What Homeowners Need to Know About Insurance and Fire Safety

John and Emily had lived in their Oklahoma City home for nearly a decade, raising their kids and hosting countless family gatherings. One cold evening, they lit their fireplace to take the chill out of the air. Hours later, they woke up to the smell of smoke. A stray ember had escaped onto the rug, and within minutes, the living room was engulfed in flames.
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The fire department arrived quickly, but the damage was already done. Their home was severely damaged, and they had to find temporary housing while repairs were made. When they filed their homeowners insurance claim, they faced an even bigger shock—some of the damage wasn’t fully covered because their policy hadn’t been updated in years.

Many Oklahoma homeowners don’t realize how much a fire can cost them—not just in property loss, but in unexpected coverage gaps. If you own a home in Oklahoma City or the surrounding areas, it’s time to make sure you’re protected.

get the best okc home insurance!

Common Causes of Home Fires in Oklahoma

Fires can start in many ways, but some causes are more common than others. In Oklahoma, the leading causes of home fires include:
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• Heating Equipment – Space heaters, fireplaces, and furnace malfunctions can all lead to fires, especially if flammable items are too close.
• Cooking Accidents – Unattended stoves and grease fires are one of the biggest sources of house fires nationwide.
• Electrical Issues – Faulty wiring, overloaded outlets, and outdated electrical panels can spark a fire without warning.
• Candles and Open Flames – Leaving candles burning or using fireplaces without a protective screen increases fire risk.
• Dry Conditions and Wildfires – Oklahoma’s weather can create conditions where small sparks turn into dangerous fires.

Knowing these risks is the first step to preventing disaster.

How Homeowners Insurance Covers Fire Damage

If a fire damages your home, your homeowners insurance can help cover the cost of repairs or rebuilding. Most policies include:
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Dwelling Coverage

This helps pay for damage to the structure of your home, including walls, roofs, and attached structures like garages.

Personal Property Coverage

Your furniture, electronics, clothing, and other belongings may be covered if they’re destroyed in a fire. However, high-value items like jewelry and artwork might require additional coverages.

Additional Living Expenses (ALE)

If your home is unlivable due to fire damage, ALE coverage helps pay for hotel stays, meals, and other temporary living costs.
While these coverages are included in standard policies, they have limits. If your home’s value has increased, or you’ve made major upgrades, your policy might need an adjustment to fully protect you.

What Fire-Related Claims Might Be Denied?

Homeowners insurance won’t cover everything. Here are some fire-related claim denials homeowners face:

• Negligence – If an insurance company determines that a fire was caused by careless behavior, such as leaving a stove unattended, they may deny your claim.
• Lack of Maintenance – If old wiring or a faulty heating system caused the fire and wasn’t properly maintained, coverage could be reduced or denied.
• Vacant Homes – If your home was unoccupied for an extended period without proper precautions, fire damage may not be covered.
• Insufficient Coverage – If you haven’t reviewed your policy in years, your coverage limits might be too low to fully pay for rebuilding costs.

Fire Prevention Tips for Oklahoma City Homeowners

Lowering your fire risk not only keeps your home safe but can also prevent costly insurance claims. Here’s what you can do:

Upgrade Smoke Alarms and Fire Extinguishers

• Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and test them monthly.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and near fireplaces.

Be Cautious with Heating Equipment

• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything flammable.
• Have your furnace and chimney inspected yearly to prevent buildup and blockages.

Practice Safe Cooking Habits

• Never leave food unattended on the stove.
• Keep flammable materials away from burners.

Check Electrical Systems

• If you live in an older home, have an electrician inspect your wiring.
• Avoid overloading outlets and replace damaged cords immediately.

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Create an Emergency Plan

• Have an escape plan in case of fire and practice it with your family.
• Keep important documents and valuables in a fireproof safe.

Steps to Take If a Fire Damages Your Home

Even with the best precautions, fires can still happen. If your home is damaged, follow these steps:
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1. Ensure Everyone’s Safety – Get out of the house and call 911 immediately.
2. Contact Your Insurance Provider – Report the fire as soon as possible and start the claims process.
3. Document the Damage – Take photos and videos of everything before cleanup begins.
4. Secure Your Property – If safe, board up windows and cover damaged areas to prevent further loss.
5. Work with an Adjuster – Your insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine what’s covered.
6. Keep All Receipts – If you need temporary housing or emergency repairs, save receipts for reimbursement.

Why Oklahoma Insurance Professionals Is the Right Choice for Homeowners in OKC

When it comes to protecting your home, you need an insurance provider that understands the risks of living in Oklahoma. Oklahoma Insurance Professionals is dedicated to helping homeowners in Oklahoma City and surrounding areas, including Edmond, Norman, Moore, and Yukon, find the right coverage.
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We take the time to review your policy, help you understand your options, and make sure you’re not left with surprises after a disaster. If you haven’t reviewed your homeowners insurance policy in a while, now is the time to do it. Contact us today for a personalized consultation and peace of mind knowing your home is protected.

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. ​​​