We Live in Storm Country

The United States averages about 1,000 tornadoes a year, and Oklahoma consistently ranks near the top of the list — 66 tornadoes in a recent year, eighth in the nation. Around Edmond and the Oklahoma City metro, spring storms aren’t a hypothetical; they’re a season. Your homeowners policy should be built for it.

What a Homeowners Policy Covers in a Storm

Good news first: wind and hail are covered perils on most Oklahoma homeowners policies. Tornado damage — to your roof, siding, windows, fence, and the belongings inside — is generally covered under your dwelling and personal property coverage. If your home becomes unlivable, loss-of-use coverage helps pay for somewhere to stay while repairs happen.

The Deductible Detail Most People Miss

Here’s the part that surprises homeowners after a storm: many Oklahoma policies carry a separate wind/hail deductible, and it’s often a percentage of your dwelling coverage rather than a flat dollar amount. On a home insured for $300,000, a 1% wind/hail deductible means the first $3,000 of a roof claim is yours; a 2% deductible means $6,000. That’s a very different number than the $1,000 all-perils deductible people remember buying.

Different carriers structure this differently — which is exactly the kind of thing an independent agency compares for you. Before storm season, know your number.

Flood Is Always Separate

No standard homeowners policy covers flood — not in Oklahoma, not anywhere. Nationally, 22% of homeowners report being at risk of flooding, and heavy spring rain can put water where it’s never been before. If your home sits near a creek, a low spot, or simply downhill from a lot of pavement, ask us whether a flood policy makes sense. They’re often more affordable than people expect, especially outside mapped flood zones.

Your Pre-Season Checklist

  1. Confirm your wind/hail deductible — flat or percentage, and what it works out to in dollars.
  2. Check how your roof is covered — replacement cost vs. actual cash value matters a lot for older roofs.
  3. Update your dwelling coverage — rebuild costs have risen; make sure your limit reflects today’s costs, not your purchase price.
  4. Photograph your home and belongings — a five-minute video walkthrough on your phone makes claims dramatically easier.
  5. Know the flood answer — covered separately or consciously declined, but never assumed.

One Call Before the Sirens

We’d rather have this conversation in March than the day after a storm. If you’re in Edmond or anywhere in the Oklahoma City metro, call us and we’ll review your deductibles, your roof coverage, and your options across our carriers — at no cost.