With the beginning of a new year, it is important to review your home and auto insurance policies to ensure you are getting the most out of them. To begin this process, here are some questions you should ask when reviewing your policies; “What is and is not covered with my policies?” “Do I need to add any new family members or vehicles to my policies?” “What are my deductible amounts?” “Am I taking advantage of all available discounts?” “Is my coverage adequate enough to cover a loss should I have one?”
The following information will help guide you through some of these key questions for getting the most out of your home and auto insurance. 1)Review Your Policy- Make Sure You Are Aware of What Is and Is Not Covered It is essential to review your home and auto insurance policies to make sure you are aware of exactly what is and is not covered. Different policies cover different things, so it is best to read the entire policy to understand what is included. Depending on where you live and the type of coverage that you have purchased, there may be certain geographical limitations or exclusions related to certain types of damage such as flooding or earthquakes. Additionally, many policies will also list out any items that are not covered under your policy such as high-value items like jewelry or expensive electronics. By understanding exactly what is and is not covered with a policy can help prevent any unpleasant surprises if something were to happen down the line. When reviewing your current home and auto insurance policies, it is also important to consider additional optional coverage that could be beneficial for you in 2023. This will be based on your changing needs or circumstances - especially when it comes to new vehicles added over the past year. Optional add-on coverage options can provide extra protection from specific risks not otherwise provided by standard coverage, like roadside assistance packages or rental car reimbursement, should an accident occur away from home. It is always worth considering these additional coverage options since they often come with minimal cost, but they can offer tremendous peace of mind knowing that all bases are covered should anything unfortunate arise during 2023! 2)Add Any New Family Members or Vehicles to Your Policy Adding any new family members or vehicles to your policy is a crucial step in getting the most out of your home and auto insurance. If you have purchased a new car, it is important to include it on your policy as soon as possible so that you can enjoy the full benefits of coverage right away. Typically, this involves providing details such as make and model information, VIN numbers, and registration data. These details will ensure a smoother process when adding a vehicle to an existing policy! For any newly added family members (spouse/children), you may need to update certain aspects of your policies, such as personal liability limits and increased medical payments should they be involved in an accident. It is also worth considering adding them onto the same auto insurance plan since doing so often results in discounted rates due to economies of scale associated with multi-car policies. 3)Check Your Deductibles To Make Sure They Are Still Appropriate When reviewing your home and auto insurance policies, it is important to check and make sure that the deductibles are still appropriate for your needs. Having a deductible that is too low can put you at risk of losing out on potential savings if you need to file a claim. However, having a deductible that is too high could leave you facing hefty costs in the event of an accident or damage. It is best to review the amount of deductible currently listed with each policy and compare it against any changes in your financial situation over the past year. If either has changed significantly, then it may be worth considering adjusting deductibles accordingly, so they better reflect current circumstances while also allowing for maximum savings when filing claims down the line. Ultimately taking advantage of all applicable deductions can help ensure adequate coverage while keeping costs manageable throughout 2023 and beyond. 4)Confirm That You Are Taking Advantage of All Available Discounts It is advisable to investigate available discounts as well when checking deductibles since these could help lower overall premiums further. It is important to make sure you are taking full advantage of all the discounts available when it comes to your home and auto insurance policies. Some of these may include discounts for having multiple policies with one insurer, being a part of certain organizations like alumni associations or professional societies, or even having certain safety features installed in your vehicle. Taking advantage of any applicable deductions can offer significant savings on premiums while still providing adequate coverage should something unfortunate arise during 2023! It is also worth confirming if there are additional discounts that could be applied towards specific coverages such as roadside assistance packages or rental car reimbursement should an accident occur away from home. Additionally, many insurers now offer preferred driver discount programs designed to reward safe driving habits with discounted rates, so even if you have been involved in a few accidents over the past year—this could still provide some relief when it comes time to renew your policy in 2023. Ultimately exploring all potential deductions and discounts before signing up for new policies each year can help ensure maximum savings while also protecting yourself and your loved ones against unforeseen risks throughout the year. 5)Review Your Coverage Limits To Ensure They Are Still Adequate It is important to review your coverage limits and ensure they are still adequate for your needs. This means confirming that the amount of liability protection you have is high enough, as well as any other coverages such as medical payments or rental car reimbursement should an accident occur away from home. It is also worth considering increasing these limits if possible since doing so can often result in lower premiums due to economies of scale associated with higher-value policies. Also, having adequate coverage offers more peace of mind knowing that greater financial protection is available against unforeseen risks during 2023. In conclusion, it is important to take the time to review your home and auto insurance policies. Doing so will ensure you are aware of what is and is not covered, that the deductibles are still appropriate, that you are taking advantage of all discounts you are eligible for, and that your coverage limits continue to be adequate. Taking this action now can help save money on necessary coverage. 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. Everyone needs some level of personal insurance. Most purchase auto insurance, homeowners or renters insurance, life insurance, and maybe personal umbrella coverage. There are some many choices that at times you may wonder which is best for you and your family. We put together a list of questions you might think about as you consider your personal insurance. We always recommend you review your personal insurance annually to make sure it is still meeting your needs.
