Category: Tornado

Farm & Ranch Coverage During Oklahoma Harvest Season: FAQ

Harvest season in Oklahoma is one of the busiest—and riskiest—times of the year for farmers and ranchers. With heavy equipment on the move, unpredictable weather, and added labor needs, even a small coverage gap can lead to big losses. To help you protect your livelihood during this critical season, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about farm and ranch insurance.

Q1. Which vehicles and equipment are most often underinsured?
A1: Combines, tractors, grain trucks, irrigation systems, and ATVs/UTVs are often underinsured because their replacement costs rise faster than policy updates.

Q2. What risks are unique to Oklahoma farms and ranches?
A2: Oklahoma faces hail, windstorms, drought, and wildfires—risks that vary by region and require local expertise to insure properly.

Q3. How can farmers prepare for unpredictable Oklahoma weather?
A3: Keep detailed inventories, secure crop storage, and ensure hail, wind, and wildfire coverage.

Q4. What are the most common coverage gaps during harvest season?
A4: The most common gaps involve equipment in transit, temporary workers, and livestock in transport. Many farmers/ranchers assume these are automatically covered, but exclusions are common.

Q5. How do liability issues change during harvest?
A5: Liability risks increase as more people, equipment, and vehicles are in motion. Farm vehicles on public roads lead to higher accident potential

Common liability issues include:

  • Injuries to seasonal or temporary employees
  • Collisions with other drivers while hauling crops
  • Delivery-related accidents on farm property

Having adequate farm liability coverage during harvest can prevent uncovered losses.

Q6. Does farm insurance cover accidents involving farm equipment on public roads?
A6: Yes—farm policies can extend coverage to accidents involving tractors, combines, and grain trucks on public highways, but limits vary. Without proper endorsements, some damages may not be covered. Farmers should confirm with their OKFB agent that roadway use is included in their policy.

Q7. What are the most frequent insurance claims during harvest?
A7: We see more equipment collisions, grain bin/auger accidents, weather damage to crops, and livestock escape or injury. Claims can also rise from hitting power poles or damaging buried utility lines while plowing or moving heavy equipment, so checking maps and marking utilities is critical.

Q8. How often should policies be reviewed?
A8: Farmers should review policies at least once a year and whenever new machinery or vehicles are purchased. Local OKFB agents understand Oklahoma-specific risks and can tailor coverage better than national carriers.

Q9. How can I schedule a complimentary policy review?
A9: Contact Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance for a free farm and ranch and auto policy review before harvest season.

Every farm and ranch has its own rhythm, and Oklahoma’s harvest season brings both opportunities and challenges. Your OKFB agent is here to walk alongside you, helping you spot coverage gaps and keep your operation protected.

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.

Preparing for Storm Season

Spring in Oklahoma brings beautiful blooms, but it also comes with the potential for severe storms. Preparing your home for storm season is crucial to protect your family and your property. Here are some essential tips to ensure your home is storm-ready, along with advice on checking your insurance policies for adequate coverage.

1.Inspect Your Roof and Gutters:

Check your roof for damaged or missing shingles and ensure gutters are clear of debris to prevent water backup and leaks.

2.Secure Outdoor Items:

High winds can turn outdoor furniture and decor into hazards. Secure or store items like patio furniture, grills, and potted plants.

3.Trim Trees and Shrubs:

Regularly trim trees and shrubs around your home to prevent branches from causing damage during strong winds.

4.Install Surge Protectors:

Protect your electronic devices from power surges caused by lightning. Consider installing whole-home surge protectors for added security.

5.Review Your Insurance Policy:

Ensure your homeowners insurance policy covers storm-related damages. Check for specifics on wind and hail coverage, and make adjustments as necessary.

6.Create an Emergency Kit:

Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like flashlights, batteries, water, non-perishable food, and a first-aid kit you can access in case of a severe storm or resulting power outage. 

Preparing your home for spring storms can prevent damage and keep your family safe. For more information on safeguarding your home and verifying your insurance coverage, connect with your local OKFB agent. Stay safe this storm season!

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.

