More rental cars will be rented between June and September than any other time of the year. When you get to the car rental desk, you are asked the question, “Do you want the insurance?” Too many travelers do not know if they need additional coverage or not, and buying the rental car insurance can add hundreds of dollars to your bill. Auto insurance policies differ, but the most important thing is to make sure that you are covered.  

Collison Damage Waiver

When you are determining whether to purchase a damage waiver, there are two key considerations: (1) whether you are already covered by existing insurance and, if not, (2) if the benefit of having a damage waiver is worth the cost. The CDW is sold by the rental car company and only applies to rented vehicles. This limits the rental car company from attempting to collect (from you) for any damage to the rented vehicle

We recommend that you call our office to verify that you have the correct coverage.
Rental Car Insurance

1. Always check your current auto insurance policy before you rent a car, to see what coverage you may already have that extends to a rental car.
2. If you carry comprehensive and liability coverage on your personal car, coverage will extend to your rental car. Usually, if you’re renting a car of similar value to your personal car, in all likelihood the insurance coverage will be adequate for the rental.
3. If you're not currently insured with an auto policy, you'll need to at least buy coverage from the rental company before you hit the road.
4. Auto liability limit requirement may vary from state to state; if you buy minimum limits of coverage you may not have enough coverage in the state in which you rent your vehicle.
5. If you are only insured under a commercial auto policy, you will want to purchase the extra coverage.
6. If you are driving abroad (apart from Canada), your current car insurance won't cover you.
7. Some major credit cards also offer rental car insurance options and solutions.
8. If you want to protect your personal auto insurance policy from further claims, then buying the extra coverage may make sense. 

​​We believe in giving back to our local community and supporting our local non-profit businesses that make other people’s lives better.  Our agency and employees try to give back to these communities whether it be the local YMCA or helping raise funds for bikes for underprivileged children. We like to feature the efforts of our clients and what they do in the community as well by sharing their stories in our monthly newsletter.  If you have a story about your favorite charity, we’d love to feature it in a future edition! Contact us at the office to get started.

Cyber Liability continues to be a major issue for businesses in 2018. In today’s data-driven social media world, businesses of all sizes have had a cyber-attack or data breach. Statistics show 39% of all cyber incidents affect businesses with fewer than 100 employees. With the recent breaches in the financial and hospital industries, many businesses are considering cyber insurance.

Emerging Cyber Trends

• With more companies beginning to store information on the “cloud” there will be more universal breaches causing greater losses.
• Cyber Liability insurance is a real option providing value added coverage and services.
• Industries most exposed are; healthcare, medical, retail, financial institutions, technology and hospitality,
• Cyber recovery costs are rising, even with new technology.
• Individual states will be beefing up mandatory reporting laws and imposing fines for lack of reporting.
• New technologies will allow cyber-attacks to come through smart phones and tablets.
• Small businesses may be the most prone, as they have the least protection.

Cyber liability coverage (for data breaches) has evolved from just insurance for information technology companies to coverage that nearly every kind of business should have - if they don't already. From retailers, banks, contractors, distributors, restaurants and medical offices, many businesses are unaware of the severe data breach exposure they face. In short, any business not making an effort to protect personal private information is seriously out of step with the emerging landscape of privacy law. We can provide your firm with the right combination of pricing 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 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.
 
 

Many businesses today offer college students the opportunity to hold a summer intern position. These can be rewarding for the college student as well as provide some help to the business. Offering paid or non-paid internships can create risk for your business. We wanted to highlight some of the business risks associated with having interns. Before you bring that person on board, make sure your business is well prepared.

