Home insurance stands as a safeguard against the uncertainties that come with owning a property. It provides financial protection in case of damage, theft, liability claims, and other unforeseen events. While the appeal of affordable premiums can be enticing, it's essential to be aware of the potential downsides associated with opting for the cheapest home insurance available.
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1. Inadequate Coverage:
One of the most significant downsides of cheap home insurance is the potential for inadequate coverage. Bargain policies often provide minimal protection, leaving homeowners vulnerable to significant financial losses in the event of a disaster. Basic coverage might not encompass all the risks that your property and possessions face, which could lead to out-of-pocket expenses that outweigh any initial savings.

2. High Deductibles:
Cheap home insurance policies frequently come with high deductibles. A deductible is the amount you have to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. While opting for higher deductibles can lower your monthly premiums, it also means that you'll have to bear a more substantial financial burden when you need to make a claim. This can be particularly challenging in the wake of a significant event, such as a fire or natural disaster.

3. Limited Additional Coverages:
Affordable home insurance policies often lack the flexibility to add optional coverages that could enhance your protection. These additional coverages might include provisions for jewelry, electronics, or other high-value items. Without these options, you might find yourself without proper coverage for items that are of significant value to you.

4. Risk of Insufficient Liability Coverage:
Cheap home insurance might provide the minimum liability coverage required, but this might not be enough to adequately protect you in the event of a lawsuit. If someone gets injured on your property and sues you for damages, insufficient liability coverage could leave you personally responsible for covering the remaining expenses.

5. Poor Claims Process:
Cut-rate insurance companies often prioritize cost-cutting over efficient claims processing. This can lead to lengthy delays and frustrating experiences when you're trying to file a claim. Slow claims processing can further compound the stress and financial strain that can arise after a disaster.
 
6. Exclusions and Limitations:
Cheap home insurance policies tend to have more exclusions and limitations, which can restrict the situations in which you can make a claim. Certain types of damages or events might not be covered under these policies, leaving you vulnerable to potential financial losses.

While cheap home insurance might seem like a cost-effective solution, it's important to recognize the potential downsides that come with it. Inadequate coverage, high deductibles, limited additional coverages, insufficient liability protection, and unreliable customer service are just a few of the trade-offs that could leave you exposed to significant financial risks. When selecting a home insurance policy, striking a balance between affordability and comprehensive coverage is crucial to ensure that your home and belongings are adequately protected in the face of unexpected events.
 

We recommend asking your agent a series of questions to better understand what your insurance covers and does not cover. 

• Do I need a personal umbrella? What does it cover?  What limit should I have?
• I drive for a ride-share company. How am I covered?
• What is replacement cost coverage, and why is it important?
• What happens if I rent a car and go both domestically and abroad? What coverage would my insurance have? 
• My homeowners' deductible, what is it? How would it be waived? When did I most recently file a homeowners claim? 
• What would happen if my house was destroyed completely? Could I instead use the cash value of my policy?
• My house is old. Would my insurance pay to rebuild my house to current building codes, or would I be responsible for that cost?
• I have a wine collection; how is that covered?
• I just constructed an outdoor kitchen, is this automatically covered? If not, what do I need to do?
• Can I receive any credits for combining my home and auto insurance together? 
• What is flood insurance exactly? Or an earthquake occurrence? Does my insurance cover these incidents? If not, should I add coverage?
• I employ a housekeeper.  What if they had a work-related injury?
• Am I potentially liable for their lost wages and rehabilitation? What if I'm sued by my employee?
• What if I misplace my jewelry? 
• I serve on boards for both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. Will a claim made against me be covered by my own insurance?
• How much would my automobile be worth if it were a total loss? How, if at all, would the deductible apply?
• I recently started a home business. Does my homeowner's insurance provide any coverage?
• When should I include my kids in my auto insurance policy? When should they be removed?
• What happens if a sewer or drain inside my house backs up? I believe I am protected, but am I?

Give us a call today; we would be happy to help you better understand your insurance coverage. 
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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.  

