Cyber risk is a topic that keeps evolving. At this point, we believe that every business needs to have cyber liability insurance. The methods that the cyber criminal’s use is always changing and we are constantly researching the latest prevention trends.

Cyber Risks Are Growing
Russian hackers recently stole over 2 billion online names and passwords. Home Depot had millions of customer credit cards stolen. A local restaurant recently had 1200 customer credit card numbers stolen, and finally a medical clinic had a lap top stolen that contained 5,000 patient’s names and confidential information. Every company is at risk for cyber theft and loss.

Cyber Insurance
We can provide your firm with the right combination of pricing and coverage. Cyber risk    insurance is available at very reasonable premiums. Many of our companies offer coverage to help protect your business from loss.

Cyber Risk Prevention for Small Business
Here are some of the latest prevention trends from computer *experts:

• Outsource credit card handling with a reputable vendor.
• Use more complex passwords with a combination of letters, numbers and symbols.  Here is an example (MP#09xT28S%).
• Don’t save passwords on your computer.
• Question your internet security at every level, including email. It may be time to encrypt all emails.
• Use the latest security software.
• Do not allow laptops to leave the office without proper security.
• Train your employees on cyber security.
• Do not use an open network.

*Source PC360.com

If you have a standard business policy you may not have the right kind of coverage. Let us work with you to provide the right coverage. 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.
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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.

Everyone has seen insurance advertisements that feature a lizard, a man who creates trouble, and a wacky woman in white trying to sell you insurance.  These ads may be entertaining, but how in the world can you really tell these companies apart?  What are the differences?  Is one company really better than any other?  Will the coverage, price, and service meet my needs?

There are two distinct kinds of agents in the United States; Independent agents/brokers, and direct writers.  Let’s define these for you.

Independent Agents
An independent agency is a business that is owned and operated by local business professionals.  Some larger agencies may have a board of directors and many partners, but usually the ownership is local and independent.  These agents offer many different insurance products through many different insurance companies.  Independent agents sell the products that most appropriately meet the needs of their clients. Independent agents typically are very well trained and knowledgeable of the complexities of the insurance market and insurance law.

Most independent agents have multiple companies from which to shop your insurance needs.  This makes it more likely that they will find the exact fit for your specific situation. It also allows for greater competition, which benefits their clients.

The goal of the independent agent is to provide their clients with the best possible combination of coverage, price, and service.  For example, independent agents have experience in understanding what services insurance companies provide and are able to match unique services with client needs. Not all insurance companies are alike.

Direct Writers
A direct writer is an agent who distributes policies for only one insurance company.  Direct writers are agents paid by the insurance company and cannot utilize the entire insurance market.

If your roof needed replacement would you go to just one roofer for a quote?  Would you hire a roofer because their ads are funny?  Wouldn’t it make good financial sense to go to more than one roofer to get options and pricing comparisons?

The True Value of Your Agent
The value of the insurance you buy truly is established when, and if, you have a claim.  Independent agents advise and help clients through the claim process. Our job is to find you the best possible combination of coverage, price, and insurance.  Independent agents/brokers work for the customer, direct writers work for the company.  Enough said!
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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.

Business Insurance Trends For 2019
As we move into 2019, we wanted to provide you with our “business insurance resolution checklist”.  We suggest that you go over this list to verify that you have the best possible coverage for your business. Building a solid company in today's competitive and fast-moving world takes time, commitment, and foresight. Having solid business insurance can protect your assets, employees, and future.

We can design a commercial insurance program specifically for your business. There are some kinds of coverage that your business may not have considered. We offer you our checklist. Give us a call today.

Key Man Life - Covers the death of key owners, and revenue producers. In the event of the key person’s death, the death benefit payout goes to the company and not the key employee’s spouse or children. Key man life insurance policies act to inject liquid funds into the business to protect against a variety of financial losses. A company will have to scout out, hire, train and retain a new replacement employee. This is costly and the death benefit covers the expense of these burdens.

Professional Liability- Covers claims that come from giving advice. Today, almost any business can find itself facing a liability lawsuit.  Many businesses do not even realize they have an exposure to professional loss.  A Management Liability lawsuit can put business and personal assets at risk, including the company’s assets, and even the personal possessions of the owners.  One simple mistake could cause financial devastation, as well as end your professional career.

Workers' Compensation Insurance – This coverage is usually required by law for small businesses with employees. This insurance provides benefits for employees who are injured or die from job-related causes. 

Employment Practices Liability- Provides your business with coverage for harassment, wrongful termination and other claims brought by employees.

Business Income- This coverage can provide extra funds should your business suffer a covered loss. It can include coverage for extra expenses to set up a temporary location as well.

Cyber Liability- If your business handles customer data, such as credit card or bank account numbers; data breaches pose a serious threat to your financial stability. Cyber Liability Insurance protects against the expenses associated with a data breach, which can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
 
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.
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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. 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.