Your home is one of the biggest investments youll ever make, so its smart to ensure you can repair or rebuild it after a disaster. But do you really know whats covered under your home insurance policy? While most basic homeowner's policies provide coverage for the dwelling, contents, and other structures on your property, they dont routinely cover every type of loss. Many homeowners are not aware that they dont have some types of coverage until after a disaster, says Andrew N. Mais, commissioner of the Connecticut Insurance Department and president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. For example, homeowners policies do not cover flood damage, which many people are not aware of until its too late.In fact, many types of losses that you probably assume are covered are not unless youve specifically added coverage and paid an additional premium. Many types of coverage require a rider or endorsement added to your basic homeowners policy, says Mais. Every policy is different, but these riders also may have a separate deductible and limits that apply. Costs for adding coverage vary depending on the type, but they range from a flat fee to a percentage of an item's value. For example, a sewage backup endorsement may run $30 to $160 per year, while jewelry insurance typically costs one to two percent of the value of the jewelry. Heres what to do to ensure you have the appropriate coverage to protect your home, family, and valuable assets.Related StoriesRead Your PolicyWhile it's not exactly thrilling to read, its essential to know your specific coverage and limits. Reading an insurance policy is boring but necessary, says Mais. Its much better to do it now than when its too late. Ask questions so you understand exactly what is covered or not. Do an Annual Review Just like your annual physical, its a good idea to review your insurance regularly. With the increasing costs of homes, you should be checking your coverage every year, says Mais. Its not only about what is covered, but do you have enough coverage? In fact, according to United Policyholders, a nonprofit consumer insurance resource, more than half of homeowners are underinsured, meaning they dont have adequate coverage to replace or rebuild their homes after a loss. Your agent can help you navigate your coverage choices.Keep Thorough RecordsImages By Tang Ming Tung//Getty ImagesIf you experience a total loss during a fire or natural disaster, chances are you wont remember every single thing you own. Make a home inventory, going through each room and writing down items, or use a free app to keep track, says Mais. Take photos and videos, too, and keep receipts for big-ticket items. Store the inventory online or in a safe deposit box. This record-keeping will make filing a claim, if need be, more efficient. Related StoryUnderstand the Different Types of Riders and Endorsements The following types of coverage typically are not included as part of a basic homeowners policy and require separate riders or policies, says Mais.Full Replacement CoverageYou can insure your home and its contents at full replacement cost or actual cash value. Full replacement coverage is more expensive but does what it implies: It covers the cost to rebuild your home or repair damages completely. Actual cost value takes into account depreciation and thus only pays based on the age and wear and tear of your homemeaning it generally wont pay enough to fully repair damage or replace your home. Flood CoverageHomeowners policies do not cover flood damage; depending on where you live, you may qualify for flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. If your home is in a flood plain, your mortgage lender may require you to buy flood insurance. But even if your bank doesnt require it, you may wish to explore your options, says Mais. Earthquake CoverageDamage caused by earthquakes is not covered under a basic policy. Many insurance companies sell it as a separate policy or endorsement for your policy. Windstorm and Hail CoveragePolicies in coastal areas often exclude this coverage, so youll need to buy a separate policy.Related StorySump Pump Overflow or Sewer Backup CoverageMany homeowners dont realize if a sump pump overflows or sewage backs up, its not covered. Its a low-frequency event, but damages can be high, says Mais. Jewelry CoverageA scheduled personal property endorsement (or personal articles floater) covers jewelry, such as an engagement ring, and other items, such as fine art, which have a value greater than the normal limits in your homeowner's policy. With this coverage, scheduled items generally also are covered if lost or stolen, says Mais.Electronics CoverageElectronics, such as your computer and TV, may not fall under your homeowners policy. A separate rider may allow you to increase policy limits if you have a lot of electronics. Additional Coverages for High-Value ItemsIf you have other items of high value, such as collectibles, antiques, or musical instruments, read your policy or talk to your agent about whether or not it is covered and how to add coverage. Everyones situation is different and not all policies are the same. But its worth understanding your risk and coverages in order to protect your home and family, says Mais. Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.