Top 5 Farm Insurance Myths July 2, 2021 Taking care of your crops, livestocks, upkeep and more is your responsibility and livelihood. To help, we cover your farm or ranch the way you need. We understand Farm Insurance coverage can be stressful to figure out. Especially since there are a number of aspects to think about. When obtaining coverage or looking to update your current policy, stay aware of these common Farm Insurance myths. Myth #1: Farm Insurance Offered as a Standard Package We know most farm and ranch operations are unique and all have different needs. That’s why Farm Insurance policies are not usually standard packages. There are a variety of policy offerings that are designed to be customized to the specific needs of your farm or ranch. Myth #2: Crop Insurance Premiums are High To encourage farmers and ranchers to use and obtain crop insurance, it is federally subsidized. This means the government helps cover some of the costs. Additionally, to increase accessibility for farmers and ranchers joining the industry, there are programs through the USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) that include a lower premium subsidy and a waiver against fees. Myth #3: Disaster Assistance > Crop Insurance Disaster assistance coverage includes types of crops, losses, etc., but is limiting. While crop insurance provides a guaranteed amount of coverage. This gives farmers and ranchers the chance to cover an array of crops and losses. Myth #4: Farm or Ranch Vehicles Need Auto Insurance Coverage Auto insurance covers most vehicles. However, trucks, tractors or vans used for farm and ranch operations will likely need farm auto coverage to ensure it is covered for your specific needs. Myth #5: Crop Insurance Only Covers Corn or Wheat Growers Federally subsidized crop insurance is open to more than 500 different types of crops. Additionally, there is no required minimum acreage to qualify for crop insurance. It is also available nationwide. There is a lot to think about as you explore Farm & Ranch Insurance policy options. If you have questions or would like to discuss any of these myths, consult your local OKFB Insurance Agent today.
Defining Insurance Jargon January 21, 2021 Insurance has your back by ensuring your assets are covered, but insurance jargon can often get in the way of you clearly understanding your policy. To help make sense of your insurance policy, here are 10 common insurance terms that could help when both reviewing policies or speaking with your agent. Line(s) of Insurance: A class of type of insurance e.g. home insurance, auto insurance, commercial insurance, etc. Example: Charles has two lines of insurance with OKFB: Auto Insurance and Farm & Ranch Insurance. Deductible: A specified amount of money that a policyholder must pay before an insurance company will pay a claim. Example: Esther has to pay a deductible of $300. After she pays her deductible, OKFB will pay the remainder of the claim that is stated in her policy. Claim: A request or demand for payment from an insurance carrier, as defined in the policy. Example: Carl and Robert filed a claim after a tornado impacted their car and farm. See how Billy and the rest of our team immediately worked to fulfill it here. Coverage: The extent an item or property is insured in the event of an accident. Example: Daniel got a full coverage auto insurance policy with OKFB, so he is covered in the event that he is in an accident. Umbrella Coverage: Provides higher limits of protection against bodily injury or property damage claims by a third party. Example: After careful consideration, Anthony decided that umbrella coverage would offer greater protection and peace of mind. Risk: The chances a loss could potentially occur. Example: Christie carefully explained the risks associated with lower coverage insurance policies, so I opted for more coverage. Policy: The contract between a policyholder and insurance carrier. Example: Lauren has an auto insurance policy with OKFB Insurance, so OKFB insures her vehicle in the case of an accident. Premium: Cost an insurer sets for the coverage listed in an insurance policy. Example: Marco’s premium for his homeowner insurance is $1,200, so he pays $100 every month. Quote: An estimate of premium for a specific line of insurance/policy. Example: Ashley just bought a new home and was looking for the best coverage on Home Insurance, so she used OKFB’s Instant Homeowners Quote to find OKFB’s prices. Dwelling: A place of residence, e.g. a home, mobile home, etc. Example: After talking to my agent, I got Dwelling Fire Insurance on my vacation home in Broken Bow. Check out our glossary for more common insurance terms. If you have any questions or want further clarification about an insurance term contact your OKFB agent. Also, don’t forget to check in regularly with your agent to ensure your coverage is up to date. We’re here to help you through the unexpected.
