Can I Get a Home Insurance Quote Before a Home Purchase?

Posted on February 27, 2026February 19, 2026 by admin

You are shopping for a house, and you want numbers that truly matter. One key number often overlooked is the home insurance premium. Yes, you can get a home insurance quote from S & S Insurance Services, Inc., serving Oklahoma City, OK, before closing on a property. In fact, it is a smart step.

Why You Should Get a Quote Early

When calculating your monthly costs, you cannot rely solely on the listing price. Property taxes, utilities, and homeowners’ association fees all influence your long-term budget. Home insurance is also part of that equation. In Oklahoma, hailstorms, high winds, and occasional tornadoes increase claim frequency, leading to significant premium variations across ZIP codes. For example, a brick home in Norman may have a different premium than a frame home in Tulsa, even if both have similar square footage.

If you wait until the week before closing, you may find yourself scrambling. Lenders require proof of insurance before funding the loan, and delays can push your closing date back. Getting a quote early provides clarity and prevents last-minute complications.

What You Will Need to Provide

You do not need to own the home to request a quote. Typically, you will need the property address, year built, roof age, square footage, construction type, and information about any updates, such as electrical or plumbing improvements. If the roof was replaced after a hailstorm, that detail is important for underwriting. Your real estate agent can supply this information. Be sure to request it in writing to stay organized and ensure accuracy.

Before choosing a home insurance policy, speak with a local agent at S & S Insurance Services, Inc., serving Oklahoma City, OK. Having the full picture allows you to move forward confidently, knowing your monthly obligations are based on accurate information.

Why Does My Home Insurance Go Up Every Year in Oklahoma?

Posted on February 25, 2026February 20, 2026 by Richard Shaw

If you’re a homeowner in Oklahoma, you’ve probably asked:

“Why does my home insurance premium increase every year?”

It’s one of the most common questions we receive at S&S Insurance Services.

While sometimes insurance companies do implement rate increases, many annual premium changes happen for a completely different reason — something called Inflation Guard.

Understanding how this works can help you make better decisions about your homeowners insurance coverage.

What Is Inflation Guard in Homeowners Insurance?

Inflation Guard (HO 04 46) is a homeowners insurance endorsement that automatically increases your coverage limits over time to reflect rising rebuilding costs.

It typically applies to:

Dwelling Coverage (Coverage A)

Other Structures

Personal Property

Loss of Use

Instead of waiting years to adjust coverage, Inflation Guard increases your limits automatically and continuously throughout the policy term based on a scheduled annual percentage.

This helps protect you from being underinsured.

Why Home Insurance Premiums Increase Each Year

When your dwelling coverage increases, your premium increases as well.

Here’s why:

If your home was insured for $300,000 last year and Inflation Guard increases it by 4%, your new dwelling limit becomes $312,000.

More coverage means:

Higher potential claim payout

Greater risk assumed by the insurance company

Adjusted premium to match the higher limit

This adjustment often happens even if there is no major rate change filed by the carrier.

So when homeowners see their home insurance premium increase every year, Inflation Guard is frequently a major factor.

Why Inflation Guard Is Important in Oklahoma

Construction costs in Oklahoma continue to rise due to:

Increased labor costs

Higher material prices

Roofing and lumber fluctuations

Changes in building codes

Storm-related demand after hail and wind events

If your coverage does not keep pace with rebuilding costs, you risk being underinsured at the time of a major loss.

And in Oklahoma — where severe weather claims are common — accurate replacement cost coverage matters.

Replacement Cost vs. Market Value

Many homeowners confuse market value with replacement cost.

Market value includes:

Land value

Location desirability

School districts

Replacement cost is simply the cost to rebuild the structure.

Inflation Guard focuses on keeping your replacement cost coverage accurate — not your home’s resale value.

Should You Remove Inflation Guard?

Some homeowners ask if lowering or removing Inflation Guard would reduce their premium.

Technically, yes.

But doing so may create a much larger financial risk if your home is not insured to current rebuilding costs.

The better approach is reviewing your dwelling limit annually with your agent to make sure:

The replacement cost estimate is accurate

The inflation percentage applied makes sense

Your coverage reflects today’s construction environment

Final Thoughts: Home Insurance Increases Are Not Always Random

If your home insurance premium increases each year, it is not necessarily “for no reason.”

In many cases, it is the result of:

Inflation Guard adjustments

Rising construction costs

Replacement cost updates

Homeowners insurance is designed to protect your largest asset. Keeping coverage aligned with rebuilding costs is critical.

