Do you want to start a home-based business? Having a home business of your own is a good way to make a living. Keep in mind that it there are risks involved. Most home-based businesses do not have the same risks as other businesses, including buildings, employees, production machinery, and a fleet of vehicles. 

However, home-based businesses do have many risks that need to be considered.
​
Do Some Pre Planning

• Check with your local zoning to see if home-based businesses are allowed
• If you are planning on having customers visit your home, you may need special permits.

Home Based Business Risks Can Include

• Product liability
• Professional Liability
• Injury or damage to customers
• Auto accidents
• Disability
• Cyber breach
• Property loss and damage
• Crime and dishonesty
• Cyber liability
• Web page copyright liability
• Employees or contractor’s issues

 
The key is to understand what these risks are so you can take the necessary actions to make sure that your business is protected. It’s important to carry the right commercial insurance to protect your business in case of an unforeseen event. Hire a reputable insurance provider to help you assess the potential risks and determine which types of policies meet your business needs. 

As an independent insurance agency we are affiliated with multiple industry-leading companies. It is these partnerships that allow us to provide our clients with better coverage at a competitive price. Our staff is knowledgeable and committed to providing a quality customer service experience to our valued clients.

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.

​Part of your business planning for 2021 should include an annual business insurance review. Your business changes, and so do your exposures. After you review some of these items, call our office, and we will be happy to discuss these and more with you.
It’s never been more important to partner with a broker that specializes in your business, understanding your unique exposures, with risk services capabilities and strong carrier relationships.
 
Why Complete a Business Insurance Review?

• Your exposures may have changed.
• COVID-19 has created the need to evaluate everything you do.
• Laws and regulations may have created new liabilities.
• Your policy may have had small changes that require consideration and adjustment.
• You may have too much coverage or to little coverage.

 
COVID-19 Planning

• Do you have remote work policies and procedures?
• Make sure you have a cleaning protocol in place.
• Check your business interruption coverage; it may need to be adjusted and increased.
• Make sure your business follows OSHA guidelines.
• During an infectious disease outbreak, such as the current outbreak of COVID-19, small business owners must prepare for disruption in their business as well as prepare to protect their employees’ health and safety in the workplace.
• Do you have the right kind of insurance to cover business equipment off-premises?

 
Items to Consider When Completing a Business Insurance Review

• Review sales and revenue- Have your company’s annual sales increased or decreased? The more business you do, the greater the potential liability you face.
• Property Values- Have you added any new equipment, purchased or leased a new building?

• Did you purchase any new vehicles?
• Do you sell any of your products in foreign countries?
• Is your safety and loss control program up to date?
• When was the last time someone reviewed your SIC codes for accuracy?
• Are you serving any new industries? This might increase your liability.

 
Have you added any new partners? There might be a need for life insurance.
As a business owner, you can ensure that your company is protected by keeping your general liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and commercial auto policies updated to reflect changes in your business.
 
 

Personal and Business insurance
The modern day customer is looking for value, ease of services, and quick responses.  In an era of impersonal internet companies, slick advertising, and “branding,” it can be hard for consumers to determine where to find the best insurance program for their needs.  To provide the best possible combination of coverage, services, and pricing, you need to look no further than your local independent agent.
​
Our Approach to Insurance Is Different
The best way to get the insurance that is right for you is to develop a relationship with your insurance agent.  The good news is that this process is not complicated or time consuming.

• We respond quickly.
• Insurance protects what is important to you, and we understand that.
• We gain an understanding of your individual needs.
• We educate rather than sell.
• Finding the right insurance coverage is an important purchase, because everyone’s needs are unique.
• Our professional team is trained and licensed.
• Insurance is too important to be ordered online like a book.
• Don’t wait for an un-insured claim to happen before you look for the right agent and coverage.

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.

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. 

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. 
​
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. 

You make decisions every day that can come back to bite you.  You may not think so, but in this day of litigiousness, your business may be at risk.  One way to manage your risk is to consider management liability insurance.  Management, or professional liability, insurance is not just good business; it is as necessary as heat and lighting for your office.  Statutes, federal, and state laws change on a regular basis, so it is vital that your company protect its assets with management or professional liability insurance.
​
Issues to Consider

• General Liability Insurance does not cover the risks of Employment Liability, Professional Liability, or Directors and Officers Liability.  You need a separate insurance policy to cover these risks.
• Defense costs are going up at a rapid rate. Management liability insurance can provide needed defense coverage, even if you are not liable.
• Company owners can be held personally liable for their actions as well as the actions of other managers or executives.
• Twenty five percent of private firms have had some sort of employment issue that could not be resolved without legal counsel involvement.  The average defense costs are $250 per hour.
• Many firms fail to purchase Cyber Insurance. However, the average cost of each compromised record is around $175.00. Most states have laws requiring notification if you have had an incident.