• You should have a written plan. It should include a job description, hours, and line of authority.
• Check to see if there are any state regulations that might be impacted.
• If you offer a paid internship, you will need to treat the intern like any other employee. We suggest having a formal agreement indemnifying the terms of the agreement, including the time period of the internship.​
• If the internship is a paid position, don’t forget about workers’ compensation.
• Make sure you comply with Healthcare Reform relating to employee benefits.
• Make sure the intern understands they are not entitled to “regular” company benefits, i.e.  retirement, insurance, vacation, etc.
• The internship must provide similar training that would be given in an educational environment.
• There must be a “true” benefit for the intern.
• The internship cannot be for the sole benefit of the company.
• The intern must not replace regular employees, and should work under the close supervision of existing staff.
• Unpaid internships for for-profit companies are subject to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Fair Labor Standards Act. There are provisions if you offer educational credit. Here is a link to the U.S. Department of Labor.

We recommend you check with the department of labor to make sure your program meets all of the requirements. There have been many businesses who have been sued as a result of improper internship programs. 
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​We believe in supporting local businesses and being involved in the community. Whether it’s raising money for bikes for special needs children or delivering meals for Meals & Wheels, we understand that helping out within the community is going to make the community a better place for all of us to enjoy. 
Dallas Area Location 
972.238.8174  
​Austin Area Location
512.582.2424   

A Business Insurance Update
If you are in the business of designing, manufacturing, servicing, selling, and distributing any product there are risks involved. When the product you represent causes injury or damage to a another person or business, you need insurance protection. Depending on the insurance coverage you have, you may not be adequately protected from a product liability claim arising out of your actions. Many “standard” insurance policies have limitations for product liability claims. For example, a contractor installed windows in a custom home, and 9 months later the windows leaked, causing thousands of dollars of damage. The window manufacturer said their windows are fine; it was the installation that was done incorrectly. The contractor may be held responsible for the damage. Product liability insurance would provide protection in this case.

Our experienced and licensed staff will work with you to help find the right commercial insurance and solutions for your business. Our team can work with most business; we know and understand your industry.

What is product liability insurance?
Product liability insurance can provide protection from damages, injury, claims, and other liability arising out of the selling, distributing, manufacturing, servicing and design of products. Damages can include bodily injury, property damage, and even death.

An essential feature of product liability insurance is the legal defense coverage. The cost to defend an allegation can create a strain on your firm’s resources.
Claims can come from any of the following:

• Poor workmanship
• Breach of warranty
• Failure to warn
• A defect in design or manufacturing
• Material defect
• Failure to provide adequate instructions

Classes of businesses we work with:

• Contractors
• Artisan Contractors
• Manufacturing
• Restaurants
• Distributors
• Food Processors
• Wood Products
• Automotive
• Sporting Goods
• And More

We have a number of highly rated insurance companies to select from. Call us today for more information. 

Striving for High Levels of Service:
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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 insurance, so we are going to strive to give you first class customer service you deserve.

 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.

Directors and Officers (D & O) Liability Update
Every business, no matter what the size, has a D & O exposure.  Some people may mistakenly think that D & O risks are just for large firms, but actual court cases tell a different story.  D & O claims come about because of decisions made by the firm’s officers and employees.  Claims can come from employees, competitors, investors, and the government.  Most of these kinds of claims are not covered under a standard commercial insurance policy.

Here are some interesting facts brought to you by the Insurance Information Institute:

• Over 53% of privately held firms have had D & O related claims.
• Twenty-five percent of companies have had an employment related claim.
• The average defense cost for a D & O claim is around $75,000.
• Firms with less than 50 employees have the same percentage of claims as larger firms.

Here are some of the kinds of claims to which your business is exposed:

Misrepresentation
If you misrepresent your company’s services, financials or other information, third parties may sue you for your actions.  This can include services you say you provide on your webpage or financial information you provide to a lender.

Breach of Duty
Your firm’s officers and employees are required to carry out their duties with a standard of honesty and professionalism.  If these legal duties are breached, you are subject to litigation by the injured party.

Employment Issues
Your employees can sue the business for a variety of employment issues that can be covered under a D & O or employment practices liability policy.
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Unbelievably many small businesses do not have the right commercial insurance.  Having the right business insurance does not have to cost you any more money.  The key is having an agent who understands your risks and is willing to help you design a business insurance plan that 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. 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.
 

