Summer is officially over. A quick reminder to keep your home gutters clear from debris during the Fall!

The post Goodbye Summer…Hello Fall! first appeared on Statewide Insurance Agency.

The post Trees and Insurance first appeared on Statewide Insurance Agency.

These benefits, along with countless others, are great reasons to keep the trees on your Oklahoma property in good shape. Especially before the freezing temperatures start sweeping across Oklahoma. Unhealthy trees can actually pose great danger to your home and property, as well as to your family and other people, not to mention…a possibility of having to use your Oklahoma home insurance.

With these 5 tips from the National Arbor Day Foundation, you can help prevent tree trouble – and potentially save yourself from having to file a claim on your Oklahoma homeowner’s insurance.

1. Inspect trees frequently. The size, color and condition of leaves, and overall leaf cover, are good indicators of a tree’s health. Cavities or disfiguration can be a warning sign, although they don’t always mean a tree is a hazard. Just keep a close eye on it. Dead branches are a big risk, because they can fall easily. Those that cross or rub can create weak spots. 
2. Plant in an appropriate space. Putting in a tree that will grow to be large? Don’t put it near power or sewer lines, or close to your home. And avoid brittle trees – their limbs are weak and more likely to break and fall. Examples include Silver Maples and Willows. 
3. Prune correctly. Cut outside the branch collar, and prune regularly as trees age. Don’t allow a tree to be topped. Make sure to take proper care of trees that have grown over your home before resulting in filing a claim on your Oklahoma homeowner’s insurance. 
4. Leave it to an expert. Once a year, have a qualified arborist thoroughly evaluate the trees on your Oklahoma property. An arborist can identify ones that need to come down immediately, as well as those to watch. In particular, trees that have been topped, or that have lost large limbs unexpectedly, could cause trouble. Taking down trees can be very dangerous, so leave it to a professional. 
5. Remember, you’re responsible. Property owners are generally responsible when their hazardous trees cause damage or injury to others. So keep your trees healthy, your space beautiful and your liability low!

When a tree does fall, you may or may not have coverage through your Oklahoma homeowners policy for any damage it may cause. If you’d like to discuss your coverage, please give us a call today. It may be a good time to think about adding extra liability coverage to your insurance portfolio with an umbrella policy. We are here to help! (405) 285-2929

The post 5 Tips to Help Prevent Tree Troubles in Oklahoma first appeared on Statewide Insurance Agency.

The post We are on Instagram! @okstatewide405 first appeared on Statewide Insurance Agency.

Downtown Edmond Business Association

The post Its official! #ExpericeDowntownEdmond first appeared on Statewide Insurance Agency.

The National Storm Damage Center has a number of resources and tips for homeowners.

Here are 4 major things this agency, and we here at Statewide, recommend you check after a storm:

1. Your roof: If you see holes, split seams or missing shingles on your roof or if you notice leaking inside or out, it’s a good idea to have a qualified inspector come assess the situation.

2. Your exterior: Siding, brick and stucco are all vulnerable to storm damage. You’ll want to look for cracking, chipping or dings and dents in siding, and for holes in stucco. Look closely and at different times of the day. Some homeowners don’t notice damage until it’s too late to file a claim, and different lighting can reveal damage you didn’t see before.

3. Driveways and walkways: Cracking and splitting can create safety hazards, as well as reduce the lifespan of the concrete.

4. Trees: According to the National Storm Damage Center, fallen trees and limbs cause more than $1 billion in damage annually. Check roofs, vehicles, fences and machinery for fallen limbs that may have caused damage or could pose a risk. Clean up what you safely can and rely on a reputable tree removal service to handle the rest. Depending on the circumstances, your homeowners insurance policy may help with tree removal and damage repair costs – if you experience a covered loss, that is.

A few more helpful tips:

• Keep trees well maintained and trimmed. Also notify neighbors if you see any overhanging branches on any of theirs.
• Know your insurance. Take a look at your policy so you know what’s covered, what your limits and deductibles are, etc. This will prevent any surprises during the claims process.
• Take pictures. Photographs can help you show the cause and extent of any storm damage that occurs.
• Talk to your agent. Make sure to take some time to talk to your agent for any questions or concerns.

Of course, if you’ve suffered through a major storm, don’t hesitate to call us for help with your policy or with finding a professional property inspector.

The post Assessing a Home Insurance Claim After a Storm first appeared on Statewide Insurance Agency.

Click and hear what Trevon Nix has to say about Landlord’s Insurance. #ProtectYourHome #LandlordsPolicy

The post Do You Own Rental Property first appeared on Statewide Insurance Agency.