Frequently Asked
Insurance Questions
Find clear, straightforward answers to your insurance questions. Whether you're looking to understand your coverage, get a quote, or learn about our services, we have the information you need.
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Clear Answers to Your Auto, Home, Landlord & Business Insurance Questions
Insurance Questions Answered
Auto Insurance (Oklahoma)
What coverage do I need for my car in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma requires at least 25/50/25 liability (bodily injury per person/per accident, property damage). But that's the bare minimum. We recommend adding collision and comprehensive, especially if you have a loan or lease. Most of our clients add uninsured motorist protection because there are a lot of uninsured drivers on Oklahoma roads.
Do I need full coverage if I own my car outright?
Legally, no—only liability is required. But if your car is worth $5K+, collision and comprehensive protect you from major out-of-pocket costs after an accident or weather event (hail, theft, vandalism). In Oklahoma, hail season alone makes full coverage worthwhile.
Why is my auto insurance quote so high?
Several factors: your driving record, the car you drive, your age, how much you drive annually, and where you park it. Older drivers and sports cars cost more. Even a few speeding tickets or accidents can bump your rate. We compare 20+ carriers to find carriers that specialize in your situation—sometimes a different company will quote you $300+ cheaper for the same coverage.
Can I bundle my auto and home insurance?
Absolutely. Most of our clients do, and you'll save 10–25% on both policies. Bundling is one of the easiest ways to lower your insurance costs. We'll show you the savings when we quote.
What should I do after a car accident?
(1) Check everyone's okay, call 911 if needed, (2) Move to safety if possible, (3) Exchange info with the other driver, (4) Take photos/video of damage and accident scene, (5) Call your insurance company or call us—we'll walk you through the claim process. Don't admit fault or sign anything at the scene.
Homeowners Insurance (Oklahoma)
What does homeowners insurance actually cover?
A standard policy covers your home's structure (walls, roof, fixtures), your personal belongings (furniture, clothes, electronics), liability if someone is injured on your property, and additional living expenses if you're displaced by a covered event (fire, hail, theft). It does NOT cover floods, earthquakes, or general wear and tear.
Do I need flood insurance?
It depends on your location. Oklahoma has flash flood zones, and even homes outside official flood zones can flood. Standard homeowners insurance never covers flood damage. If you're in a flood zone or near a creek/low-lying area, flood insurance is essential. It's affordable and can save you from a $100K+ loss.
What are wind/hail deductibles in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma's severe weather (tornadoes, hail, wind) means most insurers apply separate wind/hail deductibles in addition to your standard deductible. These typically range from 2%–5% of your home's replacement cost. For example, on a $400K home, a 3% wind/hail deductible means you'd pay $12,000 out-of-pocket for a hail or wind claim. You can often buy down this deductible for a lower premium.
My roof is older—will I be denied coverage?
Not necessarily, but insurers do inspect roofs. Roofs over 10 years old are typically covered at actual cash value (depreciated) rather than replacement cost. Roofs over 20–25 years old may face higher premiums or roof replacement requirements. If your roof is 10+ years, mention it upfront when we quote. Upgrading to Class 3 or 4 hail-resistant shingles can unlock discounts with many carriers. Some carriers are more flexible on roof age than others—that's where our comparison shopping helps.
How much coverage do I need?
At minimum, enough to rebuild your home from the ground up. Don't insure based on your mortgage or purchase price—base it on replacement cost. A $300K home might cost $400K to rebuild if labor and materials jump. We calculate replacement cost during your quote.
What's the difference between actual cash value and replacement cost?
Actual cash value (ACV) pays out minus depreciation. So a 5-year-old roof might pay out 50% of replacement cost. Replacement cost pays what it actually costs to rebuild/replace—no depreciation. Replacement cost costs more but is worth it. Always choose replacement cost for dwelling coverage.
My home has a trampoline/pool—will I be insured?