​It can be unpleasant to open your insurance bill to pay your premium, only to discover that your premium payments have increased upon renewal.  We know that most people who carry insurance policies on their homes, cars, and businesses may be unfamiliar with how insurance policies are developed and changed.  So, we thought we might help you understand the why.
Insurers base their policy prices on several variables.  These cost components fluctuate up and down.  Premiums are currently rising in many states.  Remember, insurance companies are competing for your business, so they try to keep their rates competitive.
 
To help us through the process, we wanted to break it down between home and auto insurance.
 
Home Insurance

• The increased cost of construction materials and labor to repair or replace the damage to your home. Even though you did not have a claim, this impacts all insurance rates.
• Storms and other natural disasters. Hurricanes, floods, droughts, wildfires, and other severe weather events have become more frequent, destructive, and costly. In 2021 alone, the United States sustained 20 weather events with losses exceeding $1 billion.
• The older your home, the higher the insurance cost will be.
• Lawsuit frequency has increased, and settlements are at all-time high.
• Supply chain in the production and delivery of appliances, materials, tools, and other key construction elements added to delays and cost hikes.

Auto Insurance 

• Inflation hits the cost of buying and repairing vehicles.
• Lawsuit frequency has increased, and settlements are at all-time high.
• After COVID, accident rates increased, causing insurers to pay more for claims.
• Increased healthcare costs. Medical costs have increased for accident-related injuries.
• Crime has caused more auto thefts and break-ins, affecting all drivers' rates. There is a 20% increase nationally in stolen vehicles between 2020 and 2021.
• Your driving record may be accident-free, but if you have tickets or other violations, these will impact your premiums.

 
Proven Ways To Help Keep Insurance Costs Down

• Keep your home well maintained
• Be a safe driver
• Pay premiums annually
• Ask about discounts offered by insurers
• Bundle your home and auto together
• Increase your deductibles
• Have your agent review your insurance program and market your coverage the right insurer.

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
 
 
 

It is critical that every homeowner or business undertakes an annual insurance review. Regular reviews are equally essential to ensuring that your policy continues to be a good fit for your coverage needs and budget.
In a single year, a lot can happen that can have a significant impact on your insurance costs, coverage options, and limitations, among other things. Among these are the following:

• Marrying or divorcing
• Children graduating from high school/empty nest/child off to college
• Beginning a new job
• Recruitment of new employees
• Purchase new commercial equipment
• Establishing a new enterprise
• Accepting elderly parents into your home
• The acquisition or receipt of an ostentatious gift
• Your immediate family member has died
• Mortgage repayment

Is this to say that I must immediately contact my insurance agent whenever I purchase new furniture or a family member moves in for six months? Not always. While more significant changes (such as marriage, divorce, or the purchase of a new car) should be reported immediately, items such as upgrading your home entertainment system or upgrading your sound system can be reported during your annual insurance review.
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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.  
Give us a call today; we are ready to review your coverage.
 

​As football season starts and fall is here, it is an excellent time to think about your insurance and any changes you might need to make. Having the right personal insurance is important in that it protects you and your family in the event of loss, damage or accidents. The number of insurance claims varies according to the season. The fall season offers new forms of hazards and new patterns in personal insurance claims, along with the falling leaves and reducing temperatures.

Here Are A Few Types Of Insurance You Might Think About
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Auto Insurance, we assist you in obtaining coverage according to on your needs, driving habits, geographic area, budget, and other factors. The following are some coverage protection choices to consider during the fall and winter months.

• Roadside assistance
• Towing coverage
• Accident forgiveness
• Snowmobile insurance

Home Insurance, as local independent insurance agency, we are always willing to walk you through the measures necessary to secure your home. Your agent can assist you in reviewing coverage alternatives during the fall and winter months.

• Earthquake or flood insurance
• Loss of use coverage
• Property away for your premises
• Sewer back-up

Fall Safety Tips
As the weather cools and the leaves begin to fall from the trees, it's vital to remember a few important fall safety tips. Your family may enjoy the crisp fall weather while avoiding some of the dangers that come with the season if adequate precautions and safety knowledge are taken.

• Service your furnace and AC units
• Clean your gutters
• Inspect four fireplace
• Clean up trees and shrubs around your home
• Inspect your rook for damage
• Use Caution with Space Heaters

Be sure to speak with an insurance agent or broker about your coverage and additional things you can do to check your home and property for seasonal liabilities.

