Category: Auto

Oklahoma Deer Collisions: Steps to Take and Insurance Tips

Why Fall Driving is Riskier

Oklahoma drivers know that September, October, and November bring more than cooler weather—they bring an increased risk of deer-related auto accidents. With deer more active during mating season, crashes spike across rural highways, suburban neighborhoods, and even city edges.

According the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety:

  • In 2020 alone, 836 deer-related vehicle crashes were reported in Oklahoma (actual numbers are likely higher).
  • The average deer-collision claim in Oklahoma in 2023 cost $6,542, largely due to expensive high-tech vehicle repairs.

For drivers, that means understanding what to do if you hit a deer in Oklahoma (and how your auto insurance coverage applies) is crucial.

What to Do Immediately After Hitting a Deer

  • Ensure Safety First
    • Pull over safely, turn on hazard lights, and check for injuries.
    • Call 911 if someone is hurt or the damage is severe.
    • Avoid approaching the deer—it may be injured and dangerous.
  • Document the Scene
    • Take photos of the vehicle, surroundings, and any injuries
    • File a police report. Even if not required, it helps streamline your insurance claim.
  • Contact Your OKFB Insurance Agent Promptly
    • If you have comprehensive coverage, that will apply to deer and animal collisions.
    • Liability-only policies generally do not cover deer damage.
    • Share documentation and the police report number with your agent.
  • Repair Your Vehicle
    • Work with a trusted repair shop. Newer vehicles with cameras, sensors, and advanced driver-assist systems often cost more to repair after a collision.

Why Deer Collisions Peak in September and October in Oklahoma

  • Mating Season: Deer activity surges from October through December, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • Rural and Suburban Roads: Oklahoma’s open landscapes, tree lines, and highways make sudden deer crossings common.
  • Crash Frequency: Nationally, there are nearly 1.9 million animal-related crashes annually. In Oklahoma, collisions spike every fall.

Tips to Avoid Deer Collisions

  • Drive carefully at dawn and dusk—peak times for deer movement.
  • Slow down in rural areas, wooded zones, and marked deer crossings.
  • Use high beams when possible to catch the reflection of deer eyes.
  • Never swerve suddenly—brake firmly and stay in your lane.
  • Remember: where there’s one deer, there are usually more.

Deer collisions in Oklahoma aren’t just inconvenient—they can be costly and dangerous. That’s why it’s so important to review your Oklahoma auto insurance policy before peak deer season. Fully understanding your coverage can make the difference between surprises and having peace of mind. If you’re unsure what your policy covers, take a few minutes to call your OKFB Insurance agent—they’ll walk you through your options and make sure you’re prepared for the unexpected

We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re a longtime policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we’re here to help. 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, farm and ranch, and life insurance needs.

Don’t forget to follow us on social! This kind of information and more is just a click away. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Rental Car Coverage Questions to Ask Before Your Next Trip

Labor Day weekend, fall getaways, and holiday trips are just around the corner. Whether you’re mapping out every stop in advance or know you might need to adjust on the fly, a rental car can be part of the plan—or the backup plan if the unexpected happens.

If you’ve ever stood at the rental counter, you know the moment: you’re handed the keys—along with a question about extra insurance—and you’re not quite sure what to say. That’s where your local Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance agent comes in. A quick call before your trip can give you confidence at the counter and on the road.

Here are a few big questions worth asking:

  • Does my current auto policy cover a rental car?

  • Will my coverage be the same as it is for my own vehicle?

  • Does my policy extend to rentals outside Oklahoma or the U.S.?

  • Are there limits on how long my coverage applies?

The answers to these questions can vary based on your policy, where you’re traveling, and even the type of vehicle you’re renting. That’s why it’s so important to check in with your OKFB Insurance agent before your trip rather than making a last-minute guess at the counter.

A quick conversation can help you:

  • Understand your current coverage.

  • Decide if you need additional protection.

  • Travel with peace of mind—knowing you’re covered the way you want to be.

Bottom line: Whether a rental car is part of your holiday travel plans or something you end up needing unexpectedly, call your local OKFB Insurance agent before you go. They’ll walk you through the questions that matter for your specific plans, so when it’s time to pick up your rental, you can focus on the trip ahead, not the fine print.

We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re a longtime policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we’re here to help. 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.

Don’t forget to follow us on social! This kind of information and more is just a click away. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Teen Driver Coverage Made Simple

Adding a teen driver to your OKFB auto insurance policy is a major milestone; one that brings a mix of pride, nerves, and practical questions. At OKFB Insurance, we’re here to make that transition easier for Oklahoma families, by helping you find the right balance between cost and protection.

Whether your teenager just earned their learner’s permit or is taking the wheel for their first solo drive, here’s what you need to know to keep them safe, and keep your coverage smart.

Start With the Basics: Keep Them on the Family Policy

Our agents consistently recommend keeping teen drivers on the family policy rather than setting up a separate one. It’s simpler, and ensures that everyone in the household is covered under the same umbrella.

Even if you purchase a vehicle just for your teen, it’s important to list them as the driver of that vehicle. This keeps your policy accurate and your claims protected.

What Affects Premiums?

Today’s premium rates are shaped by a highly complex system that takes into account dozens of factors, including:

  • Age and gender
  • Vehicle type and horsepower
  • Safety and tech features

This algorithm-driven model means no two quotes are alike, and even small changes (like switching cars or adding safety features) can affect your premium in unexpected ways.