Trampolines and pools require disclosure and often need to be added as endorsements to your policy. Trampolines aren't automatically excluded—most insurers will cover them if you add them upfront and disclose proper safety measures. Pools require a fence for coverage—this is non-negotiable for most insurers due to liability exposure. Some carriers accept both; others have restrictions. We know which carriers accept them and at what premium. Let us know upfront.
What should my deductible be?
Higher deductible = lower premium. Common choices are $500, $1,000, $2,500, or $5,000. Pick what you can afford to pay out-of-pocket if you file a claim. Most people choose $1,000 as a sweet spot between monthly savings and claim affordability.
Do I need an umbrella policy?
If you have significant assets or someone is regularly on your property (guests, renters, contractors), yes. Umbrella liability kicks in when your homeowners liability limit is exhausted. A $1M umbrella policy typically costs $400–$1,400/year depending on your assets and risk profile, and protects your home and assets from lawsuit exposure.
Are there discounts I can get on my homeowners insurance?
Yes. Many insurers offer discounts for: (1) Hail-resistant shingles—Class 3 or 4 rated shingles can save 5–15% on premiums, especially important in Oklahoma; (2) Security systems—monitored alarms, burglar systems, and fire alarms can save 10–25% depending on the carrier; (3) Bundling home and auto insurance; (4) Paying in full vs. monthly; (5) Safety features like deadbolts or impact-resistant windows. Ask us which discounts apply to your home.
How do I file a homeowners insurance claim?
Contact your insurance company immediately if you experience damage. (1) Call your carrier's claims hotline or your agent, (2) Document the damage with photos and video, (3) Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage (save receipts), (4) Gather receipts and proof of ownership for damaged items, (5) Meet with the insurance adjuster to assess damage, (6) Review the adjuster's report and your policy coverage limits, (7) Follow up to ensure your claim is processed. We can guide you through each step.
What are roof depreciation schedules and how do they affect claims?
Roof depreciation schedules determine how much of a roof claim your insurer will pay. Most carriers depreciate roof value by approximately 20% per year until the roof reaches a certain age (typically 5–10 years), after which depreciation stops or the roof may no longer be covered under replacement cost. For example, a $20K roof replacement on a 3-year-old roof might pay only $14K due to depreciation. This is why replacement cost coverage is important—it pays the full cost without depreciation. Understanding your policy's roof schedule helps you know what to expect in a claim.
What does "buying down" a wind/hail deductible mean?
Buying down a wind/hail deductible means paying a slightly higher premium in exchange for a lower deductible on wind and hail claims. For example, if your policy has a 5% wind/hail deductible ($20K on a $400K home), you might pay an extra $150–$300/year to reduce it to 2% ($8K). This is worthwhile if you're in a high-risk area or prefer lower out-of-pocket costs when storms hit. We can show you the cost-benefit for your specific home and coverage.
Landlord Insurance
What's the difference between homeowners and landlord insurance?
Homeowners insurance assumes you live there and covers personal belongings. Landlord insurance covers the building structure, liability for tenant injuries, and loss of rent if the property becomes uninhabitable. It does NOT cover the tenant's belongings—that's their renter's insurance. Landlord policies also often include vandalism and malicious mischief coverage.
Why can't I just use my homeowners policy for a rental?
Because you're not living there and it's a business. Homeowners policies exclude rental properties. Using one on a rental can void your coverage if there's a claim. It's not worth the risk. Landlord insurance is affordable and gives you the right coverage.
What happens if my tenant doesn't have renter's insurance and their stuff burns?
That's on them. Your landlord policy covers the building and your liability, not tenant belongings. That's why we recommend (in writing) that tenants carry renter's insurance. It protects them and reduces liability disputes.
Do I get coverage for tenant-caused damage?
Yes, that's part of why landlord insurance exists. Vandalism, broken windows, damage from tenant negligence—these are typically covered. Ordinary wear and tear isn't covered (that's what the security deposit is for).
What if a tenant is injured on the property?
