Insurance is one of those things that we all just have to have.  We pay the premiums, but we never want to have to actually use it.  But with hurricane season just beginning, now is the time to re-evaluate your homeowner's policy.

The South Carolina Insurance News Service recommends that at least four major items be on your hurricane planning list:

1. Review your insurance coverage with your insurance agent or company and make sure that you know exactly what your policy covers.  Write down your basic insurance information, such as the name and phone number of your insurance agent, your insurance policy number and claims phone number, and keep them with you if you evacuate.
2. Ask your agent or company what you can do to reduce your chance of a loss, such as installing hurricane shutters.
3. Update your household inventory.  Make a list, take pictures, videotape or use a home inventory software to document all of your belongings.  Then store the inventory in a safe place outside of your home.
4. Check to see what all of your deductibles are and how your insurance will handle damaged, stolen or destroyed items.  Does your policy have a percentage deductible?  Does it provide replacement cost coverage or actual cash value?

Coastal residents may need as many as seven seperate insurance policies to protect their homes and property from disaster.

Flood insurance is NOT part of most homeowner, mobile home, or rental insurance policies.  You must buy seperate coverage and there is a waiting period of thirty days. 

If your homeowner's insurance does not have wind & hail coverage, you will need to purchase seperate coverage, and that has a fifteen day waiting period.

In addition, you cannot buy any homeowner's or renter's insurance after a hurricane watch or warning has been issued.