Business Insurance Update
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There is nothing more important than having the right commercial insurance for your business. Let’s face it, one uninsured loss could be devastating to your business. According to the Small Business Administration, 30% of businesses never recover from a large loss. Your business insurance can be designed to fit your individual needs. Here are a few business insurance coverages that some business may overlook.

Cyber Liability Insurance: This insurance can protect your business from a data breach. If your business stores sensitive or non-public information about employees or clients, you are responsible for protecting that information. 

Umbrella Liability: Almost every business, large or small, needs some level of added protection afforded by a commercial umbrella insurance policy.  A commercial umbrella policy provides a layer of coverage over and above a primary business and auto policy.  There are at least five important lessons, or facts, to be aware of when considering commercial umbrella insurance.

Employment Practices Liability: An Employment Practices Liability (EPLI) policy covers claims made against directors, officers, employees, the company, and its subsidiaries.  The policy can cover wrongful dismissal/termination, sexual/racial/disability harassment, sexual/racial/disability/religious discrimination, employment related libel, slander, defamation and invasion of privacy, wrongful failure to employ or promote, and retaliation.

Business Income Extra Expense: This covers the loss of income that a business suffers, after a covered loss, while its facility is either closed because of the loss/claim or in the process of being rebuilt. Extra expense insurance covers some of the reasonable and necessary costs a business incurs such as the costs of setting up business in a temporary location while its damaged facility is being restored.

Errors and Omissions Insurance: Errors and Omissions, also known as Professional Liability Insurance, helps to protect your business from lawsuits and claims, which may occur because of providing professional services or not delivering on a commitment or promise.  If you provide any kind of “professional” services, you need to consider this insurance.

Environmental Liability: Your business insurance does not cover any claims for pollution or environmental related accidents. There are pollution exclusions in commercial general liability, automobile, and property policies.  To fill this gap, Environmental or Pollution Liability is needed for firms that have an exposure.

How To Celebrate July Fourth Safely
Fireworks during the Fourth of July are as American as apple-pie, but did you know that two out of five fires reported on that day are started by fireworks, more than for any other cause? So you think it cannot happen to you? Here are a few facts:
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In 2018 over 9,800 people went to the emergency room as a result of fireworks related injuries. There were an estimated 15,700 reported fires started by fireworks. These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported deaths, and $32 million in direct property damage. This is why it is a good idea to have a free home insurance review and quote, call us today!
 
Fireworks Safety Tips
 

• Buy fireworks only from licensed vendors
• Never combine fireworks
• Obey all local laws
• Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting
• Follow directions
• Never relight a firework
• Don’t smoke or drink while lighting fireworks
• Soak used fireworks in water before placing in trash 
• Make sure there is parental supervision
• Never experiment with homemade fireworks
• Use fireworks outdoors, in a safe area away from dry grass and buildings
• Keep a fire extinguisher, bucket of water, wet towels and a garden hose nearby
• Light one firework at a time - then move back quickly!
• Never shoot fireworks from metal or glass containers
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket
• Never point or throw fireworks at people or animals
• Clean up all used fireworks including debris

 “Fireworks and celebrations go together, especially during the Fourth of July and year end celebrations. Remember, fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious burn and eye injuries. You can help us prevent fireworks-related injuries and deaths” Consumer Products Safety Commission.

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.
Enjoy the holiday; we live in a great country, happy birthday America!

We are moving into Hurricane season and we to remind you of how important it is to have the right kind of insurance and to be prepared.
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Hurricanes bring two big problems: water and wind. Depending on where you live, you may need to buy these separate policies in order to cover hurricane damage:

• Flood insurance: No homeowner’s insurance policy will cover floods, including water from a storm surge. To get coverage, you’ll need flood insurance.
• Windstorm insurance: Homeowners insurance policies in some hurricane-prone states won’t pay for windstorm damage. If you live in one of these states and want coverage, buy a separate windstorm insurance policy.

Here are some basic emergency preparedness suggestions to include in your planning process.

• Create a family communication plan for children and adults to have. Put copies in children's backpack and in your wallet or purse.
• Flood insurance is not covered under your homeowner’s policy. While hurricanes are generally covered, if a flood ensues later, it may not be covered. You will need a separate flood policy.
• Install hurricane shutters.
• Prune all trees around your home.
• Keep a mobile emergency kit in your car.
• Monitor radio and local TV stations for evacuation orders. Act without delay to avoid traffic.
• Assemble/replenish disaster supplies kit: FEMA recommends three days of food and water for each member of the household, including pets. You can assemble a kit yourself, or purchase a pre-assembled kit online or from many local stores.  Store items in your household designated safe location.
• Discuss with your family the safe locations for shelter in the places you are likely to spend time: home, school, work, place of worship, etc.
• Find out your vulnerability to flooding, wind, and storm surges, and whether you live in a mandatory evacuation zone. Visit the FloodSmart.gov website to see updated flood maps.

Personal Insurance Update
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This time of year, many recent high school graduates are preparing for their next phase of life.  Their plans may include heading off to college in another city or state.  One of the most important things they will need at school is something that doesn’t have to be packed at all – the right insurance coverage. Here is a list of some of the items you should consider before your child heads off to the University.

Insurance Coverage for College Students

Personal property - Depending on the value, items like clothes and computers should be covered under your homeowner’s policy.  However, if your student has an expensive computer, smart phone, tablet, jewelry, or other items, you might not be covered.  Most homeowner’s policies have limitations on items valued at over $1,200.  This will depend on your individual policy, so we recommend contacting your independent agent.

Auto – If your student is taking a car to college, make sure your agent knows of the address change.  This can actually save you money depending on the location.  As a full-time student, your child may qualify for a Good Student Discount (if he maintains a grade point average of 3.0 or higher).

Health insurance - Children can remain on your health policy until the age of 26.  Many colleges will offer student health insurance at a very reasonable cost.

Persona Liability - This coverage is provided anywhere the student goes, inside the U.S.A.  Your student would be covered under your current homeowner’s policy, or even a renter’s policy, if one is in place.