Storm Recovery Checklist: Filing a Claim

As we approach tornado season, it’s important to know not just how to prepare for storm season, but also what to do post-storm. While we can’t control the weather, we can control how we prepare and recover from its aftermath. With a storm recovery checklist in hand, you can navigate the challenges of rebuilding your life after a tornado or severe weather strikes.

1. Prioritize Safety with Emergency Repairs

The safety of yourself and your loved ones should always come first. After the storm passes, assess your surroundings for any immediate dangers. If safe to do so, make emergency repairs to secure your property and prevent further damage. Board up broken windows, patch up roof leaks, and clear debris blocking pathways. However, exercise caution and avoid entering severely damaged structures until they have been inspected by professionals.

2. Document the Damage

Before beginning any cleanup or repairs, thoroughly document the extent of the damage. Take photos and videos from multiple angles to provide a comprehensive visual record. This documentation will be useful when filing insurance claims. Be sure to capture both the interior and exterior of your property, including any personal belongings that have been affected.

3. Gather Essential Information

Before contacting your local agent, gather all necessary information, including your policy number, contact information for your insurance agent, and any relevant documentation related to your property and possessions. Having this information readily available will streamline the claims process and ensure that you receive the assistance you need in a timely manner.

4. Report Your Claim

Once you’ve gathered all the necessary information, it’s time to report your insurance claim. We offer a few ways to report, including calling our Claims Department or contacting your local OKFB agent. Provide them with a detailed description of the situation and be prepared to submit any documentation. Your agent will guide you through the claims process and help you understand what coverage is available to you.

5. Take Inventory of Damaged Property

Create a detailed inventory of all property that has been damaged or destroyed. This should include everything from structural damage to personal belongings. Document the make, model, and serial number of any major appliances or electronics, as well as the condition of any furniture or other items. This inventory will serve as a valuable reference and can help ensure that you receive fair compensation for your losses.

6. Follow the Status of Your Claim

Stay informed about the status of your insurance claim and follow up with your insurance provider as needed. Keep detailed records of all communications, including phone calls, emails, and written correspondence. 

At OKFB Insurance, our 10 regional claims offices help make the claims process as quick and smooth as possible. By following this storm recovery checklist, you can take proactive steps to ensure your safety, protect your property, and navigate the insurance claims process with confidence. Together, we can weather the storm and rebuild stronger than ever before.

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.

Tornado Safety Tips: A Checklist for Tornado Season

A tornado can strike at any time, so it’s important to prepare before one hits. As we roll into tornado season, it is always a good idea to be weather aware. In this blog, we provide a tornado safety checklist that you and your family can reference. This checklist will help you stay safe and knowledgeable during a tornado watch or warning.

Do You Know the Difference?

The first thing to know when preparing your family and home for the tornado season is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. If a tornado watch is in the area, it means a tornado is possible and to stay alert and ready to head to safety when needed. A tornado warning means one has already been spotted or is in the process of forming and getting to safety immediately is strongly recommended.

Tornado Safety Checklist:

There are many actions you can take to prepare for a tornado. First, take some time with your family to discuss an emergency plan and consider adding the following steps:

  • Stay tuned in to the local news or weather radio station for tornado watches and warnings.
  • Know the best places to take shelter during a tornado. Usually, the best place is in a basement or an interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building away from windows.
  • Find a local emergency shelter and make sure to know the best routes to get there safely.
  • If you are in a mobile home or vehicle, get out immediately and find shelter in a nearby building. Do not try to outrun a tornado in a car.
  • Cover yourself with something like a mattress or blanket to protect yourself from flying debris.
  • If you are outside, find a ditch or low-lying area and lie down in it, covering your head with your hands.

What Should You Do After a Tornado?

When the tornado has passed and your family is able to safely leave shelter, ensure to follow up with local authorities on the best route to get home. There could be severe damage to surrounding areas and different roads could be blocked. Continue to tune in to local news and weather radio for further guidance.

By following these tornado safety tips, you can help keep yourself and your family safe during a tornado.

As the severe weather season approaches, consider getting in touch with your local OKFB Insurance agent to ensure you have the coverage you need.

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

Your protection is our top priority. Stay safe Oklahoma!