Latest news with #AshleyScott
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Oklahoma Insurance Department offering tips to residents impacted by wildfires
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — As many Oklahomans are sifting through what little the wildfires left of their homes, they have a whole new issue on their hands, insurance claims. Officials with the Oklahoma Insurance Department said their biggest piece of advice is to be educated on your insurance policies and know what to expect. 'It's been a while since we've had a lot of fire damage like this,' said Ashley Scott, Deputy Commissioner of External Affairs. 'Deeper perspective of loss': Luther couple's home damaged in wildfire The Oklahoma Insurance Department is ready to offer help to any Oklahoman impacted by the wildfires. Scott said the first step is to reach out to your insurance provider. 'The first thing they'll do likely is send out an adjuster to assess the home, making sure that you have all that documentation to know kind of what to expect as far as your deductible and what your policy covers, what it doesn't cover,' said Scott. Scott said knowing your insurance policy plays a critical role in starting the rebuilding process. 'A lot of policies have additional living expenses. So if your home was totally destroyed in the fires more recently, then you can get monetary assistance from your insurance company for your additional living expenses,' said Scott. With the chance of fires still burning around Oklahoma, Scott said this will broadly affect the insurance market in the state. 'There's going to be a lot of claims paid out. Claims paid out obviously sometimes has a change in your premium later on at renewal. There are those things that we are watching internally here at the department and trying to keep track of for sure,' said Scott. No matter what policy you have, Scott said it's important to keep any documentation and be wary of scams. 'Avoid fraudulent contractors when you're working on repairs as you go through this process. Making sure that they are licensed with our construction industry board check with the Better Business Bureau. Just do some really good back background work on who you're hiring,' said Scott. He also said that after you assess the damage, you can put that information on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Oklahoma homeowners can apply for grants to strengthen roofs against storms
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Oklahoma is no stranger to severe weather; tornadoes, hail and wind can bring costly damage. The Oklahoma Insurance Department recently launched a pilot program offering eligible homeowner up to $10,000 to fortify their homes. 'The program is really created to assist consumers and homeowners with mitigating and fortifying their roofs, so that they will be stronger and be able to withstand some of the severe weather that we see here in Oklahoma,' said Ashley Scott, director of Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Program, OID. The first phase of the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Program covers eight zip codes: 73049 – Jones 73051 – Lexington/Slaughterville 73065 – Newcastle 73069 – Norman 73111 – East OKC 73127 – West OKC 73129 – Southeast OKC 73135 – Southeast OKC/I-240 Homeowners in these areas can apply for the grants. 'We've been able to kind of focus on areas where we've seen tons of storm damage, but also higher premiums,' said Scott. Once selected, homeowners will work with approved evaluators and contractors to complete the upgrades. Storm shelter registry available for Oklahoma City residents 'When it's finished, they'll receive a certificate to help lower insurance premiums. We really thought with the type of storms that we've been seeing more and more of and with the insurance market being so hard right now, this is a great opportunity for us to try and step in and do something we can do about it,' said Scott. For the first phase, the OID is looking to award 100 grants. 'We plan on doing a second pilot project shortly after with about 250 applications. A third pilot project with another roughly 250 applications and then finish out the year with 400 more,' said Scott. With each phase, more zip codes will be added to the list. The program is capped at $10 million and all funding comes directly from the insurance industry. The OID says the program started because of a bill that was signed into law last year. To check your eligibility to apply for the grant, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
