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

 

​Many 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.

• Starbucks pays more for employee health insurance than it pays for coffee.
• Although the concept of insurance can be traced back to ancient civilizations, the first known insurance contract was signed in 1347 in Genoa, Italy.
• Did you know a few homeowner policies provide coverage for Kidnap and Ransom?
• The most expensive insurance policy in the world belongs to the American director Steven Spielberg, his life was insured for $ 1.2 billion.
• Your driving record can predict how long you will live.  Research shows people with no tickets or accidents live longer on average regardless of the type of death.
• Your home insurance probably covers volcano and meteor damage
• If a tree from your property falls and damages your neighbor’s fence, whose insurance do you think pays for the damage? Do you think it would be your insurance or your neighbor’s insurance?   It’s your neighbor’s insurance.  Why?  The reason is that this is considered an Act of God.  Unless you were aware the tree was in danger of falling, it’s your neighbor’s insurance that is on the hook.

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. 

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.

Your landscaper falls from your tree while he is pruning it, and the injuries send him to the hospital.  His medical bills are about $5,000 and he does not have any insurance. Will your homeowner's insurance cover you if the worker decides to file a lawsuit?
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Most homeowners do not fully understand that they could be liable for damages from a maid, landscaper, or contractor if they are injured on the homeowner’s property.  Homeowner’s insurance is designed to cover you for losses to third parties when you are responsible for the injury.  Homeowner’s insurance does not cover business operations.

How to make sure you are protected

• Make sure all contractors have liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
• Understand the difference between an employee and contractor.
• When it comes to coverage for home workers, every homeowner's insurance policy is different. Your policy may include a provision that provides limited coverage for minor workers performing lawn mowing or other tasks that require the use of power tools on your property.
• Your homeowner’s insurance policy may specifically exclude domestic workers such as nannies or maids.
• If you discover that your homeowner's policy offers limited or no liability coverage for workers, you may consider purchasing additional liability insurance. 

Summer is here for most of us, which means getting outside, traveling, playing sports, and completing home improvement projects. But spring and summer can be dangerous. Here are some of the most common claims that occur in spring and summer.

• BBQ fires
• Boating accidents
• Car accidents
• Drownings
• Bike accidents
• Home burglary

Having the proper personal insurance can help if and when claims occur.

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. 

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
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Watercraft Insurance - Protect your watercraft and trailer, including options for agreed value and emergency services.
 
 
 

We can help you determine the right homeowner’s insurance coverage
Every year there are many new homeowners who look to us for help with their first home. Understand homeowner’s insurance can bring stress and misunderstanding, and we are here to help you find the right combination of coverage, price, and service.
We find most first-time home buyers may not understand what is covered and not covered under a typical home insurance policy. Many times the mortgage company will require insurance, and the homeowner won’t question the coverage specifics. But it is just a minimum requirement for what you are purchasing. If you are an uninformed buyer, you might not address every possible scenario that might be covered by another policy.
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Keys to understanding your home insurance policy

• Talk to an agent who can out the coverage you actually need.
• Ask about policy exclusions.
• Read your policy.
• Understand the difference between insurance and just mortgage insurance.
• Ask about coverage for fences, landscaping, and other outbuildings.
• Consider insurance for loss of use and extra expense.
• Do you have guns, jewelry, art, or other collectibles?

A good agent will be willing to meet with you to review all your questions and provide the coverage you need.
 
 

For many people, insurance can be difficult to understand.  Most people know that insurance is needed, but often they do not fully understand what they are buying or if they are properly covered.  That is why it is important to have an insurance agent on your side.  A good agent will help you determine what your insurance needs are, educate you about your options, and help you understand the specifics of the insurance you are buying.
Here are five things that you need to know as you consider your insurance options.

• You cannot add coverage for a claim that has already occurred.  For example, if there is flooding in your area, you cannot buy flood insurance during an event.
• ​Coverage gaps can be costly. Having a gap or lapse in coverage can be costly.  Always pay your premiums on time, or ask for a grace period from your insurer.  You will end up paying more if you have lapses in your policy.
• Insurance is not intended to cover everything. Insurance is designed to provide financial recovery after an accident or unforeseen loss. Every policy has exclusions which are important to understand. Remember, insurance is not intended to cover regular maintenance.
• An agent can be a valuable resource. A licensed agent can help you find the best possible combination of coverage, price, and service that fits your individual needs.  A good agent will be willing to answer any questions you may have and be there for you when a claim occurs.
• Do not skimp on liability insurance.  The cost of litigation these days underscores the need for everyone to have an adequate amount of liability insurance.  The greater your assets are, the greater your need is to have your assets covered.  To protect yourself and your family financially, buy enough liability insurance on your auto and home insurance policies to cover above your net worth.  We can help you determine how much coverage your individual needs require.