If you would like a homeowners insurance review in Oklahoma, S&S Insurance Services is happy to walk through your policy and explain exactly how your dwelling coverage and premium are structured.

S&S Insurance Services
Oklahoma Independent Insurance Agency
Helping homeowners understand their coverage — not just their premium.

🚨 Concealment or Fraud: The Fastest Way to Void Your Homeowners Coverage

Posted on February 19, 2026February 15, 2026 by Richard Shaw

S&S Insurance Social Media Posts

One of the most serious conditions in a homeowners policy is something called “Concealment or Fraud.”

If any insured intentionally:

Conceals or misrepresents a material fact

Engages in fraudulent conduct

Makes false statements related to the policy

👉 Coverage can be excluded for all insureds on the policy.

And this applies whether it happens before a loss or after a loss.

What Is a “Material Fact”?

A material fact is any information that could have caused the insurance company to:

Decline to insure the risk

Charge a higher premium

Offer different terms or deductibles

If the information would have changed underwriting — it matters.

Insurance Is Built on “Utmost Good Faith”

Insurance is a contract of utmost good faith.

That means:

The insurance company must act honestly and fairly.

The insured must provide accurate and complete information to the best of their knowledge.

The insurer relies on your answers when:

Issuing the policy

Setting your rate

Investigating a claim

If that trust is broken, coverage can be denied.

Let’s Talk About Quotes for a Minute

Every single day when people call us for quotes, we ask underwriting questions:

Who lives in the household?

Any prior claims?

Business use?

Pets?

Roof age?

Driving history?

Property updates?

Sometimes people are tempted to answer these questions the way they think will make the insurance cheaper.

But here’s the truth:

If someone provides information that isn’t accurate, they’re not hurting the agent. They’re not hurting the insurance company.

They’re only hurting themselves.

It’s not our role to accuse anyone of being dishonest. We document what we’re told and submit the application based on that information.

But when a claim happens, adjusters investigate. They verify facts. They pull reports. They ask questions.

If something surfaces that contradicts what was originally stated — that’s when problems begin.

And at that point, it’s no longer about price. It’s about coverage eligibility.

A Real-World Perspective

Insurance companies don’t deny claims lightly. Fraud must be proven. Adjusters analyze each case carefully.

But intentional misrepresentation is one of the quickest ways to jeopardize coverage entirely.

What This Means for You

When getting a quote or filing a claim:

Be accurate.

Be honest.

Don’t exaggerate.

Don’t guess — say “I’m not sure.”

Don’t let someone coach you into saying something that isn’t true.

Insurance is designed to protect you — but only when the information provided is truthful and complete.

Final Thought

The best way to protect yourself is simple:

Tell the truth upfront.

If the price changes because of it, at least you know your coverage is solid when you need it most.

If you ever have questions about how to answer something or whether something matters — call us. That’s what we’re here for.

— S&S Insurance Services

🌪 What To Do Immediately After an Insurance Loss

Posted on February 15, 2026February 15, 2026 by Richard Shaw

When a home insurance claim happens, emotions run high. But what many people don’t realize is that every homeowners policy includes specific “Duties After a Loss.”

These duties are not optional. If they are not followed — and the failure harms the insurance company’s ability to investigate — coverage can be denied.

Here are the eight required duties most policies include:

1️⃣ Provide Prompt Notice to Your Insurance Company

Report the loss as soon as reasonably possible. Delays can create coverage issues and make the investigation more difficult.

2️⃣ Notify Police if a Theft Occurs

If property is stolen, you must file a police report. This creates an official record of the incident.

3️⃣ Notify Credit Card or EFT Companies (If Applicable)

If credit cards or electronic funds transfer cards were stolen, contact the issuer immediately to limit fraudulent charges.

4️⃣ Protect Property From Further Damage

After a loss, you are responsible for preventing additional damage.
Examples:

Tarp a damaged roof
Shut off water to prevent further leakage
Board up broken windows

Insurance covers sudden and accidental damage, not ongoing damage due to neglect.

5️⃣ Cooperate With the Insurance Company’s Investigation

You must work with your insurer during the claim process. This may include answering questions, providing documents, or assisting with inspections.

6️⃣ Prepare an Inventory of Damaged Personal Property

Create a detailed list of damaged or stolen items, including:

Description
Quantity
Approximate age
Estimated value

Photos and receipts are extremely helpful.

