Will Flood Insurance Cover Water from a Washing Machine?

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Every basement or garage in Oklahoma City contains valuable appliances. From washing machines and dryers to freezers and more, basements house essential appliances that often cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. As a homeowner, you can protect these valuable items with the right insurance. Freeland Insurance is here to help.

Flood Insurance for Basement Appliances

If your basement floods, water might reach your washing machine. Even if the washing machine is elevated a few inches off the ground, water can accumulate to a level that compromises its mechanical integrity.

In such cases, does flood insurance apply? Typically, water damage is covered by standard home insurance if it results from an unexpected, accidental, and sudden incident.

However, home insurance is not the same as flood insurance. If water reaches your washing machine due to a storm surge, heavy rain, or river overflow, you’ll need flood insurance to cover the cost of repairing or replacing the appliance.

What Flood Insurance Covers

Standard flood insurance policies cover the building itself and its contents. This includes appliances such as washing machines, dryers, portable air conditioners, freezers, and refrigerators.

However, it’s important to review the fine print of your flood insurance policy. Many policies exclude damage caused by moisture, mildew, or mold. Additionally, the loss of use of certain items may not be covered.

Freeland Insurance Center in Oklahoma City

For insurance solutions in Oklahoma City, OK, Freeland Insurance Center provides the coverage and peace of mind you need. If you’re considering flood insurance, call us at 405-692-6106 for a quote.

Can You Switch Health Insurance Companies?

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Yes, you can technically switch health insurance companies, but it’s not always as simple as deciding you want something different and making the change the next day. The ability to switch depends largely on timing and what’s happening in your life at that moment, so you should get with your insurance agent at Freeland Insurance, serving Oklahoma City, OK for details.

When Switching Is Allowed

Most people can only switch health insurance companies during specific enrollment windows. The most common is open enrollment, which happens once a year. Outside of that period, a switch is usually allowed only if you experience a qualifying life event. That could include getting married, moving to a new area, having a child, or losing existing coverage. Without one of these events, changes are often limited until the next enrollment window opens.

How Employer Coverage Fits In

If your health insurance comes through an employer, the rules are usually tied to the company’s benefits calendar. Many employers allow changes once a year during their own enrollment period. Certain life events may also allow adjustments mid-year, but those changes generally need to be made within a short timeframe.

Things People Often Overlook

Switching health insurance companies isn’t just about picking a new name. Provider networks can change, which affects whether current doctors and specialists are still in-network. Prescription coverage can also differ.

Timing and Coverage Gaps

One of the biggest concerns when switching is making sure coverage lines up correctly. Overlapping dates or short gaps can cause confusion later, especially if care is needed during the transition.

Switching health insurance companies is possible, but it works best when it’s planned carefully. Contact Freeland Insurance, serving Oklahoma City, OK, for assistance with your individual circumstances, to avoid any potential complications with your choice to change your health insurance.

How Does Term Life Insurance Differ From Whole Life Insurance?

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When you purchase life insurance, you have to make a choice. Two of the most popular types of life insurance are term and whole life insurance. These two types of policies are very different.

Understanding the differences between these two types of policies can help you decide which one is right for you. The insurance professionals at Freeland Insurance, servicing Oklahoma City, OK, can help you decide what type of insurance to buy. Here’s what to know. 

What Is Term Life Insurance?

Term life insurance is a type of insurance that lasts for a designated period. If you die while the policy is active, your beneficiaries will receive the death benefit. Sometimes, term life insurance can be extended beyond the initial term. Usually, the premium remains the same throughout the term. 

What Is Whole Life Insurance?

Whole life insurance is a type of life insurance that lasts your entire life, as long as you continue to pay the premium. Typically, the premium for whole life insurance remains at the same rate. When you die, your beneficiaries are provided a death benefit as long as you have continued to pay the premium. 

Which Type of Life Insurance Is Right For You?

Trying to decide which type of life insurance is right for you can be a challenge. Your insurance agent can help you make this decision. Contact an insurance agent from Freeland Insurance, servicing Oklahoma City, OK to learn more about the different types of life insurance and the details of each policy. We work with more than one insurance carrier, which makes it easier to find the right policy for your needs. Call today.

Advantages of Commercial Insurance for Entrepreneurs in Oklahoma City

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Running a business in Oklahoma City, OK, is a path to financial freedom. Whether you’re managing a retail store, warehouse, or office space, understanding the importance of commercial insurance is invaluable. At Freeland Insurance, we work closely with our clients to protect the foundation, reputation, and long-term growth of businesses across the state.

Advantages of Commercial Insurance

One of the most notable advantages of commercial insurance for business owners across Oklahoma is the ability to protect against unforeseen financial losses. Commercial property insurance covers damages from fire, theft, storms, and even vandalism (which is not covered with most traditional property insurance policies). Additionally, liability insurance safeguards business owners from product-related claims, customer injuries, or even direct lawsuits, regardless of the line of work you’re in or the type of business you represent. 

