When something tragic like the wildfires occur, who pays for it? Oklahomans are paying about 10-percent more in insurance premiums, in the past four years.
Channel 8's Kim Jackson says it's because of incidents and catastrophes statewide.
In the early morning hours, fire ripped through the shopping center at 61st and Lewis. The roof went up in a blaze. The same roof a tornado took off --a year ago.
"What makes this easier, is I have a lot of clients that live in Mannford and you know you see thier homes, burned to the ground," said Daniel Gilbert, owner of the Hair Revue.
Daniel lost his business but found out what great insurance he has.
"They are going to cover the property damage and then also I have I found out I have had the same policy for 30 years, that I have business interruption insurance, so there will still be funds coming in on a weekly basis," he smiled through his tears.
Daniel says he's paid for it. The very tornado that struck there and incidents like ice storms, hail and wildfires, all of that meant and increase for most policy holders.
"They really vary by insurance companies but double digit rate increases, ten percent or higher is not been unusual for most insurance companies in the state," said Jared Peterson, of AAA.
The wildfires could mean more requirement for homeowners or possibly a rate increase for that area or that specific zip code.
"This wildfire event by itself really won't typically have an effect on rates overall," said Peterson.
The shopping center fire, depending on the cause, could mean higher premiums for the owner, where the weather related tornado, legally could not.
Now it's time to clean up here. and move on.
"People told me I need a vacation, maybe I will take one, but not for very long," said Daniel.
Remember when there is a disaster in another part of the country, it should not effect your rates.