7️⃣ Show Damaged Property & Provide Documentation (If Requested)

If requested, you must:

Allow the insurer to inspect damaged property
Provide records or documents
Submit to an Examination Under Oath (EUO) if required

An EUO is a formal recorded statement about the loss.

8️⃣ Provide a Sworn Proof of Loss Within 60 Days (If Requested)

If the insurance company requests it, you must submit a signed, sworn proof of loss within 60 days.

Why This Matters

Insurance policies are legal contracts. Following these duties helps:

Speed up the claim process
Prevent delays
Protect your coverage
Reduce misunderstandings

If you ever experience a loss, call your agent immediately. We can walk you through each step so nothing gets missed.

Preparation before a claim is what prevents problems during a claim.

– S&S Insurance Services

Why Insurance Covers “Sudden & Accidental” Damage — Not Wear and Tear

Posted on February 11, 2026February 11, 2026 by Richard Shaw

At S&S Insurance Services, one of the most common questions we hear is:

“My roof is 10–15 years old and has been through a lot of storms. Can I file a claim?”

This is where an important insurance principle comes into play:

🔑 Insurance is designed for sudden and accidental damage

It is not designed to pay for things that happen gradually over time.

🟢 What Insurance Does Cover

Insurance is meant for one identifiable event that causes damage.

Examples:

A specific hailstorm damages shingles

A tree limb falls on your roof during a windstorm

A pipe suddenly bursts and floods a room

Lightning strikes your home

These are:
✔ Unexpected
✔ Caused by a single event
✔ Not part of normal aging

That’s what a claim is for.

🔴 What Insurance Does Not Cover

Insurance does not cover:

Wear and tear

Deterioration

Aging materials

Ongoing exposure to weather

Maintenance issues

So when someone says:

“My roof has been through 10 years of wind and hail.”

That’s describing gradual deterioration, not a covered loss.

A 12-year-old roof that has slowly lost granules, dried out, curled, or weakened over time is considered maintenance, just like replacing tires on a car.

🏠 The Shingle Example (Most Common Situation)

Shingles are designed to withstand weather — but they still age.

What insurance looks for:

Damage tied to one specific storm date

Visible signs consistent with a single event (like hail bruising or wind creases)

What insurance will deny:

“It’s just old”

“It’s been through a lot of storms”

“It’s worn out”

That’s considered normal life cycle, not a loss.

⚠️ Why This Matters Before Filing a Claim

Many people don’t realize:

❗ Even a denied claim goes on your insurance history
❗ Claims history can raise your premiums
❗ Too many claims can make it harder to find coverage

Filing a claim when damage is actually wear and tear can hurt you more than help.

🗣️ How to Talk About Damage the Right Way

If you believe damage happened from a storm, here’s what helps:

Helpful to know:

Approximate date of the storm

What you noticed afterward (leak, missing shingles, dented vents, etc.)

Whether neighbors had storm damage

Avoid saying:

“It’s just old”

“It’s been bad for years”

“It’s worn out”

“It’s time for a new roof anyway”

Those statements point toward maintenance, not a covered event.

🛠️ Insurance vs. Homeownership Responsibility

Think of it this way:

Insurance Covers Homeowner Covers
Sudden storm damage Aging roof
Accidental pipe burst Old plumbing
Fire Worn-out wiring
Wind tearing off shingles Gradual shingle deterioration

Insurance is for unexpected loss, not expected upkeep.

🤝 Our Goal

Our job isn’t just to sell policies — it’s to help you understand:

✔ When a claim makes sense
✔ When it doesn’t
✔ How to avoid hurting your insurance record

If you’re unsure whether something is claim-worthy, talk to your agent first. A quick conversation can save you years of higher premiums.

What To Do If You Hit an Animal While Driving

Posted on January 30, 2026January 12, 2026 by admin

Animal collisions can be frightening, and they’re surprisingly common even in urban settings like Oklahoma City, OK. These collisions can also be expensive if you don’t have auto insurance that covers the incident. Here’s how to properly insure against this risk, and what to do if you do hit an animal while driving.

Get Comprehensive Auto Coverage

There are two main types of auto insurance coverage that protect your vehicle against damage: collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage is for accidents involving at least one other vehicle or stationary objects, like a light pole. Comprehensive coverage includes protection against other events, such as hail, flood, theft, vandalism, and animal damage.

