3 Things to Do if Your Car Breaks Down December 1, 2021 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.
Top 5 Commercial Insurance Myths October 6, 2021 There are many operations and assets that come with running a business. To support our Oklahoma business owners, we provide a range of coverage for large and small businesses with our Commercial Insurance and Businessowners Policy. When looking to insure your business operation, it’s helpful to be aware of a few common Commercial Insurance myths. Myth 1: My Business Is Too Small to Need Insurance Insurance helps keep your business covered. This includes the physical building, employees, inventory and more. It serves to protect against any risks your business could face. For instance, Commercial Insurance could help if someone steals your work laptop or if an accidental fire burns inventory and supplies. Most businesses, regardless of size, will find Commercial Insurance beneficial. Myth 2: My Homeowners Insurance Covers My Home-Based Businesses Homeowners Insurance covers your physical home and its contents. However, OKFB may not cover business assets related to your home-based business. Obtaining Commercial Insurance will ensure that any inventory, assets, and more pertaining to your business are protected in case of the unexpected. Myth 3: My Auto Insurance Covers The Personal Car I Use for My Business This is similar to the myth above. Since company vehicles could include items pertinent to your business, these items may not be covered under a typical Auto Insurance policy. For example, if an accident ruins your inventory or if someone steals it. Instead, a Commercial Auto policy would cover your business vehicle, and it would include other features like auto liability and uninsured motorist coverage that could provide protection for the vehicle and extra coverage. Myth 4: Commercial General Liability Insurance Has Me Covered Commercial General Liability coverage serves to keep you and your business covered if operations lead to injury or property damage. However, there are limitations. Contact your agent to discuss if Commercial Liability does not cover some parts of your operation. Also, see if it could instead be protected under a Commercial Umbrella policy or Commercial Property policy. Myth 5: I Don’t Need Workers’ Compensation Insurance if I Don’t Have Many Employees According to the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission guide for employers, most employers must provide coverage to their employees. There are exceptions to the rule (i.e., small family businesses, sole proprietors). Be sure to contact the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission if you are not sure whether coverage is necessary. Additionally, this coverage would ensure protection for either you or your employees in the case of a lawsuit or injury. There are many aspects to think about when ensuring sufficient coverage for your business. Reach out to your local OKFB Insurance agent if you have any questions or want to discuss any of these Commercial Insurance myths.
Small Business Vehicle Fleet 101 August 9, 2021 Expanding a small business can be exciting. It signifies growth and an increase in demand for your product or service. However, with an increase in demand comes an increase in supply. If you are looking to start or manage a vehicle fleet to keep up with demand, keep these tips in mind. Leasing vs. Owning a Vehicle Fleet If you identified a need for a vehicle fleet, the next thing to consider is the type of vehicle. Additionally, you should consider whether to lease or own the fleet is in your best interest. There are pros and cons to both options. When leasing, there could be a mileage limit, a need to be more mindful of damage, etc., and that could potentially restrict business offerings and means of efficiency. A benefit of owning a fleet is increasing your business’s resources and control. However, with owning you also have the responsibility for regular maintenance and upkeep. Vehicle Fleet Coverage 1. One of the first things to do when buying a fleet of vehicles is to have it insured. Unlike a personal vehicle that would fall under Auto Insurance, a business vehicle fleet may be best protected under a Commercial Auto policy. In the event of the unexpected, it can help ensure employees and vehicles are covered. Remember to discuss coverage options with an insurance agent. Having the right amount of insurance coverage is critical. Some coverage options may cover vehicle damage and loss, but not the personal property inside. See if purchasing additional coverage to cover personal property could be beneficial to your business. 2. Keeping the policy updated is important once coverage is obtained. Consider scheduling calls with your insurance agent to ensure your policy matches your changes. For instance, adding a newly hired employee to the policy or even removing an employee could be easy to forget and costly if overlooked. 3. To keep your policy premium cost down, it’s important to highlight safe driving practices with your drivers. Additionally, emphasize the importance of having and maintaining a clean driving record. Multiple accidents from an employee could impact a policy premium. See how tickets could impact an auto policy. As you prepare to expand and grow your business, let us focus on ensuring it is covered for your business’s needs. Contact your local OKFB agent for more information on the Commercial Auto coverage options available.
Can A Ticket Impact My Auto Insurance? July 13, 2021 Life happens fast and at times it can be easy to speed through. It could be easy to speed to work when running late or accidentally parking in the wrong spot. However, getting a ticket on either of these encounters could impact your Auto Insurance rate. Check out these facts on how a ticket could lead to an increased Auto Insurance premium. Ticket Violations Can Impact Your Driving Record Did you know a speeding ticket in Oklahoma could stay on your driving record for up to 3-5 years? The Oklahoma Department of Transportation utilizes a point system to track traffic violations and other penalties. If left unaddressed, this could lead to higher Auto Insurance rates and even the suspension of a license. Tip: Reach out to your appropriate Oklahoma traffic court to learn more about how to handle or appeal your ticket. Amount of Traffic Tickets Issued Speeding tickets are not the only violation that can live on your driving record. For instance, there are actions that can have a lingering impact on an Auto Insurance premium. Actions such as texting and driving, running a red light, out-of-state tickets and DUIs. Also, the amount of tickets and the types of ticket offenses are both used to determine a rate increase or change to your premium. Tip: Practice safe driving habits to prevent a rate increase and future traffic violations. This could involve putting the phone down while driving, paying close attention to state laws, and not eating while in traffic. By practicing safe driving and paying attention on and off the road, you can avoid a rate increase and additional tickets. Also, ensure your vehicle is covered under your Auto Insurance policy and contact your local OKFB agent for additional questions or inquiries.
