Make sure that the policy covers the full replacement value of your home and will automatically increase as the cost of rebuilding your house increases due to inflation. The policy should stipulate that the house will be rebuilt to its former specifications after a major catastrophe.

Understand what is not covered in your home insurance policy. Some people are unhappily surprised to find out that the contents of their home were covered for fire loss but not covered by the water damage caused by the firemen putting out the fire.

Others were sold ‘flood’ insurance when their house sat on the top of a hill outside a flood plain area. Do not be afraid to ask any questions about coverage that comes to mind and make sure that the agent shows you where your coverage is in the written policy.

Finally, make sure that the policy is comprehensive in scope and is tailored to meet your particular needs. If you have antiques or collectibles then the policy must reflect their replacement value in its coverage.

If you happen to own valuable paintings, furniture, or even jewelry, then make sure that these items are covered in your home insurance policy even if you must pay a little more so that they are included in an addendum.

If you follow these simple steps then you will find that choosing the right company and home insurance policy will be a simple matter and that you will be able to rest easy knowing that you are fully protected in the face of disaster. Nitin George