Memories of Katrina and Earl's Current Path Remind of Home Insurance Needs

8/31/2010

August marked the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which was the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history.

While the federal government continues to try and improve defenses along the Gulf Coast, consumers may be able to develop their own line of protection by making sure they have the proper amount and type of home insurance.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has encouraged homeowners to check up on their home insurance policies to see what type of coverage they have. Standard coverage does not generally provide hurricane-specific protection, which is offered through riders or an additional policy.

Furthermore, people who live in affected areas may wish to look into whether they have a policy through the National Flood Insurance Program, which also provides protection that standard home insurance does not, including coverage against storm surges.

Yet another hurricane is threatening the East Coast, as Earl makes its way from the Caribbean. States such as New York, Massachusetts and Maine may be affected during the Labor Day weekend, depending on the course the storm takes.