We are full into the holiday season, and while you're caught up with holiday cheer, here are our 12 gits of Christmas present. Remember, as your life changes, so should your insurance. A quick call to our office can help us educate you on the insurance coverage you need to protect your home, car, family, and life.

12 Insurance Tips for Christmas Present

1. Your tree needs water every day. It is essential to water your tree daily, or else the branches will dry out quickly. A single spark from a nearby candle or fireplace could cause catastrophe.
2. Check your insurance. If you have purchased an expensive item, you may need to adjust your homeowner's coverage. 
3. Update your auto insurance. Whether you're heading to the mall for holiday shopping or traveling to see family, make sure your insurance is current! Due to storms and ice, automobile accidents tend to increase as the temperature drops. Plan additional travel time and eliminate distractions to ensure safe holiday travel.
4. Use caution when online shopping. Consider asking your insurance agent about adding identity theft protection to your homeowner's insurance for added protection when shopping online. Typically, this can be added to your homeowner's or renters' insurance for a nominal fee, but there are also standalone plans.
5. Holiday Lights. When installing outdoor lighting, use outdoor-rated lights and extension cords, ensure they are plugged into GFCI outlets, and avoid overloading cords, as they can become hot enough to burn.
6. Stop porch pirates. Delivery confirmation is a good way to prove the package was delivered. Thieves will follow delivery trucks, waiting for the perfect target. These thieves commonly strike during working hours as many homes are empty at that time. You can insure your packages. Consider having a person there when the delivery is scheduled. Install a security camera.
7. Never drink and drive. Did you know that in some states, party hosts can be held liable for injuries caused by intoxicated guests?
8. Use caution with candles. Never leave candles burning at night. Place candles in open areas, away from walls and items that might catch on fire.
9. Set your alarm. During the holiday season, you will likely run many errands. Develop the routine of always activating your home security system. Thieves can break into your home in a matter of minutes, so you should always leave it protected.
10. Theft From Vehicles. While you are in the store, criminals are in the parking lot looking for easy ways to get into your vehicle. Keep all packages in the trunk; always lock your car, and park close to the store and in a well-lit area.
11. Stovetop safety. Never leave cooking food unattended. The most common cause of cooking fires is leaving the stove (or fryer) unattended.
12. Ladder Safety. When putting up holiday decorations, always use the proper step stool or ladder to reach high places. Don't stand on chairs, desks, or other furniture.

Strive Insurance Group, Inc. (formerly Gordon Lund Insurance Agency, Inc) is an independent insurance agency representing many insurance companies.  This means that we quote with 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.  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 30 years.  We take great pride in finding you the best coverage and backing it up with prompt personal service.  

We represent, and have established a strategic alliance, with only the highest quality insurance companies. In doing so, we can provide you with the service and coverage 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
 
 
 
 
 

We are approaching our nation's birthday, July 4th, and we hope everyone has a great day of celebration with friends and family. In 2020 over 5,800 people went to the emergency room as a result of fireworks-related injuries. There were an estimated 13,750 reported fires started by fireworks. These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported deaths, and $40 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!

Homeowner's Insurance
If you over-celebrate and do have a loss or damage, please call our office. It is very likely that the claim would be covered under your homeowner's insurance policy.

General 4th of July safety
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Be a safe swimmer. Water sports and fireworks are two of the biggest pastimes for the Fourth of July celebrations, and these are both linked to numerous deaths and injuries each year. Never swim alone, and make sure that kids' water play is adequately supervised at all times.

Be a safe boater. Never consume alcohol while driving a boat. Set water safety rules for your family and passengers.

Use alcohol responsibly. Alcohol and fireworks can be a hazardous and dangerous combination.

Use sunscreen. At the start of summer, skin is especially tender, so use a high SPF.

Keep alert for local weather conditions. Check to see if any warning signs or flags are posted.

Remember your pet. They are not used to all the fireworks, so keep them inside.

Grill safely. Before you use your grill, make sure all hoses are secure and leak-free. Never grill inside. Keep grill away for al structures.

