not qualify as motor vehicles.  Some cities require a driver's license and helmet, but these are mostly on the honor system.  Users can rent a scooter then leave it anywhere they want, even in your front yard or in front of your business.
 
Insurance companies are busy trying to figure out who is liable in the event a scooter injures someone.  What if the scooter rider injures someone while on the job, will the injuries be covered under workers' compensation?  Will liability be the responsibility of the employer’s insurer?  Many insurance policies may not address scooters specifically.  Depending on the circumstances, some electric scooter-related injuries may be covered, while others may not.
 
Right now, most insurers will not cover scooter crashes.  Auto insurers also will not cover scooters, as they are not defined as an automobile.  Scooter companies have strict waivers that are included in the rental agreement limiting any liability to the rental companies.  One company offers a $1,000,000 liability policy, but all claims would be subject to extensive investigations.
 
Most legal experts agree that riders will bear the legal liability arising from accidents because of the terms to which the rider agrees to when downloading the app.  The laws, the courts, and the insurance industry are often slow to respond to new technology, and this may be the case with electric scooters.  Relatively few laws specific to electric scooters have been passed.
 
We recommend you contact your insurance agent to discuss if your personal insurance provides any coverage, or if you need to add coverage to your program.
 
Drones and Insurance
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released guidelines on the use of drones for commercial and personal use. Many businesses are considering, or actually using, drones as part of their business.  Just a few drone applications include real-estate sales and appraisals, making commercials, construction projects, and even security.
 
Most drone users have little or no aviation experience, so even if you follow the regulations and the laws, you might experience a pilot error or unplanned equipment failure.  With some models tipping the scales of up to 55 pounds, rogue drones can pose a significant threat to people and property—and to your personal liability.  That is why it is smart to add an insurance review to your pre-flight checklist.
 
Here is a link to the FAA rules
 
Here Are Some Things to Know

1. Drones must weigh less than 55 pounds, and operation must be less than 400 feet above the ground.
2. Drones must be in your line of sight at all times.
3. The operation must also be within 30 minutes of sunrise or sunset.
4. Operators need to obtain a pilot certificate with the U.S. Airspace by passing an aeronautical test. 

Will My Insurance Cover Drone Operations?
Each insurance policy is different. But generally, your homeowner’s insurance may not cover your liability if your drone causes a covered loss. It always pays to check with your agent.
 
Driverless Cars 
Every year auto manufacturers come out with new technology that improves the operation of their vehicles. 
 
There is no question that self-driving cars are in our future, and there are many questions that come with this kind of technology.  A transport scholar at the University of Minnesota believes that by 2030, every car on the road will be driverless.  According to another expert source, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there will be 3.5 million self-driving vehicles on U.S. roads by 2025, and 4.5 million by 2030.
Most states have already enacted legislation or executive orders around legal issues involving self-driving cars.
 
Key Issues around Self-Driving Cars

1. Legal liability.  If an accident occurs, there will undoubtedly be litigation involving the vehicle’s owner and the manufacturer.
2. There may be a no-fault system put into place.
3. There may be fewer accidents, but the cost of repairs will go up due to the technology within vehicles.
4. With a greater need for shared vehicles—especially in large cities, there will also be the need to understand who is legally responsible for injuries, and assurance that there will be enough insurance to cover these injuries.
5. Will you be able to obtain excess insurance for ridesharing cars if needed?  Each state has different minimum insurance requirements, so if you are going to be traveling across state lines, it will be important to understand your risks.
6. The degree of driver control over a vehicle could also affect the division of liability between driver and manufacturer.

The question is no longer will auto insurance change—it will definitely change, the real question is when and how it will change.  That is why it will be important to have a professional insurance agent to help guide you through all the legal issues.  There are currently some self-driving vehicles on the market.  It will be important for you to seek the advice of a professional insurance agent to help educate yourself on your risks.

Every one of us has certain things that keep you up once in a while. It might be your job, the kids, illness, or other life’s problems. Our goal to make sure that protecting your family with the right insurance does not keep you up.

Here is how we help you sleep at night

1. We never sell you a policy. We ask questions and educate you so that the coverage you but the right fit for you.
2. Insurance is a complex transaction, so we work hard to make sure you understand how insurance works before you make a decision.
3. Our team is licensed and have years of experience that help us better educate you.
4. We are here to answer any questions you may have regarding your insurance decisions.

According to an Insurance Journal article, here are the top issues that keep people up.

• Flood and other natural disasters
• Identity theft
• End of life issues
• Eldercare

We can provide valuable information regarding each of these so that you can make the right decision for you and your family. We hope you noticed that we don’t just offer a quick insurance product. That is because we will only offer you an insurance solution after we fully understand your needs.

