A Texas Personal Insurance Update
November is here and that means the holiday season has started.  Over the next number of weeks, holiday activities will consume much of our time.  This is also the season when homeowners have insurance claims for fire, burglary, theft from vehicles, and even auto accidents.
Now may be the best time to have us review your personal insurance in order to make sure you have the individual coverage you need.

Shopping Safety Tips

• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Put your shopping bags in your trunk.
• NEVER leave car doors unlocked or windows open.
• ALWAYS park in lighted areas. Do NOT park in remote areas.
• Shop with a friend.
• Keep receipts in your wallet or purse.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• As you return to your car, make sure to keep your car key in your hand.
• If you make expensive purchases, like jewelry or guns, call our office, as we may need to add these to your policy.

Christmas Tree Safety (provided by the NFPA)

• Make sure the tree is at least four feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking any exit or door.
• Add water to the tree stand daily.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
• Only used approved lights.
• Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs
• Replace any string of lights that has worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.

Home Safety Tips

If you are planning a vacation during the holiday, here are few ideas to consider:

• Get a security system.
• Trim landscaping that is too close to your house.
• Don’t advertise your vacation on social media.
• Cancel mail and other deliveries.
• Leave lights on when gone.
• Have a neighbor check on your home.
• Always lock your garden sheds and garages.
• Use a variable light timer to activate lights inside your home.
• Lock all doors and windows.
• While you are gone, arrange for your lawn to be mowed.
• Have adequate exterior lighting.

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.

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.
 

A Texas Commercial Insurance Update
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.

Here are some of the kinds of insurance your small business may need.

General Liability: Covers third party liability claims.  Namely claims against you from a customer or visitor on your premises, or who may have been injured by your business activity or product.
Cyber Liability Insurance: If your business operates online, you will need cyber liability insurance.  From cyber-attacks to data breaches, this insurance safeguards your business’s finances and reputation in the event of cybercrime.
Employment Practices Liability:  Covers wrongful acts arising from the employment process.  The most frequent types of claims covered under such policies include wrongful termination, discrimination, sexual harassment, and retaliation.
Business Property Insurance: Insures your building and contents both on and off premises.
Employee Dishonesty Coverage: Protects your company from financial loss resulting from employee theft of money, securities, or property. 
Workers Compensation: Provides compensation for your employees for medical care in the event they are injured on the job, including medical benefits, income benefits, death benefits, and rehabilitation benefits.
Business Auto: Provides insurance coverage for your company’s cars, trucks, trailers, vans, or other vehicles.
Professional Liability: Covers you for the failure to perform professional services. If you design something or perform work which does not meet standards or expectations, you could be sued for the cost of the contract, damages, or lost business revenues by your customer.
Business Interruption Insurance: Provides protection from loss of income and extra expense if your business suffered a loss and you were unable to operate for a period of time.
Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Provides coverage for the accidental breakdown of equipment.
Call our team today for a free review of your business insurance program.  Our goal is to provide the best combination of coverage, price and service.
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 Commercial Insurance Update

Every business is exposed to possible damage or loss during non-business hours. That is why your commercial insurance needs to consist of “all risk” coverage to include vandalism, theft, and burglary.  In addition, there are actions you can take to help reduce the chance of having a loss after hours.

Risk Management for Small Businesses

• Have adequate exterior lighting. This should include a light at every door, preferably on a timer.
• Set up exterior and interior security cameras.
• Maintain accurate records of what is in your building. In the event of a robbery, up-to-date records can help you determine what is missing so that you can file claims more efficiently.
• Use motion lights that illuminate vulnerable areas.
• Burglar alarms are perhaps the most obvious means of burglar protection.
• Have a secure place in your business for cash or other valuables.  A fireproof safe is a good way to store valuables.
• Change your keyed lock to a keyless entry.
• If you have keys, limit the number of people who have access. Change then at least once per year.
• Do not have many goods stored out in the open.  Use fencing if you must have products in the yard.
• Use impact glass for windows and doors.
• Buy the right business insurance; this coverage protects your business from having to shut down after suffering a burglary, minimizing the financial impact that your business undergoes after a theft.

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.