Fireworks Safety

• Never try to make your own fireworks.
• Light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
• Only use legal store-bought fireworks.
• Don't point sparklers or fireworks at yourself or others.
• Make sure spectators are out of range before lighting fireworks.
• Always keep matches and lighter fluid far away from fireworks.
• Read labels and carefully follow directions.
• Only light fireworks on the ground and in areas that are dry and fire-resistant.
• Don't attempt to light multiple devices at the same time.
• Never allow young children to handle fireworks or sparklers.
• Teach children to "stop, drop, and roll" if their clothes catch fire.
• Always keep a portable fire extinguisher close by. Also, keep a water hose or buckets of water nearby to put out fires.

 
 

A Home Insurance Update
Are you dashing through the snow to grandma’s house?  Do silver bells keep ringing in your ear?  If you are getting into the Christmas spirit, remember your homeowner’s insurance can play an important role in helping keep your home a warm and safe place for the Holidays.

With a little preventive action and a solid home insurance policy, those risks can fade into the background, allowing you to enjoy these next few weeks to the fullest.
Now is a good time to review your personal insurance policies, making sure they’re up to date. While many of your risks are probably covered, a few might not be as explained below.

Here are some examples of some crazy Holiday related insurance claims:

• A man was going to clean his pool for a Holiday party, and carried the bleach from the front of his home to the back.  He did not realize the lid was partially open and bleach dripped all over the carpet.
• The Smith family put up a nice big Christmas tree in their family room.  They instructed their daughter to water the tree every day.  Their daughter did just that, but there was a hole in the Christmas tree stand and the water leaked all over their hardwood floors.
• Parents wanted to surprise their kids with a 65-inch TV.  They hid it in the garage with a tarp over it.  One of the kids accidentally put the car in drive instead of reverse and ran into the hidden TV.
• A family tied their fresh Christmas tree to the top of the car and headed home.  A short while later, the tree came loose and hit the car behind them.
• A local family decided to use a deep fryer to cook the Christmas turkey.  The men all gathered in the garage and dropped the frozen bird in hot grease. The result was a totally destroyed garage an ruined Holiday. 

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. ​

The holiday season is filled with fun, parties, food, gifts, overeating and unfortunately some risk. One of the fasted growing risks for many people are stolen packages by porch pirates.  According to proopertycasualtiy360, over 26 million packages are stolen during the holiday season.  Need more bad news?

Your homeowners or renter’s insurance generally may not cover this loss as it tends to be under your deductible.  There could be coverage if you have personal property off premises insurance.  Also for theft coverage to apply generally, you need proof of loss by a broker indoor, etc.
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Call our office for a review of your homeowner’s insurance, as each policy is unique to your circumstances.
Things To Do

• Delivery confirmation is a good way to prove the package was delivered.
• Thieves will follow delivery trucks, waiting for the perfect target.
• These thieves commonly strike during working hours as many homes are empty at that time.
• You can insure your packages.
• Consider having a person there when the delivery is scheduled.
• Install a security camera.

What To Do If A Package Is Stolen

• Track your package. Check the delivery confirmation and tracking number.
• Make sure a neighbor did not pick it up for you.
• Contact the seller.  Different retailers have different policies and processes for handling stolen items, but usually, you are entitled to a refund or a replacement item.
• File a claim with the shipping company.
• Check your Credit Cards for Purchase Protection.

There are a number of common mistakes some individuals and businesses make when it comes to purchasing insurance. Insurance is the product you buy in case the unexpected happens. Unfortunately, by the time you need it, it's too late to make sure you have the right type and amount of insurance coverage. Make sure you don't make the following mistakes while buying business insurance or personal insurance.

​Having two agents is better because they keep each other competitive
Having two agents duplicates effort and can create coverage gaps. For example, there are certain coverage’s that can be included under a liability policy and auto policy. One agent is better able to manage your entire insurance program.

The lower the premium the better
Premiums are determined by a combination of exposures and coverage. If you get a lower premium you may be missing needed coverage. For example, does the lower premium include replacement cost coverage on buildings and equipment?