Your landlord liability coverage pays for medical expenses, legal defense, and settlements if you're found liable. This is critical. A serious injury lawsuit can easily exceed $100K. We recommend liability limits of $500K–$1M minimum for rental properties. Larger portfolios or multi-unit properties should consider $1M+ to protect against significant liability exposure.
Should I require my tenants to carry liability insurance?
Yes. Include it in your lease. Renter's insurance is cheap ($15–25/month) and protects the tenant's belongings plus gives them liability coverage for their own accidents. It reduces your exposure and is standard practice.
Do you offer loss of rent coverage?
Yes. If the property is damaged (fire, hail) and becomes unrentable, loss of rent coverage reimburses the rent you'd normally collect while repairs are underway. This is essential—you shouldn't lose income because of an insured loss.
What about short-term rentals (Airbnb, VRBO)?
Standard landlord policies don't cover short-term rentals. You need a specialized short-term rental policy. Coverage, liability limits, and underwriting are different. If you're doing Airbnb, let us know—we have carriers that specialize in this.
Business / Commercial Insurance
What insurance does my small business need?
At minimum: General Liability (covers customer injuries and property damage), Property (covers your building/equipment), and Workers' Compensation (required if you have employees). If you rent space, you need tenant liability. If you sell products, add Product Liability. If you use a vehicle for business, Commercial Auto. The specific mix depends on your industry and operations.
Is my home-based business covered by my homeowners policy?
No. Homeowners policies exclude business operations. If you run a business from home and someone is injured visiting for business purposes, your homeowners policy won't cover you. You need a Business Owners Policy (BOP) or similar. Even if it's just you, you're exposed.
What's included in a Business Owners Policy (BOP)?
A BOP bundles General Liability, Property, and Business Interruption into one affordable package. It's designed for small businesses and contractors. It covers your space, your liability, and loss of income if you have to close due to a covered event. Much cheaper than buying policies separately.
Do I need workers' compensation insurance?
If you have even one employee (including part-time), Oklahoma requires workers' comp. Penalties for not carrying it are severe (fines, license suspension, personal liability). If it's just you as sole proprietor, it's optional but smart if you have significant assets. We can help you decide.
What's the difference between General Liability and Professional Liability?
General Liability covers bodily injury and property damage (customer slips and falls, you damage their car). Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions) covers mistakes in your professional work or advice. An accountant needs E&O; a contractor needs GL. Some businesses need both.
Can I get cyber liability coverage?
Yes. If you store customer data, accept credit cards, or use email, you're exposed to data breaches and cyber liability. Cyber policies cover breach response, notification costs, and liability if a breach harms your customers. It's increasingly important and often affordable.
What about commercial auto insurance?
If you use a personal vehicle for occasional business (client meetings, job sites), you may be okay with personal auto + business rider. But if you use a vehicle primarily for business, you need Commercial Auto. Rideshare, delivery, and field service vehicles require specific commercial policies.
How much liability coverage should I carry?
It depends on your industry and assets. Typical minimums are $300K–$500K. If you work in high-risk fields (construction, health services) or have significant assets, $1M–$2M isn't overkill. Umbrella coverage is cheap and can extend you to $2M–$5M. We'll recommend based on your business.
What types of insurance do you offer?
We specialize in: Landlord Insurance, Auto Dealership Insurance, Contractor Insurance (HVAC, plumbing, electrical), Commercial Auto, Workers Compensation, General Liability, and Business Insurance for Oklahoma businesses.
Contractor Insurance
What insurance do contractors need in Oklahoma?
At minimum: General Liability (covers customer injuries and property damage), Workers' Compensation (required if you have employees), and Commercial Auto (if you use a vehicle for the business). Many contractors also carry Equipment coverage, Tools & Equipment on vehicles, and Inland Marine coverage for valuable tools and materials in transit.
What does General Liability cover for contractors?