A Texas Business Insurance Update
We live in a society where there are more lawyers than doctors. It seems that the typical response when someone has been damaged is to hire a lawyer and threaten a lawsuit. Most businesses can’t afford to be in court to defend every action. That is why commercial insurance is so important to your business. Our agency can offer a review of your business insurance coverage and educate you on your risks and how best to protect you. These four risks are at the top of our list and should be on yours as well.

Cyber Liability- Cyber liability is the risk posed by conducting business over the Internet, over other networks or using electronic storage technology. It covers third party losses from hackers, theft, and loss of information including sensitive client or individual personal information.

Directors & Officers Liability- Covers costs, damages, and defense protection to directors and officers of a company resulting from lawsuits and judgments arising out of poor management decisions, employee dismissals, shareholder grievances, and other such acts committed in good faith.

Employment Liability- Employment Liability provides protection for an employer against claims made by employees, former employees, or potential employees. It can cover discrimination (age, sex, race, disability, etc.), wrongful termination of employment, sexual harassment, and other employment-related allegations.

Professional Liability- Insurance that is designed to cover third party claims, damages and claims arising out of providing professional advice.  Many firms create legal obligations arising out of a professional's errors, negligent acts, or omissions during the course of providing services to clients.

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.

Common Mistakes Made When Purchasing Business Insurance

Over the years, we have seen well-intentioned insurance and risk products buyers make decisions that, while they may appear to help the organization, actually hurt it in the end.  Here is a list of top mistakes that uninformed insurance buyers often make.  We provide it to you in the hope that you can learn from the errors of others.
Top mistakes made by uninformed insurance buyers:
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“Bidding-Out My Insurance Is the Best Way to Get the Best Program.”
False.  Most insurance buyers have the false belief that getting three bids from three different agents is the best way to make sure they are getting the best “deal.”  This is like asking a builder to provide a bid without seeing the building plans.  When talking to your agent about your insurance issues, give the agent the full set of “plans,” including losses and premiums, financial data, and policies.  Utilizing the services of one agent whom you can trust will lead to reducing short term and long-term costs.  Comparing multiple factors, including terms, conditions, and premiums is crucial, as even the best-priced policy can fall short in areas.

“Two Agents Are Better Than One.”
False.  Your agent can provide valuable services including educating you about what coverage you need and may not need.  Your agent can search the market for the best possible combination of coverage, price, and service.  Having two agents can create gaps or coverage issues.  It is best to allow one agent to understand your business thoroughly and then design a business insurance program specifically for you.

“I Don’t Need to Have a Relationship With My Agent.”
False.  Many buyers have a false belief that the agent’s only function is to place coverage and administer insurance.  Your broker/agent should be offering much more than that.  Your broker should be a trusted adviser who helps you identify risk factors, and develops solutions that help you to manage these issues.

“My Policy Covers All Losses.”
False.  Your business insurance policy is intended to cover unexpected losses and accidents subject to the policy terms.  There are limitations and exclusions in every policy.

“I Don’t Need to Consider Different Kinds of Coverage.”
Every business should consider the following kinds of business insurance products.

• Business income
• Employment practices liability
• Cyber risk
• Key man life
• Commercial umbrella
• Products liability

 
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.
 

A Business Insurance Update
The U.S. Small Business administration tells us that there are over 300,000 new businesses started each month in the United States.  Half of these will not make it through the first year. There are many reasons new businesses fail including lack of planning, money, and uninsured losses.

A Few Tips on Starting a New Business
Develop a business plan that includes a mission statement, description of your products and services, target markets, competition review, how you will market your business, and financials.  Many people overestimate first and second years’ revenues, so be conservative.

Make sure you have adequate business insurance.  Many people do not consider insurance, then a loss occurs, and you start your business with an uninsured loss.  You will need employment practices liability and worker’s compensation if you have employees.

Find resources in your local community that can help you grow your business.  This may include your local chamber or other organizations.
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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.