The internet is a great place to get good insurance deals
Low-cost internet insurance usually allows you to select the coverage and limits you want. But in most cases, you end up with a limited and inadequate program. You find this out after you have an uninsured claim.

Not having the right value for your personal property
Most people undervalue their personal belongings. We recommend you complete a home inventory to make sure you have the correct value on all your property. Remember, the insurance covers what it costs to replace the item, not what you paid for it.

Believing the TV commercial said it was covered
All claims are subject to your individual policy terms and conditions. That is why an independent agent is important. We can provide information about what is covered and what is not.
As an independent agent, we have relationships with many A-rated national and regional insurance companies; we provide a comprehensive array of insurance products for a variety of personal and commercial clients.
 

The Holidays are almost upon us, and if you have been to any department store, the sounds of Christmas are ringing out. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, over 400 homes are destroyed annually by causes related to Christmas tree fires. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission hospital emergency rooms treat over 12,900 people each year for injuries such as falls, cuts and shocks related to holiday lights, decorations and Christmas trees. Before you put up the lights or cut down the tree, we wanted to provide you with a few safety reminders to keep you and your family safe this holiday season.

The Tree

• Keep Christmas Trees Fresh; water regularly.
• Keep trees away from heat sources.
• Take Christmas trees down before January.
• Do not burn the trees in your fireplace.
• Avoid placing breakable tree ornaments, or ones with small detachable parts, on lower branches where small children or pets can reach them.
• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label "Fire Resistant”.

Lights

• Only use lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory.
• Never string together more lights than are recommended by the manufacturer.
• Make sure extension cords are rated for the intended use.
• Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use.
• Turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house.
• If you use a timer for your outdoor lights, make sure it is rated for outside use.
• Outdoor lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs)

Ladder Safety

• When putting up holiday decorations, always use the proper step stool or ladder to reach high places. Don’t stand on chairs, desks, or other furniture.
• A straight or extension ladder should be placed one foot away from the surface it rests against for every four feet of ladder height.
• Use ladders with slip-resistant feet.
• Never stand on top two steps.

Enjoy the season with family and friends, and never drink and drive. 

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. 

Tis The Season… For Problems

As we approach the holiday season, we thought it might be good to provide you with a few insurance tips on how to protect yourself and your family during this season. The holiday season usually sees an increase in homeowners and other personal types of accidents and claims. Here are a few examples.

Common Insurance Claims During The Holiday Season

• Damage to home as a result of holiday party mishaps
• Theft of personal property
• Identity theft
• Food poisoning and illness
• Stolen gifts out of mall parking lot
• House fires as a result of dry trees or candles
• Auto accidents due to rain or bad weather
• Drunk driving accidents
• Guests trip and fall claims during a holiday party
• Falling while decorating
• Winter sports activities
• Falling trees due to wind storms
• Ice and snow damages
• Travel mishaps

 
Identity Theft Increases during November and December

With more online shopping identity thieves target online shoppers. Criminals access public Wi-Fi systems to hack into your computer and smartphone.
Today, some homeowner insurance policies will either include or offer as an add-on, some type if identity theft coverage but in most cases, the coverage is limited. A stand-alone identity theft policy that is more comprehensive will typically contain the following benefits:

• Coverage for the named insured, spouse, and resident children
• Counseling with a licensed private investigator
• Data breach notifications
• Reimbursement for identity restoration costs
• Credit card activity alerts
• Bank account activity alerts
• Fictitious Identity Monitoring

Homeowners Insurance

A standard homeowner’s insurance policy can offer protection from many of the trips, spills, and holiday mishaps. If your home insurance is written properly it can offer insurance coverage for;

• Trips and falls
• Theft of personal property
• Personal liability risks for third party claims
• Theft of personal property from your vehicle
• Fire and other property damage
• Damage to your home as a result of a covered loss

Some homeowner’s insurance can offer a limited amount of identity theft protection. We do recommend you consider identity theft insurance, which can protect your online identity.

Renters or Condo Insurance
Renters insurance can also provide coverage during the holidays.