Do Agents Offer Something Different? We would answer that as a yes because, agents have access to different kinds of insurance companies, they offer you a choice and work to provide the best possible combination of coverage price and service. Agents are a small business whose goal is to look out after their clients. If I Rent, Do I Still Need Insurance? Renters should purchase renters insurance to protect their personal property like; furniture, guns, electronics, and clothes. Your apartment owner may also require liability coverage, which can be included in renters insurance. Renters insurance is very affordable and can be an effective way to make sure you are covered in the event of a loss. Does The Type Of Vehicle Affect My Auto Premiums? Yes. The make and model of the car you drive play a factor in your car insurance rates. The cost of your vehicle also makes a big difference; the more it costs to repair or replace your vehicle, the more you will pay to insure it. Are There Auto Insurance Discounts? Many insurance carriers offer lower rates to good students, military personnel and people with excellent credit. Ask your agent what discounts are available. Will a Parking Ticket Affect My Auto Insurance Premiums? Not usually. You can generally have one ticket on your history without it adversely affecting your premium. When Should I Consider Life Insurance? Life insurance is something you might consider when you get married or start having children. Some employers offer a small amount of life insurance, but these plans generally are not enough. Life insurance can provide peace of mind to loved ones in the event of an untimely death of a breadwinner. Life insurance proceeds can be used to fund college, pay for outstanding bills, to supplement lost income for a period of time. Life insurance premiums are at all time lows so it can be a very cost effective financial planning tool. Is A Personal umbrella Policy important? Most of us engage in daily activities that put us in danger. Your danger of being sued simply increases if you own a car or an automobile. Many Americans only purchase vehicle liability insurance for $300,000 and homeowners’ liability insurance for no more than $300,000. A personal umbrella policy can give you an extra $1 million in liability protection. I Am Remolding My Home, Do I Need To Adjust My Insurance? If your insurance is written on a replacement cost basis, there may be no need to make adjustments, but we always recommend you contact your agent to review this question. The answer depends on the kind of work you are doing. For example, if you are replacing your carpet with a similar product, you may not need to make any changes in your policy. But if you are adding a 500-foot addition on to your home, then this would definitely require adjustments in the value of your home. For example, say your insurance valuation is based on a kitchen with laminate countertops and generic cabinets. But then you spend $60,000 on granite countertops, custom cabinets, and top-of-the-line appliances. Would your existing coverage be sufficient to rebuild your remodeled kitchen after a loss? Most likely, you would have an issue. Before you enter into any renovation project, contact your agent, and they can help you identify which areas may require insurance updates. I Have A Home Based Business, Should I Get Additional Insurance? Homeowners or renters insurance policies do not cover any business risks. If you run a business out of your home, we recommend you purchase a business insurance policy. If you have customers in your home for business purposes, your home insurance does not provide any coverage. Depending on the type of business, coverage may be added to your existing homeowner’s policy through a rider or endorsement. I Just Bought A Personal Watercraft, Is That Covered? Unlike small boats, personal watercraft are not generally covered by your homeowners This would include; bodily injury to you that is caused by an uninsured watercraft operator. The legal costs if you're sued due to an accident. And any damage to the personal watercraft you own. 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. What are multi-policy discounts?
