Tag: auto

Guide to Getting Off Your Parents’ Car Insurance

Whether you’ve just purchased your first vehicle on your own or are ready for financial independence, it may be time to switch off of your parents’ car insurance policy. Searching for a new auto insurance policy can be a confusing experience, especially for those looking for their own policy for the first time. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering getting off your parents’ car insurance.

Know when to switch

Many parents opt to keep their kids on the family car insurance policy until they move out of the house or graduate college, as it is often more affordable than if a teenager bought their own insurance policy. However, once you move out or buy your own car, some insurance companies may require you to get your own policy. Check your policy or get in touch with your insurance agent if you’re unsure whether this applies to you.

Understand your finances

Before you start shopping for a new auto insurance policy, take stock of your finances. Consider your monthly budget and set a range of what you can afford to pay for your insurance policy. You may also want to think about any savings or emergency fund. How much could you reasonably pay out of pocket for repairs or damages in the event of an accident? Having a good grasp of what you’re able to pay will help you choose the right coverage that fits both your vehicle and lifestyle.

Be prepared to shop around

It’s not uncommon for young adults to stick with the same insurance company their parents use. However, just because you’re familiar with that company doesn’t necessarily mean they have the right plan to fit your needs. Now that you’re no longer on your parents’ plan, there’s a good chance your rates will go up, so you may need to look around at different policy levels and options before you find the one that’s right for you. Take the time to compare your options for coverage levels and whether any discounts are available.

Brush up on terminology

There are a lot of terms that you’ll see in auto insurance policies that you may not have encountered before. From roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage to comprehensive deductibles and liability coverage, it’s easy to get intimidated by all the terminology. For a quick overview, check out our overview of auto insurance options and features or our blog where we define the insurance jargon.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

The first time shopping for your own car insurance policy can be confusing and feel high-pressure. There’s no shame in asking your parents, a friend or an agent to help you navigate through the process, options and terminology. Having some seasoned guidance can be a huge help and local agents are always happy to walk through your goals and available options or answer any questions you may have.

We’re here for you

If you have questions or concerns that you want to discuss, connect with your local OKFB agent today. If you have any insurance-specific questions, we would love to help you find the coverage that best meets your home, auto, commercial and life insurance needs.

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3 Things to Do if Your Car Breaks Down

Imagine your car breaks down. On the highway. At 1 a.m. In the middle of winter. 

It sounds like a scene straight out of a horror movie, but experiencing a breakdown could happen to most of us at some point in our lives. We’ve all heard the saying, “hope for the best, plan for the worst.” While you can’t always prevent a breakdown, you can be prepared for one. 

Here are three tips to help you prepare for a breakdown:

1. Know How to Stay Safe

If you’re driving back to the hotel after an evening dinner, and there’s an issue with the car, there are a few things you could do to stay safe. If you’re able, pull to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights to stay visible. Also, put on the parking brake and turn the wheel away from the road to avoid rolling into traffic. If you’re in fast-moving traffic, it could be better to stay in the vehicle until help arrives. 

2. Have a Kit For Break Down

Stay prepared and stay safe by keeping these items in the trunk at all times, no matter the weather:

  • Mobile phone charging device
  • First-aid kit
  • Road atlas
  • Flashlight
  • High-visibility vest
  • Warning triangle
  • Carjack
  • Tow rope
  • Spare tire
  • Water bottles
  • Granola bars

3. Contact OKFB’s Roadside Rescue Team

If you’re an OKFB Insurance policyholder or OKFB member, remember to keep your Roadside Rescue card with you and have this number saved in your phone: 833-957-OKFB (6532). If your vehicle breaks down, the OKFB Roadside Rescue service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Enjoy the variety of services, including towing, flat tire assistance, battery jump start service, unlock service and more. 

Your safety is our top priority and if you’re in need of help, we will be there every step of the way. 