• Trips and falls
• Theft of personal property
• Personal liability risks for third party claims
• Theft of personal property from your vehicle
• Fire and other property damage not insured by the owner

Auto Insurance
Auto insurance can provide coverage for you and your passengers while driving during the holiday season. There is a variety of different auto coverage options to suit different people, family situations, financial statuses and more. While state law requires certain coverages and minimum limits, most drivers should carry much higher limits to protect themselves and family should an accident take place. The primary coverages included the following:

Collision Coverage – Covers the costs of repairs or replacement of a vehicle in the event of an accident.

Comprehensive Coverage – Pays for the costs and damages associated with events such as engine fires, hail damage, hitting a deer and other damages not caused by collision.

Bodily Injury Coverage – Provides financial compensation for injuries or death due to an auto accident, within the policy’s coverage limits.

Property Damage – Reimburses for damage to property, such as another vehicle, a fence, a building, and other types of features.

Let us help you by providing a free, no obligation, auto insurance quote, including various coverage options to choose from. We’ll help you identify the right insurance policy, and the best insurance company, to financially protect your car, truck, and other passenger vehicles. Call or fill out our online insurance quote request today.
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.
 

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Personal Insurance and Safety Update

Halloween is over and that means we are in the middle of the holiday season.  During the next 45 days, we will all be busy shopping, eating out, and traveling.  Thieves know that the police are overloaded during the holiday season, and they take full advantage it.  Burglars know that there are many expensive items in homes and cars during the holidays.

Your home or renter’s insurance will provide coverage for theft or loss if you have the coverage. Now would be a good time to call us for a free personal insurance review. Whether you are holiday shopping at the mall, online, or a little of both, keeping yourself and your personal information safe is important.  Here are a few holiday shopping safety tips:

Holiday Shopping Safety

• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Lock your shopping bags in your trunk.
• Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom.
• Never leave car doors unlocked or windows open.
• Always park in lighted areas. DO NOT park in remote areas.
• Shop with a friend.
• Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help in case your child is separated from you.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
• 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.

 
We work to ensure that your personal insurance provides the protection you deserve and need.  We understand you may need different coverage like a personal umbrella, RV insurance, valuable articles coverage, earthquake, or flood coverage.
Over the years, we have found that homeowners who adhere to the following strategies have a better chance of obtaining the best possible combination of coverage, price, and service.

Our trusted insurance professionals are here to help you with every step of the insurance process and can design a personal or commercial insurance policy to fit your needs. One of the insurance professionals will work closely with you to ensure that you receive individualized attention 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.

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.

Make Halloween Safe for Everyone
In the next few days, we will be watching children scramble from house to house in search of the elusive Halloween treat.  However, keeping our kids safe as they are out Halloween night is always a concern.  A little pre-planning can prevent unfortunate accidents that could turn out to be tragic.  Remember, your homeowner’s insurance will cover you in most cases should someone trip and fall on your premises.
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Here are some pointers for ensuring your house is a safe place for trick-or-treaters on Oct. 31.

• Provide healthier treats for trick-or-treaters such as low-calorie treats and drinks. For your guests, offer a variety of fruits and vegetables.
• Be sure walking areas and stairs are well-lit and free of obstacles that could cause someone to fall.
• Keep candle-lit jack o'lanterns and luminaries away from doorsteps, walkways, landings, and curtains. Place them on sturdy tables, keep them out of the reach of pets and small children, and never leave them unattended.
• Remind drivers to watch out for trick-or-treaters and to drive safely.

 
Safety tips for kids

• Never, ever, go into a house.
• Costumes should be short enough to prevent children from tripping and falling
• An adult or an older responsible child should always accompany young children. Even older children should go trick-or-treating with an adult, or with friends.  Never go out alone.
• Only go to homes with a porch light on.
• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective.
• Do not eat homemade food.
• Examine all candy.  If it has been opened, toss it out.
• Use a flashlight.

 
 Safety Tips for Motorists

• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians, and curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
• Turn your lights on.
• At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.

Sources: http://www.nsc.org/, https://www.aap.org, https://www.cdc.gov
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.

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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