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Here's another great tip from BobVila.com.

Homeowner’s insurance is probably the single most important tool you have for protecting your biggest investment and your family’s security, but it isn’t a buy-it-and-forget-it deal.

Besides just keeping your premiums current, you should review your policy every year to be sure it covers any changes to your property, like that new boat in the garage or the home office you added.

Take out the camera and create a photographic inventory of everything you own. Keep the records with your policy in a fireproof safe or in a bank safe deposit box.

Things like testing your smoke alarms, installing deadbolts, shoveling the stairs when it snows and getting a building permit for that new deck are all pretty much common sense, but they’re also commonly neglected, leading to claims due to accidental injuries, theft, fire and, most often, water damage.

Frequent claims lead to higher premiums, so give yourself a break: Work out a home maintenance schedule that covers all the bases and put safety projects at the top of the list.

Find out more at BobVila.com:
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