Oklahoma's homeowners questions are mostly about how an insurer may treat a policyholder, not about the HO form itself. The key rules are:

• Protection after a first claim and after a mere claim inquiry.
• 30-day notice of renewal premium increases.
• Limits on what a mortgage lender may require.
• Wind-mitigation discounts.
• The 24-month window for hidden roof damage.
• The Market Assistance Association for hard-to-place homes.

The HO forms, coverages A-F, perils, and loss settlement are covered in the national Homeowners guide.

Claims and inquiries can't be held against the insured

First claim (36 O.S. 3639.1(A))

• Once a homeowners or other personal residential policy has been in effect more than 45 days, the insurer may not cancel it, nonrenew it or raise the premium solely because the insured filed a first claim.
• The insurer can still act for other reasons, such as:
  • Nonpayment.
  • Fraud.
  • An increased hazard.
  • Building code violations.
  • Certain convictions.

Claim inquiries (36 O.S. 940, 1241.2)

• An insured who only asks whether a loss would be covered, without filing a claim, can't be surcharged, canceled, refused or nonrenewed because of the question.
• This protection applies to every type of property or casualty policy.

Renewal and cancellation

Renewal changes (36 O.S. 3639.1(B))

• To raise the premium, or to change the deductible, limits or coverage at renewal, the insurer must mail a written renewal notice at least 30 days before expiration.
• If it doesn't, the prior premium and terms stay in effect until notice is given or replacement coverage takes effect, whichever comes first.

Cancellation by the insured (36 O.S. 3639.1(C))

• When the insured cancels in writing, the insurer refunds premium paid for coverage after the cancellation date.
• The insurer isn't liable for later claims.

Automatic inflation increases (36 O.S. 4808)

• An insurer may automatically increase dwelling replacement coverage at renewal only if it gives notice at least 30 days before renewal, or the insured consents in writing.

Mortgage lenders (36 O.S. 3639.3, 1204(9))

• A lender may not require coverage greater than the replacement value of the dwelling and contents.
• In figuring replacement value, the lender may not include the value of the land.
• A lender may not require the borrower to buy insurance through a particular agent or insurer, which would be coercion. It may reject an insurer on reasonable grounds.

Wind and hail

Wind mitigation discount (36 O.S. 961)

• A home certified as meeting IBHS FORTIFIED Home or equivalent state wind standards earns a premium discount.
• The discount applies to the wind and hail portion of the premium only.

Hidden roof damage (36 O.S. 1250.5(7))

• If a policy sets a time limit for wind or hail roof damage that isn't evident without an inspection, it must allow claims to be filed up to 24 months after the date of loss.

Claim handling

• The general Oklahoma property claim deadlines apply: acknowledge within 30 days, decide within 60 days of proof of loss, investigate no longer than 120 days (36 O.S. 1250.6-1250.7). See the Oklahoma Insurance Regulation guide.

Credit scores

• Oklahoma's credit-information law applies to homeowners and other personal lines (36 O.S. 951-958).
• An insurer may not deny a homeowners application solely because of credit.
• Medical collection accounts can't be counted against the applicant.

Hard-to-place homes: the Market Assistance Association (36 O.S. 6412-6414)

What it is

• Oklahoma has no FAIR plan. Instead, the Market Assistance Association helps residents find homeowners and liability coverage.
• It is not an insurer and can't assume risk.
• All insurers licensed for both property and casualty must participate.

Who may apply (6414(B)(1)(f))

• A homeowner whose policy was canceled or nonrenewed and who has been refused by two licensed insurers.
• Or a homeowner whose premium went up 75% or more from the year before.

Common exam traps

• First-claim protection starts after 45 days in force and doesn't protect against nonpayment or fraud.
• Renewal increases need 30 days' notice. Without it, the old premium continues.
• Lenders can't require coverage above replacement value, and land isn't counted.
• Wind discounts apply to the wind and hail premium only.
• Hidden roof damage: 24 months to file.
• No FAIR plan in Oklahoma. The Market Assistance Association places coverage but doesn't write it.