 

​We have all read fake news stories.  We especially liked the one about the 200-pound cat that went on a diet!  There are also many fake news stories out there about insurance.  Some of these news articles claim that it is supposedly easier and better to buy personal insurance online.  These articles go so far as to claim you can get better coverage if you do it yourself.  Unfortunately, many of these articles are part of the “fake news” trend and many unsuspecting consumers have been hurt by decisions they have made because of them.  We do not want anyone to make a poor decision because of fake insurance news. 
Here are the facts; these are not fake news stories

• When you buy insurance online you are taking the risk that you might not be getting the coverage you and family need.  Licensed professional insurance agents go through a long education process to obtain a license and keep that license.  Professional agents must take continuing education to keep up on all the changes in coverage, the law, and company offerings.  Therefore, a professional licensed agent has the knowledge and experience to find the best coverage and value for your individual needs.
• Many insurance advertisements describe certain types of coverage like vehicle replacement cost, vanishing deductibles and more.  However, what they do not tell you is that these kinds of coverage’s cost more and are not offered to everyone.
• Buying the state minimum auto liability is never a good idea. Rarely does the state minimum cover the expenses of a totaled vehicle and medical bills from injured parties.
• Another fake news story is that only people who live in a flood zone need flood insurance.  According to the Federal Government, over 35% of all flood damage occurs to homes outside the flood zone.
•  You do not have to be a millionaire to lose your home and retirement in a liability loss.

Personal umbrella insurance can protect your family’s assets.  For very little cost, you can have the protection of a personal umbrella policy.  

Over the years, we have seen well-intentioned insurance and risk products buyers make decisions that, while they may appear to help the organization, actually hurt it in the end.  Here is a list of top mistakes that uninformed insurance buyers often make.  We provide it to you in the hope that you can learn from the errors of others.
Top mistakes made by uninformed insurance buyers:
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“Bidding-Out My Insurance Is the Best Way to Get the Best Program.”
False.  Most insurance buyers have the false belief that getting three bids from three different agents is the best way to make sure they are getting the best “deal.”  This is like asking a builder to provide a bid without seeing the building plans.  When talking to your agent about your insurance issues, give the agent the full set of “plans,” including losses and premiums, financial data, and policies.  Utilizing the services of one agent whom you can trust will lead to reducing short term and long-term costs.  Comparing multiple factors, including terms, conditions, and premiums is crucial, as even the best-priced policy can fall short in areas.

“Two Agents Are Better Than One.”
False.  Your agent can provide valuable services including educating you about what coverage you need and may not need.  Your agent can search the market for the best possible combination of coverage, price, and service.  Having two agents can create gaps or coverage issues.  It is best to allow one agent to understand your business thoroughly and then design a business insurance program specifically for you.

“I Don’t Need to Have a Relationship With My Agent.”
False.  Many buyers have a false belief that the agent’s only function is to place coverage and administer insurance.  Your broker/agent should be offering much more than that.  Your broker should be a trusted adviser who helps you identify risk factors, and develops solutions that help you to manage these issues.

“My Policy Covers All Losses.”
False.  Your business insurance policy is intended to cover unexpected losses and accidents subject to the policy terms.  There are limitations and exclusions in every policy.

“I Don’t Need to Consider Different Kinds of Coverage.”
Every business should consider the following kinds of business insurance products.

• Business income
• Employment practices liability
• Cyber risk
• Key man life
• Commercial umbrella
• Products liability

 
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.

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. 
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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. 

Strive Insurance Group, Inc. is a full-service independent insurance agency that has been serving the insurance needs of the Dallas area since 1984 (formerly Gordon Lund Insurance). Don't worry, nothing has changed, but our name. In addition to having a presence in the Dallas and North Texas area, we have also expanded to Austin and Central Texas with agent representation and the same professional service.

We represent, and have established a strategic alliance, with only the highest quality insurance carriers. In doing so, we can provide you with the service and protection to meet your dynamic needs. As your needs change, we can review and collaborate to decide which insurance company or companies are best suited to your situation.
 
Give us a call