Most of us are pretty good at making sure that we have homeowners or renters insurance in case of fire, theft, or a storm, but unfortunately, many of us are not as good at protecting ourselves against a flood.

Although many consumers assume that they are covered, its often at the time of a claim that they sadly learn, that they are out of luck.

Unless you purchase a special policy or rider, its likely that you will not be covered for flood damage, and with all of the snow and wet weather that we have had lately, now is the time to start checking into how can protect your home and belongings in case of a flood.

When contacting your insurer:

• Ask about sewer back up coverage, or how you will be protected for damage from a broken water main, or water that seeps into your home from melting snow, or a river that has over flown its banks.

• Ask if your community participates in the national flood insurance program and how you can purchase coverage from them in case of a flood.

• And take precautions to protect your home as best as possible by doing all that you can to be sure that water flows away from your house.

Don’t wait until you have a flood. It can take as much as 30 days for coverage to be effective. Check into these programs today. For more information about flood insurance and how to protect your home and contents, contact your insurance agent, or www.floodmart.gov.