Are you concerned about the future? Is your risk management program designed and prepared for changes in pricing, economic downturns, healthcare, changes in employment laws and the upcoming political elections? A broker or agent who cares about your business will be on the forefront of change. Part of providing outstanding customer service is helping clients understand how current and future trends may affect their risk program.

Every so often we think it is a good idea to talk about what may be happening regarding insurance and risk management. We review many different insurance publications, insurance company bulletins and other professional’s opinions, to analyze these trends. This allows customers to make educated and informed decisions about their individual program.

What Is Going On That May Impact Your Risk Program

1. Increased reliance on technology will lead to better run insurers and stable premiums. The development of advanced loss control analytic tools will revitalize insurers focus on claim reduction, and potentially lead to increased investments in loss control. Insurers are using business intelligence to leverage “big data” to help them estimate claims, assets, credit and market data, and gain deeper insights across networks of producers, policy holders and operations.
2. Mobile applications are one of the fastest growing areas of insurance. Businesses are able to manage risk programs through of technology.
3. Cyber liability will continue to be a major area of concern for all businesses. The government will continue to legally require business to protect customer’s information. Those businesses that don’t will be subject to increase fines.
4. Most insurance companies are moving toward using data to develop commercial insurance premiums. This means your business will need to rely more on your agent. Your agent will be able to help you navigate through the complex maze of insurance program design, marketing and placement.

We are prepared to help you manage all your business risks.
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.
 

Many of us will be going to the ocean, rivers, lakes, or pools this summer to relax with friends and family.  Each year, over 1,200 children under the age of 14 drown, and another 17,000 are taken to the hospital because of water related accidents.  Whether you have a backyard pool or enjoy swimming in ponds, lakes, or oceans, the following summer safety tips for parents and kids should always be at the forefront of your mind.

• Adding locks and safety covers will create an extra barrier of protection around the pool or spa. 
• Know the water conditions before getting in. Many rivers have swift under currents that can be dangerous.
• Establish family swimming rules like never swim around drains, grates, or suction fittings.
• Never leave children unsupervised in, or around, the water. 
• Be sure every child wears a proper fitting life jacket when on a boat or near water.
• Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
• Be sure that everyone knows how to swim. 
• Try to teach your children to swim as early as possible. 
• Develop a buddy system so no one is swimming alone. 
• Don't allow anyone who has been drinking alcohol to swim.
• Don't allow glass objects around the pool. 
• Learn CPR and have a first aid kit at a convenient spot.

• Enroll in Red Cross home pool safety, water safety, first aid and CPR/AED courses to learn how to prevent and respond to emergencies.
• Always check the depth of the water before swimming or diving. If swimming in the ocean, check the current and under-tow.

 
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.
Sources: CDC, coit.com., American Red Cross
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​A Texas Business Insurance Update
​Most businesses purchase general liability insurance to protect the business against certain kinds of claims. These claims could include bodily injury and property damage. Professional Liability insurance, also called Errors and Omissions insurance, protects against a claim from a third party who suffers a financial loss because of services or actions.  Any individual or business in a profession that provides advice, expertise, recommendations, or a professional service to customers, clients, or another party, would benefit from Professional Liability insurance.

Typically, professionals such as doctors, accountants, nurses, insurance agents, lawyers, and architects purchase Professional Liability insurance. However, if you have clients who are in the business of providing advice, opinions, or services, they should consider Professional Liability insurance.  Professionals who provide advice are expected to have knowledge or training in their particular area of expertise. They are also expected to perform the services for which they were hired according to the standards of conduct in their profession.  Businesses and individuals can be held legally responsible for any financial loss caused.

It’s important to note that almost all Professional Liability insurance policies are sold on a “claims-made” basis. This means that the insurance only covers work performed while the policy is in force, and for claims actually filed during the term of the policy. Professional Liability insurance is offered in many different forms that protect many kinds of firms.

If someone feels he or she has suffered loss or damages due to a professional service, often their next action is a lawsuit.  These kinds of actions can be costly and severely reduce a firm’s resources. Professional Liability insurance can help preserve assets and more importantly help preserve the firm’s reputation.

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.

A Flood Insurance Update
​Winter will soon be over, and the arrival of spring rain can lead to major flooding.  In the past 5 years, all 50 states have experienced floods or flash floods.  Flood insurance cannot be purchased during a flood.  There is a 30 day waiting period once the application is processed. Therefore, it is a good idea to start thinking about flood insurance right now.

According to FloodSmart.gov, the official site of the National Flood Insurance Program, at least 25% of businesses that shut down after a flood never re-open. According to the same source, only a very small percentage of homeowners buy flood insurance.

Many business owners and homeowners are under the mistaken impression that their insurance policies cover them for damages arising from floods. While your personal insurance and/or business insurance policy may cover water damage, flood coverage is excluded.  Just like homeowner’s flood insurance, commercial flood coverage must be purchased separately in a dedicated policy.

Flood insurance policies cover physical damage to your property and possessions.  You can refer to the Summary of Coverage to help you better understand your policy and coverage.  (Read More)

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.


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​What A Trusted Insurance Partner Looks Like
People buy insurance to protect their family and financial assets from a loss. So when a loss occurs, most people expect their insurance to step up and take care of the issue.  Understanding insurance and the process involved in designing a policy can help prevent a standard claim from turning into a disaster.

Difference Between An Insurance Agent And A Trusted Insurance Partner
An insurance agent sells you a policy. A trusted insurance partner is someone who will help you understand how insurance works and helps you to design a personal insurance program design for your individual needs.

There Is More Than Just Coverage
Every insurance policy offers basic coverage like coverage for your home and personal property.  A trusted insurance partner will go beyond this and counsel you on how much coverage limits you may need and the benefits of modifying deductibles based on your financial capabilities.

The Importance Of A Deductible And Limit Review
Your policy has coverage limits and deductible that will apply to each loss or claim. We can help you understand how these work and the value to you of adjusting these based on your individual needs.

For example, if you have a higher net worth, it might make more sense for you to increase your deductible to take advantage of lower premiums. You may be in a financial position to take more to control long term costs. If you have less cash on hand, then having lower deductible can offer the advantage of less out of pocket expense in the event of a loss.

Your agent can build an insurance program that provides sound insurance and risk management that adds value. And in the long run, value is much better than a low price.
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We are prepared to help you manage all your business risks.
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.