Personal Insurance Update
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Most of us buy insurance in this order; auto insurance, renters’ insurance, home insurance, and then life insurance.  However, many of us do not think about how the events in our lives may affect our need for different kinds of insurance.  As your life changes, the need to protect your life, investment, and family also changes. It's also a good idea to reexamine your coverages and limits from time to time, especially whenever you make additions or improvements.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.  We are here to help you protect your assets.  

Here are some major life events that will affect your need for personal insurance

• College -- If you have a child heading off to college, you may need to update your auto and home insurance.  If your child has a car, the rates may be less in the city of the college.  You will need to notify your insurer regarding the new location.  In addition, if your child is renting, you may need to provide renters’ insurance to the property owner.
• Retirement – If you had commuted regularly to your job, your mileage has likely plummeted in retirement.  If so, you should report it to your auto insurer to significantly lower the cost of your auto insurance premiums.  In addition, you will need to consider other insurance options.
• Marriage or Divorce -- Changes in marital status, or even just moving in together, means the combining of households, cars, and other property, so you’ll want to update your insurance policies accordingly.  Are you both protected? Are coverage limits adequate?
• Having a baby -- When your family grows, you may want to consider life insurance to protect your loved ones.  Life insurance can provide the financial security for many years, and give you peace of mind.
• Moving -- Whenever you move, you will need to update your auto and home insurance.  New addresses may actually lead to lower costs.
• Home Renovations – If you have made major improvements to your home, such as adding a new room, enclosing a porch, or expanding a kitchen or bathroom, report those changes to your insurance company.

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.

The right homeowner’s insurance can offer you a great deal of peace while protecting your investment. With all important purchases, it is important to get the best possible combination of coverage, price, and service. When you call our office, we can shop and compare coverage with many different insurance companies.

Price should not be your only consideration; we recommend having the right coverage that is designed for your family.

These are the kinds of coverage you might consider.
•    Coverage for your dwelling
•    Personal property coverage
•    Loss of use coverage
•    Liability coverage
•    Coverage for other structure coverage

You will also need to determine your replacement value. It is important to ensure your home at the cost to repair and or replace new with like kind and quality.

Having the right deductibles based on your financial circumstances is important to make sure you retain a small risk at a competitive price.

Finally, it is most important to have an agent that can provide the services you need and will be there for you in the event of a loss. 
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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.

Whether it’s Auto, Home, Motorcycle, Boat, Business or Life Insurance, we are your consultant working with you as you determine your needs.

As many people are getting back to work, many employers wonder how they can have their employees return safely. Employers are confronted with the complexities of returning employees to work in a manner that is safe and ensures operational continuity.

Now is the time administrators should be building policies and procedures so that when employees and the public return, you will have a plan in place.

• Conduct a Hazard Assessment for new protocols/equipment put in place consistent with OSHA rules.
• As with all policies and procedures, employers should ensure that any return-to-work protocols are implemented in a fair and non-discriminatory manner.
• Develop communication systems for returning workers, ensuring that they are aware of the safety measures in place and how to comply with them.
• Make sure that proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and general cleaning materials such as soap and hand sanitizer are available.
• OSHA recommends providing tissues, no-touch trash cans, hand soap, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, disinfectants, and disposable towels for workers to clean their work surfaces.
• Consider appointing a chief COVID officer responsible for ensuring that all public safety and health guidelines are implemented and that employees follow them.
• Intensify cleaning, disinfection, and ventilation.
• Stager breaks and recreation times.
• Close off common spaces where employees or others are likely to congregate.
• Consider what screening procedures are needed for visitors to the school.

OSHA requires employers to provide employees with a safe place to work. Employers may be responsible for workplace safety violations related to the coronavirus outbreak under OSHA's "general duty" clause, which requires that each employer furnish to each of its employees a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm.

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. 

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. ​

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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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. 

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.

The modern world is filled with risks. From car accidents to slip and fall incidents in the home, the possibility of being sued is a real possibility every person needs to take into account. Nearly everyone accounts for this risk by buying insurance. Personal umbrella insurance takes this concept to a new level.
Insurance is a staple of any financial plan these days. There is an inherent weakness with every policy, however. Let’s consider your car insurance. It covers you in case of a collision with another party. A typically policy might pay out up to $50,000 per claim with a total payout per year of $100,000 regardless of the number of claims.
Let’s assume you are late to work one morning. You try to make it through a yellow light, but it turns red. Traffic proceeds from the cross road and you hit someone. Your car insurance will pay up to $50,000 to make them whole, but what if it is going to cost more than $50,000? What if they sue you for $250,000? Now you have a problem.
Every insurance policy has a limit. This “policy limit” defines the maximum amount the insurance company will pay out on claims made against you and the policy. Claims can often exceed these limits in worse case situations, leaving you on the hook for any additional amounts due.

Personal umbrella policies are designed to address the shortcomings of policy limits. Umbrella policies cover liability claims in excess of the policy limits for your primary insurance. In our car accident example, the umbrella policy would pay any amounts due in excess of the $50,000 covered by your primary car insurance policy.

Umbrella polices let you sleep peacefully at night. It is as simple as that. If you have a child who has just started driving, you can sleep blissfully knowing the umbrella policy will cover any disasters caused by their inexperience behind the wheel. So request a umbrella insurance quote now.

Umbrella policies are typically written in increments of a million dollars of coverage. This means you can purchase one million, two million or more in coverage in addition to your underlying policies. If you purchase a million dollars in coverage, for example, the policy would cover any liability claims in excess of your $50,000 car insurance policy up to $1,050,000.

Umbrella insurance cost: Umbrella insurance policies are surprisingly inexpensive, which makes them a wise choice for most individuals. The premiums are usually shockingly low because your primary insurance policies are usually going to cover any claims. Given this, the insurance company writing the umbrella policy faces a low probability that it will ever have to pay on the policy. In exchange for this low payout risk, the insurance company provides you with low premium costs.

Is purchasing a personal umbrella insurance policy a smart move for you and your family? Absolutely. You gain the peace of mind of knowing you are covered should things go very wrong and at a very low premium cost. Contact us today for a no obligation quote on a personal umbrella policy for your current situation.
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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.