Build Credibility and Trust

Obtaining proper commercial insurance is a way to build credibility and trust among clients and customers. Promoting that you are licensed and insured is a way to demonstrate responsibility and professionalism. For industries such as hospitality, retail, and even construction in OK, this is key.

Workers’ Compensation

Obtaining workers’ compensation insurance is a way to protect yourself as a business owner, along with your employees. This can boost workplace morale and fulfill state requirements simultaneously. Business interruption and cyber liability insurance can help you remain resilient whenever a potentially unexpected disruption occurs, from cyberattacks to personal attacks on your business software.

If you’re just getting started with a new business, or you’re reevaluating existing policies, Freeland Insurance is here for you. For those located in Oklahoma City, OK, we’re here for you. To learn more about the advantages of commercial insurance for entrepreneurs and how our evaluation can help you, contact us for more information.

Rising Rebuild Costs in Oklahoma City: Why Your Home Insurance May Fall Short

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Let’s be honest, a home insurance policy that made perfect sense five years ago might leave you completely exposed today.

The reality is that Oklahoma City homeowners are facing a challenging situation. The cost to rebuild, not just repair, a home after a total loss has surged due to inflation, material shortages, and rising labor costs. Here’s the catch: if your home insurance isn’t keeping up, you’re on the hook for the difference.

Construction Costs Are Climbing Fast

Everything is getting more expensive: lumber, concrete, and skilled trades. Across the board, prices have skyrocketed over the last five years. Rebuilding a 2,000-square-foot home in Oklahoma City now costs significantly more than it did just a few years ago, yet your policy may still reflect outdated replacement values.

Why does this matter? Most home insurance policies in Oklahoma City, OK, are based on a home’s estimated rebuild value, not its market price. If your coverage hasn’t been updated, a fire, tornado, or severe storm could leave you with a partial payout and a financial gap you didn’t plan for.

Standard Coverage Isn’t Always Enough

Even if you think you have “full coverage,” you might still fall short. Here’s why: basic policies typically cap replacement costs at the original estimate, but your home is likely worth much more now.

It’s simple math. Let’s say your home needs to be rebuilt from the ground up. That includes everything: permits, labor, debris removal, and compliance with updated zoning or building codes. All of these costs have increased. If your coverage isn’t designed to grow with those expenses, you could be left with a significant financial burden.

How to Protect Yourself Before It’s Too Late

The solution starts with a conversation. At Freeland Insurance, we help Oklahoma City homeowners review their current policies and assess real-time rebuild values, not just ballpark figures.

We also walk you through optional add-ons, like extended replacement cost or ordinance coverage, which can protect you from ever-increasing construction costs.

Not sure if your coverage still fits your home? Let’s take a look together. Contact Freeland Insurance in Oklahoma City, OK, today. No pressure, just answers.

Can I Keep My Old Doctor if I Get a New Health Insurance Company?

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Switching health insurance plans can lead to questions regarding continuing care with a trusted doctor. If you’re in Oklahoma and contemplating a new health insurance provider, understanding how provider networks operate is crucial to avoid any surprises. Your agent at Freeland Insurance, serving Oklahoma City, OK, can assist.

Understanding In-Network vs. Out-of-Network

Most insurance plans come with a list of approved providers known as a network. These doctors and facilities agreed to work with the insurance company at pre-negotiated rates. If your doctor is "in-network" under your new plan, you can continue seeing them as usual, and your visits will be covered under your new benefits.

If your doctor isn’t in-network, your options will depend on your insurance type. Some plans won’t cover any costs for out-of-network care unless it’s an emergency. Others might cover a portion of the bill, but you’ll typically pay more out-of-pocket.

Verify Before You Switch

Before finalizing a new policy, ensure your doctor is part of the new insurer’s network. You can contact the doctor’s office directly or review the insurer’s list of in-network providers. An experienced local agent can also help you compare plans and guide you through the details.

Considerations for Ongoing Treatment

If you’re in the midst of treatment for a medical condition, you may be eligible for what’s called a transition of care. This allows you to temporarily continue with your current doctor while your new plan takes effect, but it usually requires approval.

Choosing a new health plan doesn’t have to mean starting over with a new doctor. A bit of planning can help maintain consistency in your care. Consult with your insurance agent at Freeland Insurance, serving Oklahoma City, OK, to learn more.

Locating Lost or Unclaimed Life Insurance Policies

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Understanding Life Insurance and Locating Lost or Unclaimed Policies

We all face the future knowing that someday we will pass away, and life insurance can provide financial support for those we leave behind. Many of us have questions about which type of insurance to buy or how much coverage to purchase. Residents of Oklahoma City, OK, with questions about life insurance can discuss all available options with our team at Freeland Insurance. We’ve been assisting clients with life insurance in your area since 2006.

Locating Lost or Unclaimed Life Insurance Policies

The Oklahoma Department of Insurance states that many life insurance policies go unclaimed. The same source reports that they have assisted Oklahoma residents in collecting more than 49 million dollars from lost or unclaimed life insurance policies. Interestingly, more than $94 million was awarded to 4,872 Oklahomans via this system between 2019 and 2023.

The Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner currently encourages clients to search for lost and unclaimed policies with the Life Insurance Policy Locator, which can be found on the Oklahoma Department of Insurance’s website. Requests can be made free of charge, and the request process is confidential. Anyone who believes they are a beneficiary of a deceased loved one’s insurance policy is encouraged to contact the Department of Insurance online or by phone.

Contact Us Today for Your Appointment

Several types of life insurance policies are available, and many factors are involved in selecting them. Every member of our team at Freeland Insurance is ready to assist you with choosing the right life insurance policy. Residents of Oklahoma City, OK can feel confident when making an appointment for an insurance discussion. Call us for an appointment today, and let’s talk about providing your family with a life insurance policy.

How Commercial Insurance Safeguards Your Business from Unexpected Risks in Oklahoma City

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Owning a business in Oklahoma City, OK, can be exciting. You’re the boss, which means you are responsible for safeguarding your business against risks. Commercial insurance can help with this, and our agents at Freeland Insurance can walk you through the many options.

The Basics of Commercial Insurance

Commercial insurance is unique to every business. Whether you have a commercial building or run your operations out of your garage, an insurance policy is still a must.

A basic policy will provide financial protection against lawsuits, cover employee-related risks, and even safeguard your business assets. If you have vehicles, commercial property, or other unique scenarios, your policy has to encompass those.

Safeguarding Your Entire Business

A policy should be carefully built to encompass every aspect of your business. And as you grow, your policy should be updated to incorporate those new changes.

For example, your physical assets should be covered against everything – theft, fire, vandalism, and even natural disasters.

You should have more liability coverage against legal fees and settlements as you do more business with people. If you stay in business long enough, lawsuits are inevitable.

It’s all about business continuity. If you spend too much on expenses, you may not have a business when it’s all said and done, and our goal is to prevent that from happening.

Explore Policies Today

The goal of any commercial insurance policy is to provide full protection. You don’t want an unexpected risk to sneak up and bankrupt your business. You want to confidently file a claim knowing that the insurance company will take care of all (or at least most) of the costs.

At Freeland Insurance, we specialize in working with businesses of all shapes and sizes in Oklahoma City, OK. Call us today to talk about your business so we can help you insure it effectively.

How to Schedule Coverage for Beloved Possessions

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At Freeland Insurance, we want our Oklahoma City, OK clients to benefit fully from their home insurance policies. A home policy does more than protect you from financial loss if your home’s structure gets damaged. It also provides liability coverage and protects your personal property. Typical home policies include $1,000 to $2,000 of personal property coverage, but you can increase this by scheduling expensive items.

Understanding Personal Property Coverage

A home policy includes some personal property coverage, but the $1,000 to $2,000 limit may not cover as much as you think. Consider the cost of replacing all your clothing, shoes, computer, cell phone, and television. These items alone could often exhaust the personal property coverage limit. Scheduling coverage allows you to list the items that matter most and would cost the most to replace.

How Scheduling Works

Your home insurance can cover expensive personal property by listing each piece as scheduled coverage. Commonly scheduled items include smartphones, engagement rings, and hobby equipment like guitars or cameras. Scheduling an item insures it at its full value, so if you file a claim, you’ll receive the full purchase price.

Scheduling an item in an insurance policy is similar to scheduling an appointment in your planner. In the policy documents, the item and its value appear as a line item, just like an appointment would in a datebook. While scheduling an item slightly increases the policy’s premium, it covers the item against damage or loss, including theft.

Contact Freeland Insurance Today

Don’t leave your valuable personal possessions unprotected in your Oklahoma City, OK, home. Call us today to update your home policy and schedule coverage for your expensive belongings.

Finding Auto Insurance for High Risk Drivers

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When you drive a car, it’s your responsibility to purchase auto insurance. There are many options to choose from when buying insurance, and you may have questions. If you live near Oklahoma City, OK, and you want to discuss your insurance options with an experienced insurance agent, our team at Freeland Insurance is ready to answer your car insurance questions.

Insurance for High-Risk Drivers

Some drivers may find themselves with a driving history that places them in the High-Risk Drivers category. According to Market Watch, this can occur for clients who have had an excess of speeding tickets or traffic infractions within the past three to five years. If this is your situation, you might have difficulty when trying to find auto insurance. Oklahoma’s Automobile Insurance Plan will provide you with a list of special insurance policies from companies willing to insure your vehicle.

According to AIPSO, providing services for high-risk drivers has been available through the Automobile Insurance Plan since 1973. You may be interested in learning that AIPSO is a non-profit agency dedicated to providing insurance services for clients who are designated as high-risk. You can find a link to available insurers on the Oklahoma Insurance Department website.

Contact Us Today for Your Appointment

Choosing the right auto insurance options may sometimes seem confusing. If you need additional information to make auto insurance choices and you live in the Oklahoma City, OK, area, you can feel confident asking our experienced agents for assistance. At Freeland Insurance, we want you to be sure you have all the information you need. Call us today for an appointment, and let’s talk about insurance.