From experience, we can say that the most difficult thing that can happen when you have a significant insurance claim is remembering what has been lost. Whether the loss is to fire or a jewel thief, making that list of what is gone can make a difficult time a nightmare.

To protect yourself in advance, you should do a thorough walk-through of your home and valuables, taking photographs or using a camcorder - it can be your savior if that claim ever does occur! Having a permanent & detailed record of your belongings can help you in the restoration process after the fact. It's one organizational step towards preventing a problem that could become a disaster.

When determining flood risk, your home is more than just an address on a flood risk map. You also need to consider what could happen if surface water runs off from a paved driveway into a home, a sewer or drain outside the home overflows or backs up, or heavy rains flood into a finished basement through the cellar windows. These events are not covered under a homeowners policy.

Wondering what kind of coverage is available and the costs? Well, for basic flood risk policies the coverage and premiums are determined by the NFIP and offered by many of the regular insurance carriers. Extended flood coverage is also available in many cases.

Something to remember: flood coverage takes 30 days to become effective - so when the storm hits, it is already too late!

Click here for the a flood risk assessment on your property.

If you volunteer make sure that the non-profit organization you are serving has Directors & Officers (D&O) coverage in addition to an umbrella insurance policy in order to protect your interests as well as their own! Claim frequency has been on the rise in recent years.

Did you know you that coastal properties have a separate deductible for wind damage to your home? Typically 1-5% of the insured value of your home, it is standard on all coastal policies and entirely separate from your normal peril deductible.

In high risk areas, you may want or need to decrease your wind deductible; in low risk areas, increasing your wind deductible could provide considerable savings over time. You should discuss the right approach with your agent.