The best thing you can do is call our office and have us provide you with a risk review, including coverage options.  Once you have had a chance to review coverage and pricing, then you can make an informed decision.

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. ​

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. 
 
 

According to the Small Business Administration, 25% of businesses do not re-open after a disaster.  Most of these failed businesses did not have a disaster plan in place.Small business disaster preparedness planning is easier than you think. 
Disasters Can Include:

• Floods
• Wild Fires
• Wind Damage
• Earthquakes
• Civil Unrest

What Should Go Into a Disaster Plan?

• Emergency contact information on all employees.
• Contact information for key vendors and clients.
• A plan to continue operating after a disaster; this may include a secondary location.
• Determine what operations are critical and need to continue, and which activities are not.
• Have a clear evacuation plan and general meeting area for staff.
• Make sure you have a disaster kit that includes water, blankets, flashlights, and other safety equipment.
• Have a plan for the security of personal information.
• If you have any hazardous materials, make sure you have a plan to manage spills.
• Have a communication plan for clients, suppliers, employees, and the community.

Preserve your equipment and business records by referencing this IRS guide on protecting your information before an emergency strikes.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also offers an emergency preparedness checklist and toolkit.

​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.

Every business has some level of risk when it comes to professional liability. This kind of coverage is not just for lawyers or doctors. Your business most likely has a risk in this area. We recommend professional liability insurance to many of our clients.
If you perform any of these services, you may need professional liability insurance:

• Provide any construction management
• Provide advice to clients
• Perform professional services
• Advise client on how to save money
• Provide advice on how to install equipment
• Recommend any building code changes

How to Reduce the Likelihood of a Claim

1. Keep and maintain a professional code of conduct.
2. Make sure clients understand what their product covers and doesn’t cover, as well as all moving parts, fees and expenses, and any underlying risks and guarantees. You can never over-educate a client.
3. Have written procedures relating to client communication and follow-up.
4. Do not provide advice if you are not qualified to do so.
5. Make sure to disclose all required information and be very upfront about your record of accomplishment, business practices, and affiliated advisors and companies.

Most businesses purchase general liability insurance to protect their businesses against certain kinds of claims. These claims could include bodily injury and property damage. It is very important for businesses to understand the difference between professional liability and general liability.

​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.
 

Home and Auto Insurance Update

Let’s face it, you buy home and auto insurance to protect you when and or if an accident happens. And when you have an accident, you want your personal insurance to respond.  If it has been a while since you updated your personal insurance coverage, you may want to call us today.

When to Call Your Agent

• When you buy or sell a car
• If you started a home based business
• If you are thinking about putting in a pool
• When you purchased any high end jewelry, guns or other items
• If your home replacement value has gone up
• Did you get a company car?
• If you have remolded any part of your home
• When you install a security system in your home
• If you get married or divorced
• If your commute distance has changed
• When your children go away to college

Having the right auto coverage is not as easy as it sounds, and choosing the wrong coverages and limits could lead to financial disaster.  Our team is prepared to help you find the right combination of coverage, price and service.
​
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. 

Texas Business Insurance Renewal
Your business insurance is an important part of your risk management program. It is important to have the right insurance coverage, competitive pricing and the right insurer. We have found at least five factors that are important to manage when renewing your business insurance program.

Business Insurance
A business insurance program can include commercial property, auto, commercial liability, employment liability, workers’ compensation, professional liability and excess liability.

Insurance Renewal Tips
Provide complete information about your operation. Paint a picture that describes what you do and how well you do it. You have to sell the underwriter on what is different about your operation and how the insurance company needs to insure your risk, because you are above average.

Use an independent agent. We are best equipped to provide you with the best combination of coverage, price and service.

Combine your property, auto and liability with one insurer if possible. You will receive package discounts.

Have a well-managed safety program.
​
Putting a little effort into your business insurance renewal can reap rewards in the form of better coverage and lower premiums. 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.