Stop Porch Pirates This Holiday Season
The holiday season is filled with fun, parties, food, gift, overeating and unfortunately some risk. One of the fasted growing risks for many people is 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. 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.

High Tech Solutions
There are a few high tech solutions to consider.

• Landport or BoxLock provides a delivery box on your porch that has an electronic lock.
• Amazon Key, which has a fairly simple premise: When a delivery arrives at your house, and you’re not home, the courier scans a barcode that sends a request to Amazon’s cloud. If it’s approved Amazon remotely unlocks your door and starts recording video through the online retailer’s Cloud Cam.
• Install a front door camera. Many shippers will not replace the item with this kind of device.

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.

​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

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 Business Insurance Review
Many businesses are preparing to have their annual company picnic.  These are great events to gather team members and families together to celebrate, bond and have fun.  Like other company social events, there are a number of actions to consider in order to minimize risks.  Your business insurance policy may cover some of the risk associated with these events, but it is a good idea to have us review the issues and help you understand how best to manage your risk.

Here are a few questions that may help you understand your risk:

• Is the event mandatory?  We recommend that you make these events voluntary.  If the event is mandatory, your business could be held strictly liable.
• Where are you holding the event? It is best to use a third-party location to avoid potential liability.
• Are you serving alcohol? Always hire a third party to manage the alcohol service and require them to have appropriate liability insurance.
• Is there a workers’ compensation exposure? 
  
• Regardless if the event is mandatory or not, if an employee is injured it is likely to be a workers’ compensation claim.

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. 

It is the time of year when many people are preparing for a restful vacation. Perhaps you are heading off to see the grandkids, or your whole family is taking a cruise. No matter what the activity, vacations are no reason to give up on healthy living. Here are few tips to help you stay healthy while on vacation.
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Now would be a good time to check your personal insurance to make sure you are covered correctly.

How to Have a Healthy Vacation

• Wash your hands often.
• Take you supplements or victims with you.
• Take vitamin C or Beta Glucan
• Dink lots of water. If you travel abroad, consider bottled water.
• Take long walks every day, use the stairs when possible, or use the hotel fitness room.
• Limit fast food.
• Pack healthy snacks likes dried fruit, healthy crackers, or nuts.
• If you are driving, take breaks every few hours.
• Always select a sit down restaurant. Order dressing on the side. Try local cuisine or fish.
• Share your meals around the table. Serving sizes at standard restaurants can easily feed two people.
• Limit the use of alcohol.
• Keep bed bugs away.  Don’t store your clothes on the ground, use luggage racks; bed bugs do no climb.
• Try to stick to your normal sleep schedule.
• Bring your own pillow with you if possible.
• Reduce the possibility of getting sick by never eat unpasteurized food or beverages, drinking only bottled water, avoid uncooked fruits and vegetables, eat plenty of fiber each day, and don’t put off going to the bathroom when nature calls.

Only an agent who is interested in your best interests would offer you options that included no insurance.  Rather than using any agent to get you an insurance quote, select a qualified independent agent who will collaborate with you and design a risk management program that meets your needs.

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 Personal Insurance Update
The holiday shopping season is upon us, and many of us are searching our favorite web pages for the best deals on the items that top this year’s wish list.  Last year, cyber Monday was the year’s single biggest day for shopping, generating over 2 billion dollars in sales.  This year, consumer experts predict an even bigger day.  However, this online activity is also a big day for cyber criminals.
We recommend that you have us review your personal insurance to make sure you have the right kind of insurance, including identity theft protection, to protect you and your family throughout the holiday season.
Holiday Cyber Safety Tips

• Use a credit card rather than a debit card.  It is easier to resolve issues.
• Make sure your computer has updated security software.  Verify that your antivirus software is up-to-date with the latest virus definitions, and that useful features like real-time scanning are enabled.
• Update your passwords and make sure they are strong.  Do not use 1234 as your password.
• Don’t open email advertisement for sources you do not know.
• Use only familiar websites.
• Check you statements to make sure charges are correct.
• Always log out of websites after your shopping is complete.  Cookies can often keep you logged into accounts even after you close the browsing tab, an obvious no-no.  Get in the habit of clicking the "log out" button.
• Try not to do your online banking on the same computer you use to shop online.
• An extremely important online shopping safety tip is to keep your personal information protected.  No store needs your social security number or your birthday.
• The National Retail Federation predicts that 25 percent of adults will do online browsing with their smartphones to find gifts.  If you use your smart phone to shop, make sure that you are only browsing safe, well-known sites.

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.
 
Sources – Protection one, CNET, Identity Hawk.com, and Tripwire. 
​

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. 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.