Everyone who owns an automobile and home has the opportunity to save money. Insurance companies will offer you discounts if you place your home and auto insurance with them, because insurance companies want your business. These discounts may also apply to your motorcycle, boat, RV and even your personal umbrella policy. Multi-policy advantages There are advantages to have all your personal insurance through one insurance company. These advantages include premium savings, saving you time, a better way to manage your insurance and having just one agent to oversee your insurance program. Multi-policy discounts will vary depending on the insurance company. Usually we see discounts ranging from 5% up to 20%. Bundling your insurance can offer the convenience of a single bill and easier claims handling when you need it. Things to remember about multi-policy discounts
Insurance policies come with separate sub-limits relating to specific kinds of coverage. Some limits are well-known, such as limits on jewelry. Other sub-limits are less obvious but are still included in your insurance policy. You might want to learn about these limits before making a claim and risk losing thousands of dollars. So how does this affect you? Sub-limits primarily impact certain kinds of personal property in your home insurance policy. And it's generally related to unique or special items.
What Are The Common Sub-limits on most Home insurance policies?
For instance, the PAF will cover your belongings wherever they are in the world and might even provide coverage for a diamond that comes loose and falls out of its setting, which is undoubtedly not covered by a standard homeowner's policy. As an independent agent, we offer a choice of multiple insurance companies, coverages, price, and more. Our main focus is to find the insurance coverage that best fits your unique needs and gives you the best options. We know you have a choice when selecting an independent agent and broker. We will strive to earn your trust and be that choice. Give us a call today to make sure you have the proper coverage Take a look at these insurance buying tips for bundling your home and auto insurance policies to ensure you get the best deal! When you have multiple types of insurance plans with the same insurance company, you have a "bundle" of policies. When you get a discount for bundling your policies with one insurance provider, it's called an insurance bundle discount. Policies You Might Bundle
Bundling your insurance could provide several advantages. Although these advantages will likely fluctuate by the carrier, the money you save on your policies and the time you save managing your policies are two of the most typical perks of bundling. Getting numerous separate policies from the same insurer can save you a lot of money. While particular savings are dependent on the insurer as well as the types and number of insurance purchased, Purchasing multiple policies (home, auto, or motorcycle) from the same insurer can be more convenient than purchasing multiple policies from other companies. Multiple policies can often be handled or obtained from the same insurance agent using the same online account. How To Get Started Contacting your insurance agent is an excellent place to start if you're interested in bundling your coverage. Your agent should be able to assist you in finding the ideal policy combination to meet your coverage and financial requirements. 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. Personal Insurance
Our goal is always to give our clients the best possible combination of coverage, price, and service. We are not in the business of offering low-cost insurance that does not meet the needs of our clients. There are many ways we help our clients with their personal insurance while keeping our promises. By believing that insurance is about understanding the needs of our clients and then developing personal insurance solutions around your needs, our clients will be better off. Here are some ways in which we provide unique insurance solutions for our clients. Home Insurance – Do you have true replacement cost coverage. Are you insuring your loss of use if your home were destroyed? Auto Insurance – We recommend buying more than the state minimum requirements for liability coverage. The small additional premium can help protect your financial future. Motorcycle Insurance - 24-Hour Roadside Assistance, your bike breaks down in the middle of a long road trip. Count on roadside help with this coverage Watercraft Insurance - Protect your watercraft and trailer, including options for agreed value and emergency services. Here is how we get you the right insurance. We place your personal insurance with the right companies. We understand that not all insurance companies are alike. Some companies have great motorcycle rates, while others offer competitive rates on homeowner or renter’s insurance. We have many years of experience, which helps us know which insurers keep their promises. If insurers stop keeping their promises, then we stop using them. All our insurance companies have proven records of accomplishment of delivering on their promises. That means they pay their claims promptly and with minimum problems. Our staff is licensed and trained. We believe that having a team that is licensed and trained is the best way to deliver on our promises. We promise to take the time to understand your needs and be transparent in all our dealings with our customers. We may not be perfect, but we will always work hard to make sure your needs are our number one priority. We find the right personal insurance coverage for your needs. We can provide personal insurance options that fit your individual needs. That may mean a personal umbrella for added protection, competitive coverage for a vacation home, life insurance, disability insurance, or even mortgage protection coverage. It may also mean we advise you to increase your deductibles on older vehicles. If you have a custom home, we would recommend adding the feature to your homeowner’s insurance that is designed to provide the needed replacement coverage in the event of a loss. You may need special personal insurance coverage. There are many special or unique