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!

3 Things to Do if Your Car Breaks Down

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. 

Assemble a Roadside Emergency Kit

From unpredictable weather to unexpected emergencies, there are many things that could leave you stuck on the side of the road when traveling from point A to point B. No matter how short the distance you’re traveling, keeping a roadside emergency kit in your vehicle can help give you peace of mind. Follow these steps to assemble one of your own, and make sure to take routine inventory. 

Emergency Kit Supplies

A first aid kit is essential to have in your vehicle in case of an injury while on the road. Consider assembling your own kit or buying a pre-made kit. Use the American Red Cross guidelines to ensure your kit includes all the essentials. Some other emergency kit supplies you may want to keep in your vehicle include:

  • Bottles of water
  • Nonperishable food items
  • Blanket or sleeping bag
  • Matches
  • Phone charger

Vehicle Tools

Your vehicle will need its own toolkit in case of a roadside incident, like a flat tire or dead battery. You may be able to buy a vehicle toolkit or you can compile one of your own with these necessary items: 

  • Jumper cables
  • Tire pressure gauge
  • Work gloves and rags 
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Hazard triangles or warning lights 
  • WD-40
  • Tow rope
  • Fire extinguisher 

Severe Weather Supplies 

Extreme weather events can happen suddenly and pose some serious risks if you’re unprepared. Should you find yourself facing freezing temperatures, ice or tornadoes while on the road, you’ll want to have these items stored and ready in your vehicle: 

  • Warm, waterproof boots
  • Hat, scarf and gloves
  • Antifreeze
  • Ice scraper
  • Shovel 
  • Road salt or sand

Keeping these items in your vehicle will help ensure you’re prepared for roadside emergencies, but you’ll also want to make sure you have auto insurance that offers you the protection you need. Contact your OKFB agent to discuss your auto policy and see if you may be eligible for our roadside assistance policy addition. 

Tips for Driving Safely All Winter Long

As we begin the last weeks of winter, it’s tempting to look ahead to the joys of spring. However, we all know from living in Oklahoma that the weather can be 55 degrees and sunny one day and 25 degrees and snowing the next. Join us in driving safely these next few weeks by keeping these winter driving tips in mind!

Prepare a Winter Car Kit

A short, routine trip can easily turn into a long journey if roads are inundated with winter conditions. Prepare a winter car kit and include items you may need in case of a delayed trip, car breakdown or getting stuck on the road. Consider an ice scraper, gloves, blanket, road salt, shovel, snacks, bottled water, candle, lighter, car charger, flashlight and jumper cables. You’ll also want to have a copy of your auto insurance card and any numbers for roadside assistance handy.

Check Road Conditions Ahead of Time

There is nothing worse than hitting the road only to come across less-than-ideal road conditions. Even if it is a route you take every day, check the weather, watch the news and read up on road conditions. You’ll also want to check for road closures and any outstanding accidents that may require a change of route. Less-than-ideal road conditions mean you need to go more slowly, so leave yourself extra time for travel.

Inspect Your Car Before Each Drive

Each time you head out to your vehicle, make a lap around the car to inspect it before taking off. In cold weather, tires can lose pressure and deflate slightly; make sure they are still at a safe level to drive on. You should also check the tread thickness of your tires, ensure nothing is clogging your exhaust pipe and confirm that your headlights and tail lights work.

Drive With Extra Care and Caution

Less-than-ideal road conditions you must focus on driving safely and with caution. Reduce your speed, leave extra distance between your vehicle and others, start braking sooner than you normally would and try to stop strategically in a way that won’t leave you sliding downhill or struggling to take off again. Lastly, limit distractions in your car, including radio and cellphone use, and stay focused on making it home safe.

No matter where you drive, make sure you are protected with custom auto insurance to fit your needs. Contact an agent to discuss the coverage you need!