Will Flood Insurance Cover Water from a Washing Machine?

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?

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?

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

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

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.

Three myths about financial services

Taking advantage of financial services is vital for optimizing your finances. At Freeland Insurance, we offer financial services to consumers in Oklahoma City, OK. 

There are a lot of myths out there that consumers need to be aware of about financial services. The following are three myths about financial services. 

Financial services only advise customers about investments.

While investment advising is an important part of what financial services providers do, this is not the only type of assistance you can get from a financial services company.

Financial service providers also help with other financial issues such as debt management, real estate negotiations, banking decisions, and much more. 

There are a lot of hidden fees when you hire financial services providers.

Some people assume that there are always a lot of unexpected fees that come up when they hire financial services providers. However, an excellent financial services company will advise you on all fees before you sign a contract or use their services to avoid surprises down the road.

It’s easy for you to take care of all your financial needs yourself. 

Making financial decisions yourself can be challenging and stressful. Making the wrong decision about investments, borrowing, or other issues could cost you down the road. 

You can be more confident that you’re making the right financial decisions when hiring a professional financial services provider. This will make building your savings easier and minimize your debt over time. 

If you want to learn more about ways to improve your finances, you can find financial services available in Oklahoma City, OK. Get in touch with us at Freeland Insurance to learn more about the services we provide. 

Is Your Auto Insurance Up to Date?

When it comes to auto insurance one of the worst things that can happen is for your insurance to be out of date. This can mean one of two things, either the insurance has expired, or your insurance no longer covers what you need it to cover. There are a few different ways to check your coverage and to make sure your coverage is up to date. For those in Oklahoma City, OK, your coverage needs may be different from someone that lives in another part of the country.

The first way to check your coverage is to simply look at your insurance cards. These cards will display the date that the card expires, the coverage expires, and when you need to get a new card and to renew your coverage. You can pay for your premiums in a variety of ways and in a variety of different increments as well. Most people simply pay monthly to help offset the cost but you can also pay your premiums for 6 months or for a year.

It is always helpful that if you are not sure how to check your coverage, that you talk with an agent to help you determine when your coverage lapses and when it needs to be renewed. You can also check online if your agency has a website and find out when your coverage expires. You should also take the time to find out when you need to up coverage, add more coverage, or change your coverage to keep it up to date and to make sure your coverage is going to work if you are in an accident. Your coverage is important and if you live in the Oklahoma City, OK area you need to make sure your coverage is perfect for you.

What to Consider When Comparing Home Insurance Quotes

Choosing home insurance is an often daunting task, and one that comes with a lot of questions. One way that people typically try to simplify the process is to focus solely on the price. Here are 3 reasons why that might not be the best strategy. 

1. Pay Now or Pay Later 

An unfortunate fact of life, but a lesson that you shouldn’t have to learn the hard way. The amount of money you spend on insurance can pale in comparison to the financial ramifications of a disaster happening to your property. Whether it’s a flood or a guest tripping over their shoelaces and blaming it on the linoleum, there are a lot of situations that may not be covered in the cheaper quotes. 

2. Will Help Be There?

Calling up your insurance company is never going to be a fun task, but some experiences can be better than others. Choosing a company that understands the importance of providing value in an emergency is of vital importance. When something horrible happens, you want someone you can turn to — a partner who will be able to direct and guide you to a better solution. 

3. How Much Do the Agents Know?

The companies who serve Oklahoma City, OK who have the best home insurance have the best people who can really answer questions at a deeper level. When you talk to a person who has done their job for many years, you can be sure that you’re getting advice that is custom-made for your situation. 

FM Insurance wants to know more about the specifics of your situation. We have staff serving Oklahoma City, OK to keep you feeling safe and secure in your own home. When you’re comparing quotes, there is so much more to consider than just how much it costs. The service and coverage you get is far more valuable. Give us a call for more information.