Holiday Travel Tips

The holiday spirit is in full swing! With it comes spending time with loved ones and enjoying the peace as the year begins to wind down. If you have plans to visit family or friends, consider these travel tips, whether you’re road-tripping or flying this holiday season. 

Focus on Scheduling

The end of the year can get quite hectic. Planning ahead is crucial for staying sane and avoiding feeling overwhelmed. One thing to remember is that the day before Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve are the most heavily traveled days of the year. If possible, schedule your travel for several days before and several days after the holidays to save money and time by avoiding peak road and air traffic.

Prioritize Disinfectants and Sanitizers

Regardless of if you’re driving or flying, it’s important to travel with a supply of hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes. Winter is peak flu, cold and virus season so you’ll want to take steps to ward off these germs. Aim to wipe down high-touch surfaces, like car doors, seat belts and armrests, and remember to clean off hands before eating or touching your eyes, mouth or nose. 

Don’t Forget These Items

  • Passport – Nothing is more frustrating than arriving at the airport and realizing you don’t have your passport. Put this at the top of your packing list! 
  • Important documents – This may be car insurance cards, health insurance cards, boarding passes, etc. Any documents that might be helpful in case of an emergency.
  • Snacks – Traveling takes lots of energy and time, so be prepared by having some snacks on hand for the whole family. A reusable water bottle is a good idea as well. 
  • Don’t forget to check under the hood and/or your flight information. It’s always a good idea to ensure your vehicle is good to go, and it never hurts to double-check flight times and terminals.

Protect Holiday Gifts

If your travel plans require bringing gifts along, it could be helpful to hold off on wrapping the gifts until after you’ve reached your destination. This could make packing easier and help the wrapping stay in good condition. Additionally, if flying, it might help to ship the package ahead of time to the end destination, so you have one less thing to worry about when traveling.

Stay safe this holiday season! If driving, contact your OKFB agent to make sure your auto insurance is updated. Additionally, check-in on your home insurance if you’re going to be gone for a while. All in all, we wish you all the best and hope you have a merry holiday! 

Hot Car Safety Tips

As many of us hit the road to travel this summer, or just to head to work or school, we might enjoy the sunshine and its accompanying warmth! Summer heat, however, adds an extra layer of complications to our drives. As temperatures rise, so do risks of accident and injury as it relates to the vehicle, passengers and pets in the car. Take a look at these hot car risks as well as safety tips for avoiding these situations.

Complete Routine Maintenance Checks

Scheduling routine checks for the vehicle could help lower the chances of having a heat-related car breakdown. Check out the air conditioner, radiator/cooling system, belts, hoses and oil and replace or repair them if needed. Don’t forget about the tires – fill up the tires and the spare to the right air pressure level. Driving under-inflated tires can cause them to overheat easier and that can increase the chance of a blowout. 

Keep Your Vehicle Cool  

The vehicle interior of a parked car can heat up quickly, posing some dangers to your health when you first re-enter it. Take care when entering the car to avoid touching the steering wheel and seats until the surfaces have cooled down. Consider installing seat covers, steering wheel cover, permanent window tint, or windshield sun shades to help block the sun’s rays. These items could help keep your car cool and protect the interior. 

Never Leave A Child or Animal Unattended

If you’re running errands with a child or animal in tow, avoid leaving them in the car, even for a short period of time. Instead, consider using drive-thru services or curbside pickup. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, a car’s interior temperature could rise 20 degrees in approximately 10 minutes. Even leaving the windows cracked or rolled down does not slow the heat acceleration. 

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Even if you’ve prepared your vehicle for summer travel, it never hurts to have a “just in case” kit in your trunk. Fill it with items like water, sunscreen, non-perishable foods/snacks, jumper cables, road flares, flashlight, first aid kit and more. 

Incorporating these tips can help keep you cool on the hot, sunny days in Oklahoma. While you follow these tips, also remember we offer auto insurance to protect you on your journey. Contact an OKFB agent to discuss your auto needs or current policy – you may be eligible for our roadside assistance policy addition.