Boat Owner’s Guide to Safety

As much fun as hitting the water can be, owning a boat is not all fun and games. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just starting out, prioritizing safety should always be at the forefront of your boating adventures. Keep reading for safety tips every boat owner should know! 

Wear life jackets

There’s a reason they’re called life jackets! Before setting sail, ensure that every person on board has access to a properly fitted life jacket. These jackets should be appropriate for each individual’s size and weight, and they should be worn at all times, especially for children and non-swimmers. Remember: adult life jackets will not work for children. There are several options for life jackets, so be sure to check the label for the size and weight limits. 

Know Oklahoma’s boating laws

Every waterway has its own set of regulations and laws governing boating activities. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with Oklahoma’s boating laws–or wherever you’re boating–before embarking on any journey. Understanding speed limits, navigation rules, and safety requirements can prevent complications while on the water.

Look at the forecast ahead of time

Checking the weather forecast before heading out is a fundamental aspect of boating safety. Sudden storms or adverse weather conditions can turn a pleasant excursion into a dangerous situation. Stay informed about any impending storms to make decisions about when it’s safe to get on the water.

Drink plenty of water 

Spending time on the water, especially under the hot sun, can quickly lead to dehydration. To ensure everyone’s well-being, make sure to bring an ample supply of clean water on board. Dehydration can impair judgment and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents, so staying hydrated is important. 

Make sure you’re covered

Boating accidents can happen unexpectedly, despite taking all necessary precautions. Having the right boat insurance ensures that you’re financially protected in case of damages, injuries, or liabilities arising from accidents on the water. Before setting sail, review your insurance policy to ensure it provides comprehensive coverage for your vessel and passengers. Talk to your local OKFB agent to learn more about your coverage options! 

Prioritizing safety is non-negotiable when it comes to enjoying your time on the water. By following these essential boat safety tips you can ensure a safe and enjoyable boating experience for yourself and your passengers! 

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 homeautocommercial 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 FacebookInstagram and LinkedIn.

Recreation Insurance Myths

Do you own a recreational vehicle? If so, it’s important to make sure you have the right recreation insurance policy in place. Many people believe that their regular auto insurance policy will cover their RVs and other recreational vehicles, but this is not always the case. 

In fact, most standard policies don’t cover recreational vehicles. That’s why it’s important to research your options and find an insurance policy that meets your needs. In this blog post, we will debunk some of the most common recreation vehicle insurance myths.

Myth: All RVs are the same, so they all require the same insurance coverage.

There is a big difference between a Class A motorhome and a pop-up camper. The type of RV that you own will play a big role in determining the amount and type of coverage you need. For example, a Class A motorhome will typically require more coverage than a pop-up camper.

Myth: RV insurance is very expensive.

The cost of RV insurance varies depending on a number of factors, including the type and size of the RV you own, your driving record, where you live and more. However, there are plenty of ways to save on RV insurance. For example, if your home and auto policies are with the same provider, you may be able to get a discount. 

Myth: You don’t need RV insurance if you only use your RV for camping trips.

Even if you only use your RV for occasional camping trips, it’s still important to have the right insurance in place. If you’re in an accident or your RV is damaged or stolen, you could be left paying a high price without the proper coverage.

Myth: Your Auto or Home Insurance Policy covers your RV.

RVs require their own insurance policy. Your auto insurance policy can extend to your personal trailer, but once you unhitch and it is no longer connected to your vehicle, the coverage ends. Home insurance may provide some coverage while it is on your property, but it will not cover any damage that could happen while you travel. Only an RV insurance policy is able to provide full-time protection during travel and parked locations outside of your property.

Now that we’ve debunked some of the most common myths about recreation vehicle insurance, it’s time to start shopping for a policy that’s right for you. Make sure you’re getting the coverage you need to keep you and your family safe. 

If you’re looking at RV insurance options,  we encourage you to speak with your OKFB insurance agent about the coverage options available to you. If you have any other questions about insurance or need to be connected with an agent, please connect with us today. We are happy 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 media! This kind of information and more is just a click away. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

 

3 Ways to Show You Care

Valentine’s Day is the perfect holiday to show your loved ones how much you care. This year, don’t just get flowers and chocolates. One gift that can truly last is insurance. It may not be as romantic as a dozen roses, but it can provide protection for life. 

  1. Protect Your Valuables

Home is where you usually feel safest and where you keep your most prized possessions. Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, both insurance lines offer personal property coverage. Personal property coverage covers personal belongings inside a home in the event of damages or theft that may not be covered under a general Homeowners or Renters Insurance line. 

Personal property coverage can provide a sense of security and help in recuperating valuables. Reach out to your local OKFB Agent and see if the jewelry you have or are planning to give for Valentine’s Day is covered.

  1. Travel With Confidence

Planning a weekend getaway for the weekend of love? Whether you’re fishing at the lake, racing ATVs or cruising Route 66 in an RV, one way to protect your loved ones from the unexpected is with Recreational Insurance. We offer a wide range of coverage options that could help you when making new memories wherever your travels take you. 

  1. Support Your Employees

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that small businesses have to expect the unexpected and adapt quickly. Many Oklahoma businesses have suffered from lost revenue, staffing shortages or have had to close their doors completely. One way to show you care for your employees is to give the gift of insurance. Our fully-customizable Business Owners Insurance includes Loss of Income coverage that could help cover a loss of net income due to suspension of operations and help pay for continuing payroll expenses. 