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. 
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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
 

Summer is the time when many homeowners start to think about and plan for, various home remodeling projects. If you are thinking about updating your kitchen, putting on that new roof, or even landscape projects, it pays to do some pre-planning. Whatever the project, you need to protect yourself from the financial risks and hazards associated with a home remodel project.

• What’s your project? Are you looking to remodel one room or make minor updates to a small space? The type of project determines whether you’ll need a general contractor or someone more specialized.
• Check-in with your local homebuilders’ association. You’ll be able to search contractors within your area and put together a list of potentials.
• Get referrals. Ask your friends, family, and coworkers who they’ve worked within the past. They may have a great contractor you haven’t heard of — or know of a few you should stay away from.
• Prepare ahead. Compile a list of reputable contractors before you need one. The stress of an emergency repair might impair your judgment.
• Get multiple estimates. If the price is a big concern, checking with only one contractor won’t guarantee you the best price. But the cheapest estimate also doesn’t ensure the best work. If you have the time, try and get a second or third quote.

If you plan on hiring a contractor, you should consider these tips to help make sure your project is completed the way you want. 

• Plan on permit costs from your local government. 
• Ask contractors about their experience with your specific project. 
• Make sure the contractor is licensed. You can usually go to the State Contractors Board for this information. 
• Provide the contractor with guidelines for working in and around your home. 
• Check local directories for recommendations. Yelp can be a good resource. 
• Be specific in your project; this would include type of products used and even brands you desire. 
• It is ok to get more than one bid.
• The lowest price may not be the best quality.
• Always have a written agreement with your contractor. It should include a timeline and competition date.
• Never pay 100% upfront. It is customary to pay one third down, one third as you go and one third upon completion. 
• Go visit other homes on which the contractor has worked. 
• Make sure the contractor has liability and worker’s compensation insurance. Your homeowner’s insurance will not cover the contractor or his work. If the contractor causes damage to your home, you will want their insurance to provide restoration. Ask for a certificate of insurance. 

When you buy insurance, whether it’s for your home, your car or your business, you want an advocate who will properly assess the risks you face and give you an objective analysis of the marketplace, it’s up to you to make the final choice.
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Our team of agents continually pursues additional professional education and certifications. It is our goal to ‘wow' you with the best service every time you call

A 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
 

• Never barbeque inside, in a garage, on the roof, or on a second story deck.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• If you are using a charcoal grill, let the lighter fluid soak into the coals a few minutes before lighting them so that any vapors have time to evaporate.  When you do light the coals, stand back.
• Do not use lighter fluid on hot coals.
• Open the grill lid before you light it
• Do not wear loose fitting clothing.
• Keep an extinguisher outside or close by.
• Make sure you use the grill 10 feet away from your house.
• Use the grill close to a water source.
• Do not let raw meat sit out too long without being chilled or cooked.
• Always wash your hands before and after handling food.
• Do not over-indulge in alcohol while barbecuing.

 
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.

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.

 
 

An Insurance Update
Most people have some gaps in their personal insurance coverage. We do our best to help our clients understand where these are and provide solutions so that these gaps don’t exist. Having an independent agent help, you find the right kind of personal insurance for you can go a long way in providing you with peace of mind.
Personal insurance is complex, and we are here to help you understand the complex, so you have made an informed and educated decision.

What are Insurance gaps?
Insurance gaps can be areas where you thought there was coverage, but in reality, there is not. It may be that the coverage is not available or is too expensive or you just did not know about it. Gaps can occur if you have more than one agent handling your personal insurance. Between your home, auto, RV or personal umbrella there might be times when one agent thought the other was taking care of the issue. Insurance gaps can include:
•    Flood insurance
•    Identity theft
•    Earthquake
•    Sewer back-up
•    Auto insurance limit issues
•    Your home is undervalued
•    Lack of a personal umbrella
•    Limited coverage for other drivers on your auto policy.
 
These are just a few of the personal insurance issues that can create real problems for you. Call our office for a free review.  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.