Oklahoma City

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.

Three myths about financial services

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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. 

How do you know if you have to buy flood insurance?

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When you purchase a new home, at least new to you, you may or may not need to purchase flood insurance in addition to your homeowner’s insurance. Many people in Oklahoma City, OK as us at Freeland Insurance, “How do you know when you must buy flood insurance?”

Typically, this need gets brought up by your bank. Few individuals purchase homes outright, so when you obtain a mortgage, your bank provides you with a list of fees and purchase requirements. If the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designated your home as lying within a flood zone, you will find out in your mortgage documents.

If you must purchase flood insurance, you can also find this information in your home sale and closing documents. When a home is situated within a map zone that requires flood insurance, the home seller must reveal this information in the listing or sale documents. It is one of the items the law requires the home seller to reveal during the sale process. This makes it very important for you to read all documents related to the home purchase before signing them.

You can also ask the home seller or the real estate agent outright. The law requires them to answer you directly and admit if the property does require flood insurance.

Don’t worry. Flood insurance does not cost that much. The laws are written the way they are to protect consumers from purchasing without full knowledge of what they are buying. They also have to tell you things like if a death occurred in the home or a fire.

You need to know in advance that the home requires flood insurance because, like home insurance, you have to own the policy before the bank will let you take possession of, i.e. move into, the house. Since the bank really owns the home until you pay the mortgage, they require you to assume the risk of the unpaid mortgage by buying insurance. This reduces their risk of loaning you the money to buy your new home.

Contact Freeland Insurance serving Oklahoma City, OK to obtain your flood insurance today. Let us help you find the right National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy for you.

What You Can Do When You Age Out of Your Parents’ Health Care Coverage

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Health insurance is designed to help you cover various medical expenses, including preventative care and sickness. As of right now, children can stay on their parent’s policy until the age of 26. If you’re almost 26 years old, you do have health insurance options. Freeland Insurance, serving Oklahoma City, OK, shares some of these options.

Employer Insurance Plan

If you are currently employed with a company that offers employee health benefits, you should reach out to your supervisor or Human Resources department to find out how you can sign up. As a general rule, there will be several options available, and your premiums will be taken directly out of your regular paycheck.

COBRA

COBRA coverage allows you to petition the employer or health insurer of your parent’s health insurance policy to stay on their current plan for as many as 36 months following the day you turn 26 years old. You will need to fill out an election form and submit it to the necessary party. 

Catastrophic Insurance

These types of health insurance plans are designed to offer protection against some of the worst situations. This health insurance plan is permitted for individuals under 30 years of age and anyone who is facing undue financial hardship. 

Usually, preventative care is covered, as well as expenses greater than the deductible, which ensures you don’t go into financial distress. However, when it comes to emergency care, you will be responsible for paying for these services out of your own pocket until the deductible has been reached.

Medicaid

Oklahoma is one of the states that offer Medicaid expansion. This expansion makes it easier for more people in the state to qualify for insurance coverage, especially if you are on a low or limited income. As long as your income is a certain amount below federal poverty, you may be eligible for Medicaid health insurance. 

With any of the aforementioned options, there may be certain stipulations to meet that vary from state to state, so you should speak to a professional insurance agent with Freeland Insurance, serving Oklahoma City, OK residents.

What Is the Difference Between Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance?

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No one knows for sure what life has in store for them. But one 2018 report said that 90 percent of long-term disabilities result from illness rather than accidents. After thinking about that fact, you might want to talk to the insurance experts at Freeland Insurance in Oklahoma City, OK. We sell short-term and long-term disability insurance.

How Long Are Disability Policies In Effect?

Short-term disability policies pay a percentage of your base salary and your medical bills as stated in the policy. Depending on your policy, the waiting period could be from days to weeks before your policy kicks in.

The benefit period for these policies varies according to the policy you choose. However, a short-term policy usually caps the term to receive benefits at a few years at most. That period for a long-term disability policy, of course, is longer. The more years your stated policy has, the more expensive your coverage is. 

What Influences the Cost of Disability Insurance?

Other factors that influence the cost of short-term and long-term disability insurance are your salary, occupation, health, age, gender and location. For your policy to go into effect, you have to be totally disabled. Generally, this means that you are unable to do the duties of the job you had before you fell ill or were injured and that you need the care of a physician.

Who Needs Disability Insurance?

People who benefit by having disability insurance are:

  • Self-employed
  • Sole providers for their family
  • Parents of minor children
  • Workers in hazardous occupations

Contact the Freeland Insurance Agency in Oklahoma City, OK to discuss your short-term and long-term disability insurance.

When Should You Buy Umbrella Insurance Coverage?

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Many people are interested in umbrella insurance and whether they need it or not. If you have many assets or rent properties, it can be a good move to have this extra coverage in case you are sued. While umbrella insurance is effective for certain situations, anyone can benefit from this type of insurance in general. As a kind of personal liability, umbrella insurance covers claims where your standard homeowners and auto insurance stop. This can be very useful to keep you protected during unforeseen events.

The agents at Freeland Insurance located in Oklahoma City, OK can help you understand the ins and outs of umbrella insurance. We will make sure you get adequate coverage to keep you and your assets protected. 

Knowing When You Need Umbrella Insurance

There are several circumstances when having umbrella insurance will save you financially in big ways. If you are a public figure, host many social gatherings, have teenagers, or need extra coverage beyond your homeowner’s insurance, you may want to consider umbrella insurance. Your homeowners may provide adequate coverage in most cases, but an umbrella insurance policy can save you financially when it is needed most. Your family members may cause damages to others and umbrella insurance can help. You can be sued for situations that arise from your property involving your teenagers and an insurance policy umbrella can protect you. Some common instances where umbrella insurance is useful to include:

  • Libel, slander, and false imprisonment
  • Coverage beyond homeowners and auto insurance
  • Legal expenses

Professional Insurance Agents in Oklahoma

Contact us at Freeland Insurance of Oklahoma City, OK to discuss your umbrella insurance options. Our agents work with well known companies to find quality insurance products at competitive pricing. We look forward to helping with all of your insurance needs.