BONUS – How We Care: Drive with Peace of Mind

One auto-related gift to offer a loved one, and no, we’re not talking about buying a car, is Roadside Rescue. As an OKFB member or policyholder, we give you the gift of Roadside Rescue. This is a free service that provides 24/7 assistance wherever you or your loved one is nationwide. Enjoy the gift of traveling with confidence and peace of mind wherever and whenever this Valentine’s Day.

Insurance coverage is a great way to show you care and to provide loved ones with protection and safety. Reach out to your local OKFB Insurance agent if you have questions about your existing plan or purchasing a new one. We’re here to help!

Quiz: How Well Do You Know Your Insurance Policy?

Are you familiar with your Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance policy?

“Yeah, I practically have it memorized!”

“…well, kinda.”

 

Answer the following questions to test your OKFB insurance policy knowledge. The prize for a perfect score? Major bragging rights. (Scroll down to see the answers!) However, if your score isn’t what you expected and you have some questions, don’t worry! Your OKFB agent will be happy to answer any questions you have – no matter how big or how small. We’re here for you.

  1. What is “umbrella coverage”?
    a. Coverage that only goes into effect during inclement weather
    b. Coverage that provides higher limits of protection
    c. Coverage that protects your umbrella against damage and/or theft
  2. Which of the following is NOT considered a ‘dwelling?’
    a. A home
    b. A mobile home
    c. Any shop that sells food or drink items
  3. If you want to contact your local agent, what do you do?
    a. Visit the Find An Agent page on the OKFB website
    b. Holler real loud
    c. Call the operator
  4. What is a CD?
    a. One of those tiny records kids are listening to these days
    b. Celine Dion’s initials, of course
    c. A certificate of deposit – a low-risk money management tool that provides you with a fixed interest rate
  5. Can a jet ski be placed on a boat insurance policy?
    a. Yes
    b. No
    c. Yes, but only if it’s really cool
  6. I’m building a home. Can I insure a home that’s under construction at any time throughout the construction process?
    a. Yes, as long it doesn’t have more than 5 bedrooms
    b. No, the policy must be put into effect before construction of the home begins above ground level
    c. Maybe, but your contractor will decide
  7. How many Oklahoma counties have OKFB Insurance offices?
    a. 5
    b. All 77
    c. 56
  8. What animals can be insured on the 4H/FFA policy?
    a. All animals, besides dolphins
    b. Any animal that walks on 4 legs is eligible
    c. Show animals belonging to club members of the insured 4H or FFA club
  9. Does General Liability cover me if my employees are injured?
    a. No, you will need a Workers Compensation policy to cover your employees
    b. Yes.
    c. Only if you’re at fault
  10. Are my farm employees allowed to drive my insured farm automobiles?
    a. Only if they drive under 10 miles per hour
    b. Yes, if their driving record is acceptable
    c. Yes, but off-road vehicles are excluded

 

ANSWERS

  1. What is “umbrella coverage” anyway?
    Answer: B. Umbrella coverage provides higher limits of protection against bodily injury or property damage claims by a third party.
  2. Which of the following is NOT considered a ‘dwelling?’
    Answer: C. A dwelling is a house, apartment or other place where you live.
  3. If you want to contact your local agent, what do you do?
    Answer: A. Visit the Find An Agent page on the OKFB website.
  4. What is a CD?
    Answer: C. A certificate of deposit – a low-risk money management tool that provides you with a fixed interest rate. When you deposit your money into the account, however, you agree not to make any withdrawals for a certain period of time. You get your money in addition to whatever was earned in interest back at the end of that time.
  5. Can I place a jet ski on a boat insurance policy?
    Answer: A. Yes. Boat Insurance options and features include:
    Liability
    Medical payments
    Physical damage
    Ask your OKFB agent about insuring your jet skis on a Boat Insurance policy.
  6. I’m building a custom home. Can I insure my home at any time throughout the construction process?
    Answer: B. No, the policy must be put into effect before construction of the building begins above ground level. If you’re a builder, then check out available coverage options for builders.
  7. How many Oklahoma counties have OKFB offices?
    Answer: B. You can find OKFB agents in all 77 Oklahoma counties. Use the Find An Agent tool to locate an agent in your area.
  8. What animals can be insured on the 4H/FFA policy?
    Answer: C. You may insure show animals belonging to club members of the insured 4H or FFA club. Raising a lamb, pig or other farm animal for 4-H or FFA club exhibitions or contests requires not only skill, but hard work and lots of dedication. Therefore, consider insuring your animals with 4-H and FFA insurance from a company that understands the effort you put into your show animals.
  9. Does General Liability cover me if there are injuries to my employees?
    Answer: A. You will need a Workers Compensation policy to cover your employees. However, if you don’t know what kind, or how much coverage you need, contact your OKFB agent. We’re happy to help!
  10. Are my farm employees allowed to drive my insured farm automobiles?
    Answer: B. Yes, farm employees may drive your insured farm automobiles however, their driving record must acceptable. You can easily provide their driver’s license information to your OKFB agent to add them as approved drivers.