Severe weather increases homeowner insurance rates in Oklahoma, advises shopping around

Tulsa, Okla. — If you own a home, you already know.

Homeowners insurance premiums are rising, especially with the severe weather hitting our state.

Glen Mulready, the Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner says there’s already an inherent risk of high winds and hail here in Oklahoma, but with the recent, weather events in places like Sulphur, Ardmore, and Marietta, we will see home insurance rates increase.

“Every one of these storms that are of the substantive kind, like we’ve experienced in Sulphur and Ardmore and Marietta, those will impact rates in Oklahoma,” said Glen Mulready, the Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner.

According to insurance.com, Oklahoma has the highest average cost of homeowners insurance at nearly $6,000 a year.

And with the recent storm events, those insurance rates will continue to go up.

“It ultimately comes down to how many claims, what the dollar amount of claims paid out in the area is,” said Mulready.

The higher the dollar amount made in claims, the higher the insurance rates increase.

“You wouldn’t see that immediately,” said Mulready.

Mulready says Oklahomans would see the increased rates upon renewal of their insurance.

“We hear from folks every day, not real thrilled about the premium increases,” said Mulready.

Mulready says they have advice for Oklahomans.

“Our number one piece of advice is to shop around,” said Mulready.

He says there are over 100 companies licensed to sell homeowners’ insurance in Oklahoma.

“Number two, talk to your agent,” says Mulready.

He says to make sure you’re taking advantage of all the discounts that you’re eligible for.

One of the places impacted by the storms was Sulphur, Oklahoma.

Mulready says about 60 percent of the homes in Sulphur are insured.

“That tells you 40 percent of those homes are not currently insured,” said Mulready.

He says the uninsured homeowners affected by the tornado will depend on nonprofits, friends, and FEMA funds.

“It doesn’t take the place of insurance,” said Mulready.

Mulready says that anyone affected by the recent storms can reach out to the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s Consumer Assistance area to get help understanding what their policy is or understanding their coverage.

You can reach them by phone at 1-800-522-0071, or by filing a complaint on their website.