OKFB Discounts All In One Place January 21, 2021 Does OKFB offer discounts? What types of discounts does OKFB offer? Do I qualify for any discounts with OKFB? This is the blog you’ve been looking for! We have compiled the array of discounts we offer across our lines of Auto Insurance, Home Insurance, Recreation Insurance, Farm & Ranch Insurance, Commercial Insurance and more. Contact your agent to see which discounts you are eligible for! Auto Insurance Discounts We offer five discounts under our auto policy. You may be eligible for a discount if you have more than one policy with us, multiple vehicles and more! Keep reading to see where you may qualify. Scholastic Discount Defensive Driving Discount Driver Longevity Credit Multi-Vehicle Discount Companion Discount Home Insurance Discounts Is your home less than 10 years old? Do you have an alarm system installed? If so, these are just a few ways you could qualify for a Home Insurance discount. Keep reading to see if you qualify for additional Home Insurance discounts. New Home Discount Burglary or Fire Alarm Discount Claims-Free Discounts Companion Auto Discount Approved Roof Discount Tie Down Credit Farm & Ranch Insurance Discounts We offer discounts for our Farm & Ranch Insurance, in addition to those that may have a Farm Auto, Farm Fire or Farm Renters policy. Keep reading to learn more! Farm & Ranch New Home Discount Burglary or Fire Alarm Discount Companion Auto Discount Approved Roof Discount Farm Auto Defensive Driving Discount Scholastic Discount Companion Home Discount Multi-Vehicle Discount Companion Umbrella Discount Approved Grill Guard Commercial Insurance Discounts We also offer discounts to help out small businesses! If you are a Dwelling Fire – Tenant Occupied policyholder then check this out. You may be eligible for these discounts. Dwelling Fire – Tenant Occupied Approved Roof Discount Discount Eligibility Approved Grill Guard: Trucks with a qualifying grill guard may qualify for a discount on collision coverage. Approved Roof Discount: If you have a U.L rate class 3 or 4 roof surfacing installed, then you may be eligible for a discount. Check here for a list of approved roof surfacing. Burglary or Fire Alarm Discount: If you have an alarm system or fire alarm in your home, then you may be eligible for a discount based on the type of alarm you have installed. Claims-Free Discounts: If you have had no insurance claims on your OKFB Homeowners insurance policy for the last three years, you may be eligible. Companion Auto Discount: If you also have an auto policy with OKFB, you may be eligible. Companion Discount: If you also have other policies through OKFB, such as a Homeowners or Farm & Ranch, then you may be eligible for companion discounts. Companion Home Discount: Policyholder has an active owner occupied property policy with the company. Companion Umbrella Discount: Policyholder has an active or farm umbrella policy with the company. Defensive Driving Discount: May be eligible for those who complete a minimum six hour accident prevention course approved by the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety. Approved courses are often offered through your county Farm Bureau. Driver Longevity Credit: Drivers who have been insured with OKFB for at least one year may receive premium credit based on a combination of their longevity with OKFB and driving record. Multi-Vehicle Discount: A multi-vehicle discount may apply when two or more vehicles are insured with OKFB. New Home Discount: If your home is 10 years old or less, then you may be eligible for a discount. Scholastic Discount: This discount applies to specific auto coverages for classroom academic excellence to eligible full-time students who also meet specified requirements. Tie Down Credit: If your mobile home uses approved tie downs to better secure your home, then you may be eligible for this discount. If you have any questions or want to learn more about eligibility and discounts then contact your OKFB agent. Remember, we’re your partners in life and are here to help during any situation!
Prepare the Farm & Ranch for Winter September 29, 2020 As the temperature starts to drop this fall, it is a good time to begin preparing your farm or ranch for the winter. Along with taking care of the land and animals, it’s also important to ensure you’re ready to brave the colder temperatures and continue your important work. To help, here’s a guide to help you prepare your farm or ranch for winter! Grounds One top way to prepare your farm or ranch for winter is to build, repair or replace feeders, fences or anything that may take some time. Doing this now in the fall can help you avoid spending long hours in the cold later on. If livestock or crops will be in your barn or shelter during the cold winter months, now may be a good time to clean it out and prepare it. Equipment Storing any equipment and tools that aren’t going to be used in the winter months is a good first step. Make room for machinery as well, especially if your farm or ranch is in an area prone to snow. Since these items are stored away and aren’t being used as often, schedule time to do maintenance to help ensure it stays in good working condition while it sits. Animal Needs Along with preparing the grounds for livestock, it’s important to have sufficient food and a large enough shelter for them all. Animals typically need extra food and water to maintain a healthy body temperature during cold days. Be sure to monitor needs of new mothers and babies going into the winter months. You may want to schedule time for a large-animal vet to provide check-ups and evaluate the overall health of the herd before moving them together into tighter confines. Work Conditions Without the right precautions, working long hours in the cold could be detrimental to your well-being. Remember to take indoor breaks and regularly check your body as well as your employees for signs of cold stress. Before working outside or during an indoor break, drink or eat a warm and sweet snack. This can help re-energize the body and keep you from experiencing any issues associated with cold stress. Workwear In preparing your farm or ranch, it’s important to prepare yourself as well. Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends wearing at least three layers of clothing when working in the cold. Additionally, wear insulated gloves and boots to protect hands and feet. If possible, avoid wearing cotton in cold and wet weather. Cotton tends to absorb moisture and dry slower than synthetic fabrics like wool and silk. As you take steps to prepare your farm or ranch for the upcoming winter season, remember to contact your OKFB agent and review your Farm & Ranch policy. We’ve got you covered and are here to protect your farm and ranch needs.