General Liability covers bodily injury (if someone is injured on a job site), property damage (if you damage a customer's property), and advertising injury. For example, if you accidentally damage a homeowner's flooring during an HVAC install, GL covers the repair costs and legal defense. It's essential for any trade.
Do I need commercial auto if I drive to job sites?
Yes, if you use a personal or business vehicle to transport tools, materials, or yourself to job sites, you need Commercial Auto insurance. Personal auto policies exclude business use. Service trucks and vans with equipment definitely need Commercial Auto + GL coverage.
What's workers' compensation and when do I need it?
Oklahoma requires Workers' Compensation insurance if you have any employees (including part-time or family members). It covers medical expenses, lost wages, and disability if an employee is injured on the job. If you're a sole proprietor with no employees, it's optional but recommended if you have significant assets.
What about tools and equipment coverage?
Tools & Equipment coverage (also called Inland Marine) protects expensive tools and equipment either in your vehicle, on a job site, or in storage. Many contractors carry $10K–$50K limits depending on their tool investment. This coverage is separate from GL and Property insurance and is inexpensive to add.
Can I bundle contractor insurance policies?
Yes. Many carriers offer Business Owners Policies (BOPs) that bundle GL, Property, and Business Interruption into one package. A BOP is often cheaper and simpler than buying policies separately. We can show you BOP options and compare them to standalone policies based on your specific trade.
Do I need bonding as a contractor?
Some states and municipalities require contractor licensing bonds or bid bonds. Oklahoma doesn't require a general contractor bond, but specific trades (roofing, plumbing, electrical) may have local bonding requirements. We can help you determine if bonding is required for your trade and obtain surety bonds if needed.
What if I have subcontractors?
If you hire subcontractors, you're responsible for their actions on your jobs. You have two options: (1) Require subcontractors to carry their own GL and WC insurance and provide certificates of insurance, or (2) Add them to your policies with additional insured endorsements. Most contractors require subs to be insured independently—it's safer and cheaper than adding them to your policy.
Commercial Auto Insurance
When do I need commercial auto instead of personal auto?
If a vehicle is used primarily for business—deliveries, field service, client transport—you need Commercial Auto. Personal policies exclude business use beyond occasional commuting. If you're using it 50%+ for business, get Commercial Auto. Using personal coverage on a commercial vehicle can void your policy.
What does commercial auto cover?
Liability (bodily injury and property damage to others), Collision (damage to your vehicle in an accident), Comprehensive (theft, weather, vandalism), Medical Payments, and Uninsured Motorist. You can also add coverage for cargo, hired/non-owned vehicle liability, and specialist endorsements (e.g., for contractors).
Do I need hired/non-owned auto liability?
If you regularly rent vehicles or have employees use their personal cars for business, yes. Hired/Non-Owned liability covers liability exposure when you're not the owner. This is common for small contractors and service businesses and is inexpensive to add.
What about commercial auto for contractors or service trucks?
Service vehicles need Commercial Auto + General Liability (bundled in a Workers' Comp package or separate). You may also need Equipment coverage if you carry valuable tools. Some carriers offer commercial auto with rideshare riders or delivery riders depending on what you do.
Can I get commercial auto if I have an older vehicle?
Depends on the carrier and condition. Some carriers have minimum model-year requirements (e.g., 2010+). Older vehicles are still insurable but may cost more and have limited carrier options. We know which companies are flexible on vehicle age.
What if my business vehicle has a loan?
You'll need Collision and Comprehensive coverage to satisfy the lender. Your loan agreement typically requires this. We'll make sure your policy meets those requirements.
Is my delivery route covered under commercial auto?
Yes, as long as the vehicle is covered for commercial use and your policy is rated for delivery (not just business use). Let us know your annual mileage and typical routes—this affects your premium and the carriers that will quote you.
Questions and answers written by John Shawareb, Licensed Insurance Broker in Oklahoma and Owner of OKC Insurance Brokers. With over 11 years of experience, John has helped thousands of Oklahomans protect their homes, vehicles, and businesses.
Last updated: June 2026