April 01st, 2025

Springtime in Oklahoma City means a lot of things: warmer days, blooming flowers, and yes—the return of storm season. For Matt and Allison, a couple living just outside Yukon, spring used to mean grilling on the patio and planting tomatoes.

But last April, a fast-moving storm brought golf ball-sized hail, knocking out their windows and damaging their roof. That experience taught them a hard lesson: just having homeowners insurance isn’t enough if you don’t understand what it actually covers.
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In this post, we’ll walk through how Oklahoma homeowners can get ahead of spring storms by understanding what their insurance does and doesn’t include, how to prep your home, and what to double-check in your current insurance policy.

get the best okc home insurance!

Why Spring Storms Are Such a Big Deal in Oklahoma

Oklahoma ranks high on the list when it comes to spring storm activity. High winds, hail, flash flooding, and even tornadoes can hit with little warning. Many homeowners assume their standard insurance policy has them covered for anything Mother Nature throws their way. But that’s not always the case.

What Your Homeowners Insurance Usually Covers

Most standard policies in Oklahoma City will cover damage from wind and hail. That means if a tree limb crashes through your roof or a hailstorm cracks your skylight, your insurance will typically step in to help pay for repairs. These policies also usually include personal property coverage and loss of use, which helps with temporary housing if your home is unlivable.

Coverage Gaps That Could Leave You Exposed

While wind and hail are generally covered, not every storm-related issue falls under your standard policy. Here are some areas where you might have less protection than you think:
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Flooding: If heavy spring rain leads to water seeping into your home, that won’t be covered unless you have a separate flood insurance policy.

Sewer Backup: When city systems get overwhelmed, it can lead to water backing up into basements. That requires an additional coverage endorsement.

Detached Structures: That fancy new shed or gazebo might not be fully covered unless you've added it to your policy.

Roof Replacement: Some policies reimburse you based on the depreciated value of your roof, not the actual replacement cost. Check this detail carefully.

What to Review in Your Insurance Policy

Before the storms roll in, it’s smart to sit down and read through your policy—or better yet, go over it with your insurance agent. Here are the most important things to check:
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Deductible Levels: Make sure you know what you'll be responsible for out of pocket, especially for wind and hail claims, which may have a separate deductible.

Coverage Limits: Are your policy limits high enough to reflect today’s construction and material costs?

Personal Property: Have you updated your policy to reflect new furniture, electronics, or other valuables you’ve added in the past year?

Additional Coverages: Ask about endorsements for things like water backup or equipment breakdown.

How to Prepare Your Home Before a Storm Hits

A good insurance policy is only part of the equation. Here are steps you can take to physically prepare your home and minimize damage:
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Inspect Your Roof: Look for missing shingles or damaged flashing and make repairs before bad weather hits.

Trim Trees and Branches: Keep limbs away from your house to reduce the chance of them falling during high winds.

Secure Outdoor Items: Patio furniture, grills, and trampolines can become projectiles in strong winds.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Blocked gutters can contribute to water damage during heavy rain.

Double-Check Sump Pumps: If you have one, test it and consider a battery backup.

What to Do If You Need to File a Claim

Even with all the prep in the world, spring storms can still leave damage in their wake. If you find yourself needing to file a claim, follow these steps:

Take Photos Immediately: Document all visible damage before you start cleaning up.
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Prevent Further Damage: Board up broken windows or use tarps on roofs to keep things from getting worse.

Contact Your Insurance Agent Promptly: The sooner you report the claim, the faster the process begins.

Keep All Receipts: Any temporary repairs or hotel stays should be documented.

Peace of Mind This Spring

Spring in Oklahoma can be unpredictable, but your home insurance doesn’t have to be. Taking time now to review your policy, ask the right questions, and make a few home adjustments can save you major stress when the clouds roll in. And if you're unsure where to start, having a conversation with your agent can make all the difference.
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At Oklahoma Insurance Professionals, we help homeowners throughout Oklahoma City and the surrounding communities—from Norman to Moore, Edmond to Mustang—make sense of their coverage. As an independent insurance agency, we work with multiple insurance companies to help you find a homeowners policy that gives you the right protection for spring storms and beyond. Call us today to get answers, compare options, and feel better prepared for whatever the season brings.

get the best okc home insurance!

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Scott Godwin
Founder

Oklahoma Insurance Professionals LLC serves Oklahoma City and the surrounding Oklahoma communities by protecting the people we work with just like we protect our own family members. Home insurance, auto insurance, business insurance, and more. We can help you find the coverage you need. ​