Businesses of all sizes face many risks that they need to mitigate as a survival strategy. America is one of the most litigious countries in the world. If you own a business, you are going to deal with lawsuits regularly. Virtually every business in America is involved in some form of litigation every year.

Small Businesses are More Vulnerable

For smaller businesses, this risk is so great that one major calamity may wipe them out. The challenging part of making sure the business and its owner have adequate insurance protection is determining what the potential risks are, to reduce or eliminate them.

Some risks are unknown and the amount of any potential claim is also unknown. One strategy to avoid risk is to carry plenty of insurance in all categories and have very high policy limits for claims. However, this is not a recommended strategy. There is a better way to achieve the same thing.

The Effectiveness of Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance does two things, which are: 1) it extends the policy limits of underlying policies, and; 2) it covers some risks that do not have coverage by other insurance.

For example, a business may have general liability insurance, product liability insurance, and commercial vehicle insurance. It is more cost-effective to have an umbrella insurance policy that covers claims from all of those types of insurance that are higher amounts than the individual policy limits. Think of umbrella insurance as a backup of those other policies.

Moreover, umbrella insurance is customizable to fit the particular needs of a business. It can cover claims for defamation, cyber-security risk, harassment, and discrimination in the workplace. Work with your agent at Freeland Insurance, serving Oklahoma City, OK and the surrounding area, to get a complimentary and comprehensive commercial insurance review, along with recommendations for umbrella insurance.

Summary

Having adequate insurance coverage for the business is not something to put off because a sudden change of events can occur at any time. To get an insurance review and a quote, contact your agent at Freeland Insurance in Oklahoma City, OK.

One day, the flood happens. The storm you hoped never hit occurs. The winds remain high for hours. Rain falls in torrents. The storm rages so fiercely the rain slants sideways as it pours down. You moved everything of value to your upper floors before evacuating before it got worse. As you watch the newscast, you wonder what your home looks like and how you will ever clean it up. You have flood insurance, but you know the policy is not going to clean the house for you before you return.

Freeland Insurance of Oklahoma City, OK wants you to understand your flood insurance policy. You can get everything started before you return home.

Your first step is to contact the insurance company. Start your insurance claim over the phone. We can visit the property with you to survey the damage while you still remain in your hotel. In fact, you may have a policy that pays for your hotel and living expenses.

Your flood insurance will pay for the home’s contents, its structural damage or both, depending on which policy you chose. Renters typically choose the contents only option.

Insurance typically covers the cleanup work. You will need a professional team to conduct this cleanup. They will bring high-speed fans into the home to dry it. They will also treat all surfaces and the HVAC for mold and mildew damage.

These cleaners will also examine the wallboard to determine the level of damage to it. You may need to have the wallboard removed and replaced. While the wall remains open, the cleaning crew will examine the 2” by 4’ framing to ensure it has not sustained water damage and that it does not have mold or mildew damage. If it does, they will also sanitize and clean it for mold and mildew.

These cleaning processes can take place while you stay in a hotel. You will return to a pristine, restored home that protects your health. Contact Freeland Insurance of Oklahoma City, OK for help getting the flood insurance coverage you need or to learn how to make the best use of your existing policy.

Who doesn’t love to travel? Planning a vacation that takes you outside of the United States is a dream come true. With packing and booking, there are lots of things to think about. One thing that may have caused you some concern is whether or not your health insurance will cover you when you travel outside the country. It is a legitimate concern especially if you have any health issues and even if you are young and healthy, accidents do happen and it is important for your peace of mind to know whether you can count on your health insurance to cover you. At Freeland Insurance in Oklahoma City, OK we are here to answer your health insurance questions. 

The simple answer to this question is probably not. If you are on Medicare the answer is definitely not. In the case where your health insurance might include some coverage, you would need to pay for whatever services that you receive upfront and then submit the bill to the insurance carrier when you return. Think about what this could mean. You might have to place thousands of dollars on a credit card. Cases have been recorded where travelers were not allowed to leave the country they were visiting until the medical bills have been paid. A pretty scary thought. 

If you are going to travel outside of the United States even if it is to Mexico, Canada or Bermuda, it is important that you make sure that in the event that you get hurt or sick that you have medical coverage. Travel health insurance policies are available and are relatively inexpensive. Considering all the headaches they can save you from if you do get sick when you are in a foreign country, they are worth every penny. 

At Freeland Insurance in Oklahoma City, OK  we can tell you what coverage you have on your health insurance and make suggestions for what coverage you need. Give us a call or stop by, we will be happy to help make sure you are protected. 

Business owners take on a lot of risks no matter what industry they happen to be in. From business to civil laws, they need to keep a lot of balls in the air at all times. Financial services insurance may be able to keep your resources safe from the threat of legal action. If you live in Oklahoma City, OK, keep the following facts in mind from Freeland Insurance about this special form of protection. 

