Living in Claremore means you're part of a vibrant community of about 20,800 residents in Rogers County, home to the Will Rogers Memorial and Rogers State University. But here's what most people don't realize until they start shopping for insurance: Oklahoma has some of the most expensive home insurance rates in the entire country. If you're moving to Claremore or just reviewing your coverage, understanding why rates are high and how to protect yourself matters more than you might think.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about auto insurance, home insurance, and finding the right local agent in Claremore. Whether you're a longtime resident or just settling into town, you'll learn how to get adequate coverage without overpaying.
Auto Insurance in Claremore: What You Need to Know
Oklahoma law requires every driver to carry minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25. That means $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for total bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. If you're caught driving without valid insurance, you could face up to 30 days in jail, a fine of up to $250, or both.
But here's the thing: those minimum limits won't go far in a serious accident. If you cause a crash that injures multiple people or totals an expensive vehicle, you could be personally liable for tens of thousands of dollars beyond your policy limits. Most insurance experts recommend raising your liability coverage to at least 50/100/50, especially if you own a home or have significant savings to protect.
What does auto insurance actually cost in Claremore? Oklahoma drivers pay an average of $1,658 annually for full coverage, though some sources report averages as high as $2,705 per year. For minimum liability-only coverage, you're looking at around $564-$1,000 annually. Your actual rate depends on your age, driving record, credit score, and the type of vehicle you drive. Recent rate hikes of 25.5% in 2023 mean it's more important than ever to compare quotes from multiple insurers.
Home Insurance in Claremore: Protecting Your Investment
If you're shocked by Oklahoma's home insurance rates, you're not alone. Oklahoma now has the highest average cost of homeowners insurance in the United States, with residents paying between $6,210 and $7,683 annually—nearly double the national average. For Claremore homeowners, that translates to $518-$640 per month just to insure your home.
Why are rates so high? The answer is severe weather. Rogers County sits in the heart of Tornado Alley, and the National Weather Service recorded 152 tornadoes across Oklahoma in 2024 alone. Storms that produce hail and tornadoes are second only to hurricanes in terms of expensive insurance claims. In fact, 80-90% of all Oklahoma homeowners insurance claims involve roof damage from severe weather. Insurance companies paid out about $105 for every $100 they took in during 2023, and they're passing those costs on to policyholders through rate increases averaging 10% or more.
Understanding your wind and hail deductible is absolutely critical in Claremore. Many insurers now offer a separate deductible for wind or hail damage—often 1% to 5% of your home's insured value. That means if your home is insured for $250,000 and you have a 2% wind/hail deductible, you'll pay $5,000 out of pocket before your insurance kicks in after a storm. Make sure you know what your deductible is and whether you can afford it if severe weather strikes.
Your home insurance policy should cover damage from wind, falling trees and objects, wind-driven rain, structural collapse, and tornadoes. Review your policy annually to ensure your coverage limits keep pace with rising construction costs and property values. With inflation pushing up the cost of materials and labor, rebuilding your home could cost significantly more today than when you first bought your policy.
Finding Local Insurance Agents in Claremore
Claremore is home to four local insurance agencies that understand the unique challenges of insuring property in Rogers County. Working with a local agent has real advantages: they know the area's weather patterns, they understand how local claims history affects your rates, and they can help you navigate the complexities of wind and hail coverage that out-of-state agents might not fully grasp.
When choosing an agent, ask about their experience with storm damage claims. You want someone who's been through multiple tornado seasons and knows how to fight for you when your roof gets destroyed by hail. Ask whether they represent multiple insurance companies or just one. Independent agents who work with several insurers can shop your coverage across multiple carriers to find you the best rate, while captive agents working for a single company may have access to discounts or programs that independents don't.
Preparing for Oklahoma's Severe Weather
Living along Route 66 in Rogers County means accepting that severe weather is part of life. Tornado warnings, severe thunderstorm watches, and hail storms producing stones an inch in diameter or larger are regular occurrences. Your insurance is only as good as your preparation.
Document your home and belongings with photos or video before storm season hits. Store this documentation in the cloud or off-site so you can access it even if your home is damaged. After a storm, report damage to your insurance company immediately—don't wait. Take photos of all damage before making temporary repairs, but do make those temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Your policy requires you to mitigate additional losses.
Be extremely cautious about storm-chasing contractors who show up at your door after severe weather. Some are legitimate, but many are out-of-state scammers looking to collect insurance proceeds and disappear. Always verify contractor licenses, get multiple bids, and never sign over your insurance claim check to a contractor.
How to Get Started
Getting the right insurance coverage in Claremore starts with understanding what you're protecting and what risks you face. For auto insurance, calculate what you could afford to lose in a lawsuit and make sure your liability limits exceed that amount. For home insurance, focus on understanding your wind and hail deductible and ensuring your dwelling coverage is high enough to rebuild at today's construction costs.
Get quotes from at least three different insurers or work with an independent agent who can shop multiple companies for you. With Oklahoma's high rates, even small differences in premiums add up to hundreds of dollars annually. Ask each agent or company specifically about their claims process for storm damage—this is where the rubber meets the road in Oklahoma.
Insurance might not be the most exciting topic, but in Claremore, it's one of the most important financial decisions you'll make. With severe weather a constant threat and rates among the highest in the nation, taking the time to understand your coverage and shop for the best rates protects both your property and your financial future. Start comparing quotes today and make sure you're adequately protected before the next storm rolls through Rogers County.