Hitting an animal isn’t technically a “collision” according to auto insurance policy standards. Instead, it’s considered a comprehensive claim. You’ll need comprehensive coverage if you want to be insured against animal-caused vehicle damage. You should also verify that you have auto insurance that covers injuries to passengers in your vehicle, like medical payments (MedPay) or personal injury protection (PIP).

At S & S Insurance Services Inc., we can provide you with a quote for comprehensive auto insurance and add-ons, like MedPay or PIP, to cover injuries and other essential protections.

What To Do If You Hit an Animal

Should you ever hit an animal while driving around Oklahoma City, OK or anywhere else, first make sure everyone is alright.

Seek medical attention if you’re injured

If medical attention is needed, call an ambulance or dial 911 immediately. Getting medical help will not interfere with your ability to file an auto insurance claim.

Document the Accident

Once you know everyone is okay, document the accident for your claim. When it’s safe to do so, take photos and/or videos of your vehicle from multiple angles to document the damage. Also, photograph the animal on scene and the surrounding area if you’re able to do so. Documenting the scene, including tire skid marks and road weather conditions, can help support your claim. You may want to call the non-emergency number to request a report. A report can be helpful in unusual accident situations, but it is typically not needed for the most common comprehensive claims.

File an Insurance Claim

You’ll have to notify your insurance company. You can do this by contacting your insurance agency. At S & S Insurance Services Inc., we regularly assist our clients with their auto insurance claims to help them navigate the claims process with their carrier.

How Do You Add More Coverage With Umbrella Policies and Auto Insurance in Oklahoma City, OK?

Posted on December 31, 2025December 11, 2025 by admin

From severe weather risks to busy highways, Oklahoma City, OK faces unique driving risks. If you’re a driver and resident of OK, you may be wondering how you can add more coverage to existing auto insurance policies with an umbrella policy that works for you. At S & S Insurance Services Inc., we specialize in providing clients with solutions that protect drivers anytime they are behind the wheel.

What Umbrella Insurance Adds to Existing Auto Coverage

Umbrella insurance policies add additional liability protection beyond the limits of standard auto insurance policies. This means, if you cause an accident and damages or medical bills exceed your auto liability limits, your umbrella policy can come in handy. This includes:

Property damage you have caused
Legal fees if you’re involved in a lawsuit
Bodily injury expenses

Adding More Protection to Your Auto Insurance

If you want to optimize the protection you have in your vehicle, you can do so by working with an agency you can trust regarding umbrella insurance. For stronger protection, consider the following options:

Increase your auto liability limits. Increasing liability insurance limits can provide peace of mind and financial security.
Add underinsured/uninsured protection in the chance that you experience in accident with another driver who does not currently have insurance.
Consider comprehensive and collision upgrades with existing auto insurance policies while comparing umbrella insurance options.

At S & S Insurance Services Inc., we’ll work with you if you’re a driver in OK or a resident of Oklahoma City, OK. Whether you’re a new driver or looking for ways to add more protection to existing policies, we’re here for you. To learn more about your options when calculating umbrella insurance you require, contact us for your consultation today.

Classic Car Insurance vs. “Just an Old Car”: What You Need to Know Before You Switch

Posted on December 12, 2025December 12, 2025 by Richard Shaw

Every year, we receive calls from people asking about classic or collectible car insurance.
In many cases, the vehicle isn’t actually collectible—it’s simply older and not driven very often.

People often tell us:

“My car is old, so I should put it on a classic policy.”
“I don’t drive it much.”
“A friend told me it would be cheaper.”
In some unfortunate cases, another agent even suggested it.

While classic car insurance can be an excellent option when used correctly, it is often misunderstood—and sometimes applied in ways that can create serious coverage gaps.

Why Classic Car Insurance Is Less Expensive

Classic or collectible auto insurance typically costs less than a standard auto policy because it is written for lower-risk usage.

These policies are generally intended for vehicles that:

Are not used as daily drivers
Are driven infrequently
Are properly stored
Are owned by someone who has another primary vehicle

Because the insurance company expects very limited use, the premium is lower.

However, that lower cost comes with strict eligibility and usage rules.

The Critical Difference: Policy Language

An auto insurance policy is a legal contract between you and the insurance company.

Classic and collectible car policies often contain language stating that coverage may not apply if:

The vehicle is used as your primary means of transportation
The vehicle is driven while your primary vehicle is in the shop or otherwise unavailable
The vehicle is used for regular errands, commuting, or daily activities

These exclusions are often written directly into the policy—even if they were never clearly explained at the time of purchase.