1. It’s Perfect for Businesses Under Scrutiny 

Some companies are simply more at risk than others. They may be under a microscope by the public, government, or other private interests. Financial services insurance is an extra step you can take to safeguard yourself against the many accusations that may come your way. 

2. It Can Be Customized Just for You 

Like many other types of policies, you can talk to an insurance professional about what you’re looking for out of the terms of your agreement. If you’re more likely to be sued throughout the year, you may need a more comprehensive policy. If you’re relatively confident that your organization won’t receive a lot of attention, then you can opt for a bare-bones policy. 

3. Your Insurance Company Matters 

The very nature of lawsuits and insurance claims is such that it is largely undefined. Because every situation is different, you need someone you can turn to when things get messy. Businesses in Oklahoma City, OK can’t thrive if they don’t have all the answers in front of them. 

If you’re looking for a partner that can help you find the right financial services insurance policy, call Freeland Insurance today. We have an expert staff that can explain all the options, so you know just what you’re getting into. 

Life is unpredictable. No matter how well you plan, life can throw things at us which will set everything off track. You plan for your retirement. You have been careful to save responsibly and invest wisely. One unfortunate tragedy, however, can change all of that. If you are held liable in a serious accident, you might find your hard work and investments at total risk. If you want to protect your investments, our representatives at Freeland Insurance, serving Oklahoma City, OK, can help you understand more about umbrella insurance and how it can protect you. 

What is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance is a type of insurance policy that can cover a number of different types of liability. You have auto insurance and homeowner’s insurance, but what if there is an event that exceeds the coverage limits on any one of these policies? What if you are sued? If you are not covered with an umbrella policy, then you personally will be held personally liable. This can mean financial devastation for most people. 

Who Benefits From Umbrella Insurance?

Anyone can benefit from an umbrella policy, but this type of insurance is most beneficial to individuals who have substantial investments and assets. Individuals with substantial investments must be conscientious about protecting themselves. Another factor to keep in mind is how much risk you are personally at for certain types of lawsuits. 

If you spend much time on the road, then you are more at risk for auto accidents. If your home is used as part of a business or there are many people often in your home you are more at risk for injuries on your property. Business owners are also at special risks having customers and employees coming and going. 

If you would like to learn more about umbrella insurance, please call our friendly staff at Freeland Insurance, serving Oklahoma City, OK today. 

The biggest asset that most people in the Oklahoma City, OK area will ever own is their home. While there are plenty of advantages that come with owning a property in this market, it is also something that comes with plenty of insurance obligations. While most property owners know that they need a home insurance policy, there are situations when an additional flood insurance policy will be necessary. 

Located in a Flood Zone

The first situation in which you will need to have flood insurance is if you are located in a flood zone. FEMA maintains the national flood zone map that determines whether your home is located in an area that is at a higher risk of suffering from flood damage. If you have a mortgage that is backed by the FHA and is in a flood zone, you will undoubtedly be required to carry this insurance at all times.

Flood Risk Not Covered by Base Policy

Even if you are not required by your mortgage lender to have flood insurance, having coverage for this is still a good idea. If you are located near a river or other body of water that has a risk of flooding, coverage for this may not be included in your home insurance policy. In these situations, getting flood insurance for peace of mind is a good idea. 

If you believe that you need flood insurance for your Oklahoma City, OK area home, you should contact the team at Freeland Insurance as soon as you can. The requirements and benefits of flood insurance are complicated and Freeland Insurance will make sure that you understand everything involved with your flood insurance policy. This will ensure that you are able to get into a policy that ensures you are in compliance with all rules and regulations. 

When it comes to choosing health insurance it can be daunting. So many things to consider. You need to understand what all the terms mean and what they will mean to the choices that you make. Residents of the Oklahoma City, OK area can turn to  Freeland Insurance to help them to make an educated decision.

Some of the questions you need to consider are:

• Can I keep my doctors?
  
• How much will my insurance premiums be?
  
• What is my deductible?
  
• What is the yearly out of pocket maximum on the policy?

Most people develop a personal relationship with their physician. Knowing that you will be able to continue to see them if you join a particular insurance plan is important. Most insurance plans can provide you with a list of providers who accept their plan. It is up to you to check and make sure that your doctor is on the plan. If in doubt, call the doctor’s office and ask them.

Premiums vary greatly from one plan and policy to another. Be sure that you are comparing all the advantages of each plan, while premiums are important, so is the amount of coverage and the deductibles and copays.

Most plans include deductibles and also copays. You want to be sure that you will not be paying for a policy that never pays for anything because you have not met your deductible.

A long term hospitalization can destroy your finances. That is where the maximum amount that you need to pay out of pocket for covered procedures in a year can really be important.