kinds of personal insurance coverages that you may require. These can include identity theft, coverage for fine arts, guns, and other collectibles, plus others. If you are traveling to a foreign country, you may need special health insurance or trip cancelation coverage. All these safeguards are part of how we try to keep our promise to you. We provide only the personal insurance you need. We can provide the necessary personal insurance coverage and limits; we will not try to sell you something you do not need. If you are a young family, we might recommend term life insurance, but if you are in your later years, term life insurance might not be your best option. If you are a high net-worth individual, we are going to recommend at least a $1,000,000 personal umbrella policy to protect you and your family. These policies can often include coverage for reputation management services and defense services, which are part of the policy. We would rather teach than sell. Our office is located where you live and work. We love to meet with our clients and educate them on what kind of individualized personal lines insurance is best for them. We do not use call centers; we have licensed professionals ready to serve you. Our team is here to help you along every step of the way, from designing a competitively priced personal insurance program to helping you settle a claim. We use our experience and knowledge to help you with all your personal insurance needs by presenting you with the best possible combination of coverage, price, and service. Our promise is to help you understand your personal risks, provide you with competitive options, and be there for you when you have a claim. We will respond to your requests promptly and look out after your interests first. Give us a call 7/2/2021 Fire Up The Grill SafelyA Personal Insurance and Safety Update
In 2020, 19,400 people went to emergency rooms because of barbeque related accidents. Sixteen percent of home structure fires involving a grill were caused during ignition because something flammable was too close to the grill. Twenty percent of all reported grill fires were a result of leaks or breaks. Gas grills account for more home fires overall than do charcoal grills. Emergency rooms see the use of gasoline on a charcoal grill as the most common error associated with burn cases. You might think you know all you need to know about barbeque safety and grilling, but here are some reminders. We want your grilling experience to be fun and safe for the entire family. General Grilling Safety
We are committed to providing clients with the highest quality insurance plans available combined with some of the lowest possible rates. Whether you are shopping for auto insurance, home insurance, life or business insurance, we can help you obtain the best coverage available with the lowest rate possible. Strive Insurance Group, Inc. is a full-service independent insurance agency that has been serving insurance customers since 1984 (formerly Gordon Lund Insurance). Don't worry, nothing has changed, but our name. We are licensed in Texas, California and Missouri. 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. 6/23/2021 July 4th Safety TipsWe 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 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
There are several common mistakes some people make when it comes to purchasing commercial 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 insurance.
Mistake One Having two agents is better because they keep each other competitive Having two agents duplicates effort and can create coverage gaps. For example, there is certain coverage that can be included under a liability policy and auto policy. One agent is better able to manage your entire insurance program. Mistake Two 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 the needed coverage. For example, does the lower premium include replacement cost coverage on buildings and equipment? Mistake Three Buying from a national company is always better. Don't listen to the entertaining advertising on TV. Most national agents only represent one insurance company. They can't shop your account to determine the best combination of price and coverage. Mistake Four 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. Mistake Five Umbrella insurance is only high net worth companies or individuals A small electrical contractor was at fault for the total loss of a historic property, a loss that exceeded his general liability policy. The contractor's umbrella paid the loss in excess of $7,000,000. Umbrella or excess coverage is some of the least costly insurance you can buy. Don't risk a lost for a little expense. Mistake Six I don't need employment liability insurance, I only have five employees, and they are like family. This is the fastest-growing area of litigation for small businesses. The average claim cost in 2020 was $75,000. Mistake Seven Not knowing your policy Consumers' biggest mistake is not knowing what's in the fine print of their policies. Take time to read the policy. Ask your agent to meet with you at least annually to review your coverage. Mistake Eight Flood insurance is only for business in high-risk areas Big mistake; we recommend you ask for a flood quote to at least review the cost-benefit of the coverage. Mistake Nine I don't need disability insurance because I can get Social Security Don't count on Social Security to take care of all your needs if you become disabled. The cost is not as much as you may think. Mistake Ten There isn't anything I can do to manage my insurance costs except shop price. There are many things you can do to reduce your premiums; here are a few:
5/26/2021 Interesting Insurance FactsMany people think insurance is a bit dry. Well we want to help change that. Here are some interesting insurance facts you may not have thought of.
Our agency truly values the long term relationship with our clients, and are proud to give families, individuals and businesses the personal attention required when it matters most. When claims arise, we realize that it can be very stressful and will do everything possible to assure timely and complete recovery. |
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