Dear Editor, Oklahomans are being ripped off by the Insurance Industry when it comes to Homeowners Insurance. It’s time to quit being silent about this travesty and speak up about the inequality being perpetrated on our residents. Research shows that Oklahoma has the highest rates in the nation when it comes to home insurance. The insurance companies claim that it’s because we are in “Tornado Alley” and have high winds and hail. That argument may have been true years ago, but folks haven’t you noticed the weather patterns have changed a lot since that time. That argument is no longer valid anymore.
In 2023 the U.S. had 1,341 tornados with nearly a third (31%) occurring in 3 states, which were Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas. These days the Top 10 states which average the most tornados per year in descending order are: Texas (120), Mississippi (102), Kansas (87), Alabama (83), Louisiana (63), Illinois (61), Iowa (61), Georgia (56) Oklahoma (53), and Nebraska (52). Note that Oklahoma is ranked 9th, so why are we paying the highest rates in the country?
Research has also shown that over the past decade there has been a decrease in twisters within the area formerly known as tornado alley, but an increase in the area now referred to as “Dixie Alley”. These are states (east Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia) which border the Gulf of Mexico. All of these states are now averaging more tornados per year and are paying lower insurance rates than Oklahoma, so why are we being soaked by the insurance companies? The national average rate for Homeowner Insurance on a $200,000 dollar home is currently $2,005. Oklahomans are paying an average of $4,442, which is a 122% increase over the national average and the highest rate in the nation. Ask yourselves why Oklahoma seems to be subsidizing the lower rates being given by insurance companies to other states that rank above Oklahoma on the Top 10 List. Also, ask why Oklahoma’s Insurance Commissioner isn’t doing more to right this wrong, and work toward lowering Oklahoma’s outrageous rates. Nothing will ever be done on this matter if we stay silent and maintain the status quo. It’s like what the TV lawyers say about Insurance companies. They’re not in the business to save you money, but in the business of keeping your money!
Alvin Ward, Meeker
Dear Editor, Here is a new take on about everything.
I had been a paid subscriber to a sporting magazine for a few years. My subscription came due a few monthd back.
Well, a few days ago I received in the mail box a warning letter saying that if I did not pay my subscription at this final “notce,” I wold be turned over to collection!
Of course, I amswered back with ashot over their bow, to not even think about this.
Robert Hanneken Stroud