Health insurance is complicated. Choosing the correct plan for you can be very stressful. If you live in the Oklahoma City, OK area, the knowledgeable agents at Freeland Insurance will be happy to help you to understand your options. Give us a call or stop by our office and let us give you a no-obligation quote.

When choosing a beneficiary for your life insurance policy, you will need to consider several factors. The agents of Freeland Insurance can assist their clients who live in the Oklahoma City, OK area with this, sometimes difficult, decision. One of the most important factors is making sure your family is taken care of and that your children have everything they need from a financial standpoint.

Responsible and Trustworthy

The person you choose must be both responsible and trustworthy. For many people, their first choice as a beneficiary is their spouse. For others, it may be an adult child or one of their parents. If you want specific actions to be taken, you will have to stipulate those in your will. If you are unsure of who you want to name as your beneficiary, you can always designate the funds to go to your estate.

The Choice is Yours

The final decision when naming a beneficiary is solely up to you. You can even split the payout among several individuals. This is normally the case when a person has more than one child or is responsible for the care of several individuals. If you are planning your estate and have questions about who should be named as a beneficiary, talk to your attorney. In the end, however, the final choice is yours.

Residents of Oklahoma City, OK can always turn to the agents of Freeland Insurance if they are ready to purchase a life insurance policy. The agents can offer advice and help you go over all of your options so that you make an informed decision. Schedule a meeting at your earliest convenience so you can get the answers you need before you finalize your policy.

Freeland Insurance works hard to make sure our local business owners are protected when they need us most. This is why we business owner packages (BOP) in Oklahoma City, OK. Not sure what a BOP is? Read on to discover why a business owner package is a comprehensive way to insure your commercial assets.

Everything You Need In One Spot

Running a business takes a lot of effort. Insuring your business should not. There are many types of commercial insurance to cover your property, and selecting the right policies for it all can seem like a nightmare. This is where our business owner’s package shines. A BOP policy can provide an assortment of coverages, such as:

• Commercial General Liability – Protects your property and customers in the event of injury or damage/loss due to unforeseen accidents. CGL can sometimes also cover liability from accidents outside the property depending on the nature of your business. (For example, damages caused by your employees while working on someone else’s property.)
• Commercial Property Insurance – Protection for damage to or loss of your buildings or equipment due to fire, theft, vandalism, or weather. 
• Commercial Auto Insurance – For business vehicles and the employees that drive them. Remember: All vehicles in Oklahoma must be insured for liability, whether they’re for personal use or business! 
• Worker’s Compensation – Businesses that employ more than five workers are required to have worker’s comp insurance in Oklahoma.

One Package, One Bill

Consolidating all of your commercial insurance needs into a BOP assures that you have the right coverage to protect your business. It also reduces the time and hassle spent paying bills and settling claims. Whether you have a large established business or just starting out in Oklahoma City, OK, contact Freeland Insurance to discover what a business owner’s insurance package can do for you.

Is your home really safe?

You might think so, but would Freeland Insurance or any other home insurance provider agree with you? You might be surprised as to what can be considered a safety risk at your home in the eyes of an insurance agency. You may think that any of the following factors are benign, but each of these scenarios presents a case for a preventable tragedy. Read on to find out if anything on your property in Oklahoma City, OK could be considered a liability.

Trampoline Or Other Play Structures

Do your kids have play structures in the backyard?

You probably purchased a trampoline, a climber, or a bouncy castle for your little ones without hesitation. The thought that any of those fun structures could become a liability at your home probably never crossed your mind.

However, many home insurance policies prohibit the ownership of a trampoline on your property. In fact, you may be voiding your policy if you have one.

Trampolines and other play structures are hazardous to the kids of neighbors and friends who might play with your children. If anything should happen on that trampoline, you, and your home insurance coverage by extension, are responsible for the coverage of medical costs and other compensation.

No Fence Around Your Yard

Is your yard fenced in?

If you’ve never bothered to fence off your yard, you might want to reconsider that. A yard without a fence or even a privacy hedge is easy to trespass.

Burglars and loiterers consider properties that have no clear boundaries to be prime targets for break-ins. If you can’t afford to fence in your yard, or if a fence is impossible to erect due to the ground that is not level, consider a no-trespassing sign. This type of sign can give you legal recourse should anyone decide to vandalize your property.

Old Trees On Your Property

If you have trees on your property, you may have to consider cutting them down. The climate in Oklahoma City, OK is prone to storms with strong winds, including tornados. In such a climate, trees are a clear hazard, especially is they are old or weak.

Protect Your Home

If you have any of the above safety hazards on your property, it’s time to eliminate them. You should further protect your home with a firm home insurance policy that can keep you and your loved ones safe in case of an unfortunate event. Contact Freeland Insurance to get a quote for a customized home insurance policy today.