That means a claim could be denied based solely on how the vehicle was being used at the time of the loss.

“But My Agent Said It Was Fine…”

If you are advised to insure your primary vehicle on a classic or collectible policy, it’s important to ask some direct questions:

Does this policy exclude coverage if this vehicle is my primary transportation?
Does it exclude coverage if I’m using it because my other vehicle is out of service?
Can you show me where this is addressed in the policy itself?

If you are told there are no exclusions, we strongly recommend:

Getting that response in writing
Requesting a copy of the actual policy
Reviewing the usage and eligibility sections yourself

Claims are settled based on what the policy says, not what was discussed verbally.

How Our Agency Can Help

Our approach is simple: education first.

We are always happy to:

Review your current auto policy
Determine whether you truly qualify for classic car insurance
Explain the differences between standard auto and collectible policies
Help you avoid coverage gaps that could cost far more than the premium savings

If you would like help reviewing your policy—or just want a second set of eyes—we would be glad to help you determine whether a classic car policy is truly the right fit for your situation.

Insurance should protect you when it matters most—not surprise you after a loss.

What Types of Watercraft Require Seasonal Insurance in Oklahoma City, OK?

Posted on November 26, 2025November 7, 2025 by admin

If you enjoy the scenery, lakes, and waterways of Oklahoma City, OK, and you’re the owner of a boat or watercraft, you may be wondering what type of insurance is right for you. At S & S Insurance Services Inc., serving Oklahoma City, OK, we assist our clients with boat/watercraft insurance. Whether you’re a recreational boater or if you prefer boating and using your watercraft seasonally, obtaining and maintaining the best insurance policy is a way to protect your investment long-term.

Fishing Boats

Fishing boats are commonly used seasonally throughout Oklahoma City, OK. Seasonal insurance helps to cover:

Vandalism or theft issues (especially when your boat is stored)
Hail and wind damage, which is not uncommon in Oklahoma
Fire or lightning strikes
Trailer damage

Pontoon Boats

While relaxing on the lake, it’s imperative to protect your pontoon boat. Seasonal pontoon boat protection provides protection from:

Hull damage
Storm damage
Storage-related risks
Accidental damage during the towing of your boat

Jet Skis & Personal Watercraft

Additional seasonal insurance can help protect jet skis and WaveRunners any time you’re on the water. Seasonal insurance is recommended for personal watercraft to protect you from:

Potential theft
Damage while in storage
Repairs that may be costly, depending on the make and model of your boat or personal watercraft, also known as PWC. Seasonal insurance allows riders to pause liability coverage off-season as well.

Knowing which options you have when it comes to boat/watercraft insurance is crucial whether you’re a resident of, or visitor to, Oklahoma City, OK. The more intricate your policy is, the easier it is to ensure your ability to protect your investment over time. To learn more about boat and watercraft insurance and for your quote, contact S & S Insurance Services Inc. for your consultation today.

Does Home Insurance Cover Landscaping?

Posted on October 31, 2025October 21, 2025 by admin

Home insurance is designed to protect us, knowing we have coverage in the event of a disaster or other incidents, like theft and vandalism. However, the structure that is our home and our belongings doesn’t constitute the entirety of our home. The surrounding property is also our home, even though home insurance doesn’t cover the land itself. That begs the question: Does home insurance cover landscaping? Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect when you buy a home insurance policy. If you’re ready to start shopping around and you need support, start your journey with us at S & S Insurance Services Inc., serving Oklahoma City, OK.

Will My Home Insurance Policy Cover Damage to Landscaping?

Most standard home insurance policies don’t cover much when it comes to landscaping, but they do provide some protection. Limited coverage may extend to certain elements, such as trees and shrubs, with claims being limited to conditions covered by your policy for other parts of your home, including fire, theft, and vandalism. There are numerous exceptions to landscaping rules. The good news? You may be able to find a policy provider who can extend additional coverage for landscaping, ensuring that all your hard work and property outside have added protection. Take care to negotiate what you want. If you can’t find it, there’s likely a policy provider out there who offers what you need to cover your home, including increased protection for trees, shrubs, plants, and other lawn features.

Start Shopping for Home Insurance with S & S Insurance Services

We here at S & S Insurance Services Inc., serving Oklahoma City, OK, enable you to shop for home insurance without the challenge of finding and comparing quotes on your own. Compare quotes with us today to find a home insurance policy that will cover your home and other crucial elements of your property.

S & S Insurance Services, Inc.

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