Personal Insurance Update
With the summer months approaching, now would be a great time to review your homeowner’s and personal insurance program.  There is a large spike in auto accidents during June through August.  We offer a free review to assess your insurance needs, and we can recommend needed personal insurance coverage like a personal umbrella, cyber liability, and flood insurance.  Summer Risks Are Very Real.
Here are a few of the risks your family may face this summer:

• Watercraft -- Remember, your personal watercraft insurance does not cover racing.  In addition, if your boat is over a certain length, you will need a separate boat policy.  Remember to have personal floatation devices for all people in the boat, and do not drink and drive your boat.  Venture beyond the geographic limits in the policy and the insurance may be nullified.
• Travel -- If you are planning a family vacation, make sure you keep your home safe while gone.  Use timers on lights, cancel the mail and garbage, and do not post vacation pictures on social media while you are gone.
• Swimming -- Never leave a child unattended around water.  If your child does not know how to swim, make sure they have a floatation device on at all times.
• Bug Bites -- If you are heading outdoors, be prepared for annoying critters.  Use EPA-registered insect repellents* that contain at least 20% DEET (products include Cutter Backwoods and Off!  Deep Woods) for protection against mosquitoes, ticks, and other bugs.  Other repellents protect against mosquitoes, but may not be effective against ticks or other bugs.
• Barbecuing -- Never leave a barbeque unattended.  Do not barbecue inside or in a garage.  If you receive a minor burn, hold the skin under cool running water for up to 15 minutes to reduce swelling or until the pain subsides. 
• Sunburns -- Always use sunscreen, and if your skin is burned, mix one-part whole milk with one-part cool water and gently apply it into the affected areas with a washcloth.
• Heat Stress -- You may be having fun or working in the sun, but if it is hot, keep hydrated by drink plenty of water.  Wear lightweight clothing and take breaks every hour or so.
• Fire pits -- Fire pits are becoming increasingly popular for outdoor entertaining.  While some burn wood, others use propane or natural gas.  Keep kids at a safe distance and teach them that fire pits stay hot long after the flames go out.

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.  ​

Not sure how to save money on auto insurance? Many auto insurance companies provide discounts and advantages to help you save money on your auto insurance plans. Consult your insurer's agent to see how you might save.
Your auto insurance provides financial security and comfort of mind. Choose a firm that offers competitive rates while still providing dependable coverage: request suggestions and personal experiences from friends and family. Having an agent help, you will reduce much of the time and stress involved in finding the right auto insurance for you.
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Bundle Your Insurance
Bundle your insurance if you have multiple automobiles or different types of insurance. You can combine your policy with other plans such as homeowners' or renters' insurance, boat insurance, motorcycle insurance, and even umbrella insurance. If you buy more than one policy from the same company, you'll get a bundle or multi-line discount.

Be A Safe Driver
Customers having a history of accidents and movement offenses (including speeding tickets) typically pay a higher premium since they pose a greater risk of driving. According to Insurance.com, even a single traffic ticket can raise your auto insurance price by 19%.

Change Your Deductibles
If you are a safe driver, you'll almost certainly never have to make an insurance claim or pay a deductible. If you're unfamiliar with the term "deductible," it refers to the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance company pays the rest of your claim. The deductible for most insurance is around $500. Increasing it to $1,000 or more could result in lower monthly premiums.

Low Millage Plans
Low-mileage discounts may be available if you drive less than the average amount of miles in your area. You might also choose for a "pay-as-you-go" plan, which charges you based on the number of miles you drive. If you work from home or have a short commute, these are extremely beneficial.\

Pay Your Premium In Full
If you pay your insurance premium in full instead of monthly, your rate for car insurance can go down. 
 
Consider The Car
Your insurance prices are influenced by the type of car you drive. Because of the heightened danger of injury and the increased demand for collision coverage, premiums for expensive sports cars are frequently excessive. Furthermore, larger SUVs are more expensive to insure than smaller (safe) cars. Premiums for new autos are also greater than for old or used vehicles.

Location
You can expect your auto insurance costs to rise if you move to a larger city with greater crime rates.

Have Your Agent Shop For You
Companies charge different premiums for the same coverage. Without utilizing an agent, you may not know this. Your agent can offer a number of options based on your individual needs. Check to see if the company is licensed to operate in our state.

Ask For Discounts
Here are some of the discounts you should inquire about

• Good student
• Safe driver
• Loyalty
• Bundled policies
• Multi-car
• Low mileage
• Driver training
• New car
• Pay in full
• Hybrid
• Safety equipment

 
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. 
 

When it comes to protecting your financial assets like your home or auto, you can't trust just anyone with your investment. Finding a trustworthy and trained insurance agent/broker could mean the difference between having enough coverage for your property following a catastrophic loss and being stuck with a large repair bill. An insurance agent/broker is a specialist who works on behalf of clients to find the best policy or insurance provider for their needs.

Consider the overall fit not just the price, as price can be deceptive. Be careful of someone who sells on low cost, generally it means poor coverage. The same method you used to choose a doctor or dentist can be applied to choose an insurance broker. You want someone with a pleasant "bedside manner," as it were.

Understand the differences in agents
Direct Writers vs. Independent Agents: There are two ways to obtain insurance coverage from a company. Direct writers are insurance companies that hire their own salespeople to write exclusively for them; they work for the company that employs them. Independent agents work for the insured rather than the insurance company. They do, however, have contracts with multiple insurance companies and can usually provide you with more options.
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Signs It Is Time To Find A New Agent

• They are responsive to calls and requests
• You are the one that indicates all conversations
• Requesting a quote is complicated
• When a claim occurs they are nowhere to be found

Qualities of a Good Agent

1. Trustworthy
2. A good Listener
3. The desire to teach you rather than sell you
4. Someone who view insurance as a promise not a product
5. A good agent will want to develop a relationship with you not just sell you then move on.

How To Start The Process
Testimonials: Yelp, LinkedIn, Facebook, and other social media platforms can help you determine whether or not a business provides good service. These websites can be useful, but meeting with an agent or broker in person is one of the greatest methods to determine whether or not they will take good care of you.

Personal Recommendations: Consult with your coworkers, people you trust, and your circle of friends. Asking a complete stranger is preferable to relying on advertisements or the yellow pages. People are more likely to refer others with whom they have had a good encounter.

Ask Questions
Consider this like an interview, where you are selecting a person and agency to represent you.

• How long have they been in operation?
• What are their certifications if any? Look for agents with advanced designations such as Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) or Accredited Adviser in Insurance (AAI).
• Which companies do they represent?
• How will the renewal processes work?
• If you're going to have a personal account manager?
• How will they help if a claim occurs?
• What experience do they have with risks like yours?
• What they charge for services and/or how they are compensated?
• Ask them to review your current policies and make recommendations?

Conduct interviews with the contenders to determine which one is the best fit for you. Selecting a broker with strong communication skills will allow you to find an agent who is easy to relate to and who can provide you with information you need to understand your risk and how to best mange it. 

​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.
 
 

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.
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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:

• Consider increasing your deductibles
• Consider the vehicle model when making a purchase. Some are more expensive to insure
• Add smoke and security alarms to your office