Benefits of Bundling Home and Auto Insurance

Managing and paying for multiple insurance policies can seem overwhelming, but that’s where bundling can come into play and provide big benefits. Insurance bundling is the process of joining multiple insurance policies under one member policy. It can often lead to a bundling discount – sometimes referred to as a companion discount – convenience and peace of mind for having all of your policies in one place! Read on to learn more about these benefits of bundling insurance: 

You may be eligible for a bundling discount

When you purchase auto and home insurance from the same carrier, you may be eligible to receive a bundling discount. You could save on the bundled product premiums in comparison to paying more for two separate policy premiums with two carriers. OKFB Insurance offers a companion discount, but discounts offered will vary depending on the carrier. To see if you’re eligible for our bundling discount, contact an OKFB Insurance agent.

Bundling insurance can provide enhanced convenience

A bundled policy can mean less paperwork to do initially and to keep up with – saving you time and energy. Additionally, all payments, claims and policy changes can be streamlined through one, dedicated agent. This means if something goes wrong, you’ll know exactly who to call to get help quickly. 

Your agent can help you look at the big picture

By working with you on a bundled policy, your insurance agent will get to know you and your insurance needs better while also developing a personal relationship. Your agent will help you identify gaps in coverage, savings and recommend additional policies. They will also be able to help you choose limits that will help cover all of your assets.

Learn more about the home and auto insurance policies we offer. When you’re ready to take advantage of these benefits, contact your agent to see what you may qualify for.

Renters Insurance 101

Renting a place to live means you likely don’t have to get insurance to cover the structure in which you live. Consequently, many people will overlook the benefits of getting insurance for their personal property. Read on to debunk common misconceptions about renters insurance. 

Myth #1: “My landlord will cover my personal property damages/losses”

Fact: While there may be some landlords who offer renters insurance to their tenants, it’s more likely that the landlord’s policy will only cover the structure itself and not anything inside. Even if the appliances owned by the landlord cause damage to your personal property, they will not be responsible. An example of this is if your refrigerator broke down and caused all your food to spoil. It would not be on the landlord to replace that food under their policy. If you don’t have renters insurance, you may lose hundreds of dollars worth of food items. 

Myth #2: “It’s too expensive”

Fact: Renters insurance is actually quite affordable and provides coverage for all of your personal belongings. An average policy can protect your personal property in the event of an accident for affordable yearly price. Plus, there are additional discounts and credits you could be eligible for, such as bundling policies with the same agency.   

Myth #3: “It only covers my personal belongings”

Fact: Renters insurance can also cover any damage you might cause to other tenants’ property or possible medical accidents that happen in your rental. For example, if your bathroom floods and seeps to other tenants’ personal property, a renters policy can help cover that damage. 

You can visit our website to learn more about renters insurance options or, if you want to speak directly with an agent about the best coverage option for you, you can contact your local agent today.

Protection for your Backyard Swimming Pool

Having a swimming pool provides refreshing relief from the sun and heat. It may even be a savior during long summer days. However, it also presents some risks. It’s important to be aware of how a pool can impact your insurance. If you’re thinking about adding a swimming pool or buying a home with one, we are sharing tips on safety and insurance coverage.

An “Attractive Nuisance”

Insurance companies consider pools an attractive nuisance. To explain, an “attractive nuisance” is anything that may attract or be dangerous to an unsupervised child. For instance, things like trampolines, playgrounds and man-made ponds are all considered attractive nuisances. As a homeowner, you are held liable and are responsible for preventing potential harm your pool could have. This is why obtaining coverage can be critical. Especially since insurance policies may require you to meet certain safety measures before providing coverage. 

Safety Precautions

Typically, insurance companies require special precautions before including coverage. Here are some required safety precautions:

  1. Install a fence around the entire perimeter of the pool, with a self-latching gate lock that children can’t reach. 
  2. Get a safety cover to serve as a secondary barrier. Lockable pool covers are a great way to help ensure children are not using it without supervision.
  3. Provide accessible safety equipment. Flotation devices near the pool for children who are not able to swim yet. 

Consequently, fulfilling safety measures could prevent denied insurance coverage or claims, cancelled policies and large liability lawsuits.  

Insurance Options For a Pool

Pool insurance by itself doesn’t exist. You’ll need to talk to an OKFB Insurance agent to learn more about coverage options. Also, it may be beneficial to add an umbrella policy, which can provide an additional layer of liability coverage. We offer personal umbrella insurance that’s designed to protect you and your family from lawsuits not fully covered under a standard liability policy.

Benefits of a Storm Shelter

When a tornado or storm strikes, do you and your family have a safe place to take shelter? Are you able to get there in seconds? A safe room or storm shelter can provide an extra layer of protection during a destructive storm, but this isn’t the only benefit. If you don’t currently have one, or don’t know the value it can provide, check out the following benefits of a storm shelter

Easily Accessible

One of the main benefits of a storm shelter is that it is within or very close to you, so everyone in the household can get to it easily. Having one on your property means you eliminate the risk of trying to travel to a storm shelter down the street or in the area. A designated storm shelter also reassures you and your family know where to go before a storm or tornado strikes.

Storm Shelter Built to Fit Your Family

Storm shelters come in a variety of designs and sizes, plus there is even the option of a custom design to fit your unique needs. If your family has to travel to a community storm shelter, there is the possibility that it will be full and you may have to split up. Additionally, if a family member has unique needs, such as a wheelchair accessible storm shelter, an above-ground storm shelter can meet that need.

Protection for Valuables

Severe storms, especially those that spin up tornadoes, can damage or even totally destroy a home and its contents. A storm shelter in your home can serve as a safe place not only for members of your family, but also for valuable items. From jewelry to pictures, storm shelters can help protect your most precious valuables.

Stocked for Emergencies

Your storm shelter is a great place to store any emergency supplies you may need in case of a tornado or other severe storm. Consider including first aid items, extra clothing, water, food, medication and any important documents. Taking the steps to prepare an emergency kit for your shelter can help make this an area of refuge.

We hope you will consider investing in a storm shelter if you don’t already have one. Even if you never have to use it, a storm shelter in your home can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

As an added bonus, OKFB members are eligible to receive several discounts on storm shelters. Learn more about this storm shelter discount, and contact your OKFB Insurance agent to talk about the right level of homeowners or flood insurance before storm season is in full swing.