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. 
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Connect with us and let us show you how we do it
 

Choosing the right insurance policy is much like choosing the right motorcycle. You want it to fit your needs and lifestyle, but at the same time be within your budget. Although most states require you to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage, other types of coverage are usually optional. Always ask your insurance agent or company representative which laws apply in your state.
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Liability coverage
Liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage that you may cause to other people involved in an accident. It doesn't cover you or your motorcycle. Find out if your coverage includes Guest Passenger Liability, which provides protection in the event that a passenger is injured on the motorcycle. Whether or not this is included depends on the laws of your state and the company issuing the policy.

Collision coverage
Collision insurance covers damage to your motorcycle if you are involved in an accident. Your insurance company pays for damages, minus your deductible, caused when you collide with another vehicle or object. Collision insurance usually covers the book value of the motorcycle before the loss occurred.

Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive coverage pays for damages caused by an event other than a collision, such as fire, theft or vandalism. However, just like collision coverage, your insurance company will pay for damages, minus your deductible, and will cover only the book value of the motorcycle.

Keep in mind most comprehensive and collision coverages will only cover the factory standard parts on your motorcycle. If you decide to add on any optional accessories such as chrome parts, a custom paint job, trailers or sidecars, you should look into obtaining additional or optional equipment coverage.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Uninsured/underinsured Motorist Coverage covers damages to you and your property caused by another driver who either doesn't have insurance (uninsured) or doesn't have adequate insurance (underinsured) to cover your damages.

This coverage typically pays for medical treatment, lost wages and other damages. If your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage includes property damage, then your motorcycle would also be covered under the same circumstances. Check with your insurance professional to see if property damage is included or needs to be purchased separately.
 
Tips for the cost-conscious rider
Many factors can play a role in determining what your insurance costs will be such as your age, your driving record, where you live and the type of motorcycle you own, or being a graduate of a rider-training course.

Many companies offer discounts from 10 to 15 percent on motorcycle insurance for graduates of training courses, such as the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) rider course. Riders under the age of 25, usually considered a higher risk, may see some savings by taking this course. It’s also a good idea for cyclists who have already had accidents.

Maintaining a good driving record with no violations will also help reduce your premiums.

In many states, riders may save money by buying a "lay-up" policy. With a lay-up policy, all coverage except comprehensive is suspended during winter months.

Find out what discounts your insurance representative offers. Multibike discounts for those insuring more than one bike, organization discounts, if you’re a member of a motorcycle association, and mature rider discounts for experienced riders, are just a few possibilities. Discounts can range anywhere from 10 percent to 20 percent, depending on the company and your state. Availability and qualifications for discounts vary from company to company and state to state.

Keep in mind that the type, style (such as a sports bike vs. a cruiser) and age of the motorcycle, as well as the number of miles you drive a year and where you store your bike may also affect how much you pay for your premium.

Do you need insurance for your boat, RV, motorcycle, or ATV?
Regardless of whether you are relaxing on your boat at the lake, traveling through the Rocky Mountains, camping with friends and family, or enjoying the open road on the bike of your dreams; you need to take the proper steps to protect what you have worked so hard to enjoy.

All these activities need personal insurance to protect you against damage and other claims. Generally, we have found that we can get better coverage and pricing when we use our specialty carriers.  For example, watercraft insurance has pollution coverage for fuel spills, coverage for injured water-skiers, and on-water towing coverage that homeowner’s insurance won’t provide.

RV Insurance
RV insurance rates differ from company to company, so it really pays to have us shop your insurance. Some markets offer better rates for trucks, RV’s, and campers, while others can offer better rates for motorcycles. To properly insure your RV, you may need liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, medical payment, and towing coverage.

Motorcycle Insurance
All motorcycles on the road are required by law to have motorcycle insurance. Motorcycle insurance protects a motorcycle and its owner in the event of a loss. You may need to consider special coverage.  Custom parts and equipment (ACPE)/Accessory coverage can be purchased for motorcycles less than 25 years old. You may spend thousands of dollars customizing your bike and that is why you need custom motorcycle insurance.

Boat/Watercraft Insurance
Your boat will need boat insurance for liability and damage to the hull and personal property. Boat insurance can include physical damage coverage, medical payments, liability, and trailer coverage.

ATV Insurance
ATV insurance is similar to motorcycle insurance. We can combine motorcycle coverage and ATV insurance into one policy for multi-vehicle discounts. We offer additional ATV coverage for damage to custom equipment that you’ve added to your ATV.

Why Work With Our Insurance Agency?

• We know and understand your risks
• We are a full service independent insurance agency

Our goal is to provide the best possible combination, of coverage, price and service.

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. ​