That’s why having a local OKFB agent matters more than ever — we help you navigate the complexity, uncover hidden savings, and ensure you’re paying for the coverage you actually need, not just what the algorithm suggests.

Don’t Miss These Two Key Discounts

Too often, families overlook some of the best ways to lower teen driver premiums: 

  • Good Student Discount: Students who maintain a “B” average or better (3.0 GPA) may qualify for a Good Student Discount with OKFB Insurance. Just provide a recent transcript or report card.  It’s one of the most missed savings opportunities!

  • Defensive Driving Course: Teens who complete a state-certified Defensive Driving course are eligible for another discount. This is not only smart for safety, it can also lower premiums for three years.

Recommended Coverage: Safety First

For families with teen drivers, we recommend maintaining comprehensive protection, including:

  • Liability Coverage – In case your teen is at fault in an accident
  • Collision Coverage – To help repair their vehicle
  • Comprehensive Coverage – For damage not caused by a collision (hail, theft, etc.)
  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage – A must in Oklahoma to mitigate risk from drivers who lack sufficient coverage, because you never know what others are bringing to the road.
  • Umbrella Coverage – Additional liability protection that adds peace of mind

Teen drivers face higher risk on the road, so now’s the time to review your limits and consider increasing them where appropriate.

What Parents Ask Most

Our agents hear it all the time: “How much more will this cost?”
The answer: It varies. But the good news is, there are clear steps you can take to maximize value and minimize risk, and we’ll walk you through each one.

We’re Here for Every Milestone

At OKFB Insurance, we understand that adding a teen driver isn’t just a policy change, it’s a family milestone. Our local agents are here to guide you through it, make sure you’re protected, and help you access every discount available.

Because when your teen takes the wheel, you deserve to feel confident that your coverage is working as hard as they are.

We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re a longtime policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we’re here to help. 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.

Don’t forget to follow us on social! This kind of information and more is just a click away. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

 

Tips for Insuring Your First Motorcycle: A New Rider’s Guide

Ready to buy your first motorcycle? Learn essential insurance needs and safety considerations for new riders.

There’s nothing quite like the freedom of the open road on two wheels. Whether you’re commuting, cruising scenic highways, or exploring Oklahoma backroads, protecting yourself, your bike, and your passengers is critical from day one.

At OKFB Insurance, we understand that every rider’s journey is different. Here are key tips to help you navigate your first motorcycle insurance policy confidently.

  1. Understand What’s Legally Required in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, liability coverage is mandatory for motorcycles. This covers bodily injury or property damage you might cause to others in an accident. However, basic liability doesn’t protect your own bike from damage.

That’s why comprehensive and collision coverage are highly recommended, especially for new riders. These cover repairs or replacement if your motorcycle is damaged in an accident, stolen, or impacted by severe weather for Oklahoma’s unpredictable seasons.

  1. Consider Additional Coverages for Better Protection

As a first-time rider, it’s easy to overlook the coverage options that go beyond the basics but make a real difference if you ever need them. Two important considerations:

  • Guest Passenger Liability: Covers medical expenses for a passenger if they’re injured while riding with you. Many new riders don’t realize this isn’t automatically included with basic coverage.
  • Equipment Coverage: Available to protect additional equipment added to your motorcycle, like a windshield or saddlebags, which aren’t covered under standard policies. Be sure to let your OKFB agent know about any custom equipment when requesting a quote.

Your OKFB agent can walk you through each option to build the policy that fits your exact needs.

  1. Know What Impacts Your Insurance Cost

Motorcycle insurance premiums vary widely depending on your bike type and engine size. Generally, sport bikes or models with larger engines will cost more to insure due to increased risk factors. When shopping for your first motorcycle, consider how your choice will affect your insurance rates long-term.

  1. Avoid Common New Rider Mistakes

First-time motorcycle owners often miss critical details that can cost them financially later, such as:

  • Forgetting to cover additional equipment like windshields or upgraded seats.
  • Skipping guest passenger liability coverage, leaving them exposed to out-of-pocket costs if a passenger is injured.
  • Not asking about all available coverage options.

Taking time to review your policy with your agent can help prevent these costly oversights.

  1. Own an Off-Road Vehicle? 

A recent trend, owners of side-by-sides (SxS) and Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs) are now able to insure them under motorcycle policies. Once the vehicle meets the state of Oklahoma’s requirements and is registered, owners may qualify it for motorcycle insurance coverage. This change offers new flexibility for owners looking to get their vehicles road-ready while ensuring they’re properly protected.

  1. One Final Piece of Advice

When insuring your first motorcycle, don’t just ask for “the minimum.” Instead, ask your OKFB agent to explain all available coverage options so you can ride confidently, knowing you and your passengers are fully protected.

Why Choose OKFB for Your Motorcycle Insurance?

At OKFB Insurance, we’re not just here to sell policies – we’re your neighbors, dedicated to keeping Oklahomans safe on and off the road. We take time to understand your goals, your bike, and your riding lifestyle to build a personalized policy that provides true peace of mind.

Ready to hit the road with the right protection? Contact your local OKFB agent today to discuss motorcycle insurance options tailored just for you.

We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re a longtime policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we’re here to help. 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.

Don’t forget to follow us on social! This kind of information and more is just a click away. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.