More than likely, it's your biggest investment. We're talking about your home. But is it properly protected should disaster strike?

Of the homeowners polled, about a third said it had been two years or more since they reviewed their coverage with their agent.

Those folks could be setting themselves for trouble if disaster strikes. You're supposed to go to your doctor for annual check-ups. If you're a homeowner, you should do the same with your house.

Angie Hicks, Angie's List, explains how you should review your policy often, "Reviewing your policy every year is a good idea because it allows you to comparison shop the actual rates you are paying and to have a conversation to make sure you have appropriate coverage. For example, if you've remodeled your house you'll need to add additional coverage. Also, your belongings - if you buy something, buy some jewelry, electronics, those are important conversations to have with your insurance agent to make sure they are covered as well."

Besides covering your valuables, you also need to cover your back.

Aaron Steffey, Insurance Agent, explains how you should stay in contact with your agent, "I would definitely alert your agent with jewelry if you get new jewelry and then liability coverage there's 5 named breeds of dogs that are really iffy when it comes to insurance companies. Having pit bulls, Rottweiler, I think some German shepherds and chows. It's going to vary between insurance companies, but notify them when you have one of those animals because if they exclude those animals and it bites someone on your property and you get sued the insurance company may not cover it so you have to notify them of that. Any time you get a new alarm, if you put in a swimming pool that adds liability to your property and more exposure."

Don't assume the cost of insuring your home will go down because of the recent slide in property values.

Hicks explains one of the biggest misconceptions, "One of the biggest misconceptions is that there are coverage will go down because the housing market has gone down. Just because your house may not sell for what you paid for it, does not mean that your insurance value has gone down because the insurance is based on replacement cost and the cost to rebuild your house may actually be going up."

Also, find out what your policy says about storm, water, mold, wind and flood coverage. In the past 10 years, companies have increasingly changed the language about these specific items.

Ask about adding specific coverages, like flood insurance, if your agent or company doesn't offer the coverage you want.

Content:
Your home is a big investment and it's an investment you want to protect. But when was the last time you reviewed your homeowner's insurance coverage?

A nationwide Angie's List poll found:
· 96% have homeowner's insurance
· Nearly 30 percent of respondents to a nationwide Angie's List poll said it's been two years or more since they reviewed their coverage with their agent.

Homeowner's insurance is designed to protect damage from specific weather disasters, fire, theft, injuries, etc. You must then buy separate policies for floor and earthquake coverage.

Angie's List, the nation's leading provider of consumer reviews , asked highly rated insurance agents about homeowner's insurance coverage.

10 tips to help homeowner's get proper coverage:
1. Annual review: When you get your renewal notice, talk to your agent about whether you need to adjust your coverage. Update your policy if you have added square feet, remodeled, bought expensive items like jewelry/artwork/electronics, added a pet, boat, changes in your household, etc. Determine whether you have adequate liability insurance to protect yourself if someone is injured on your property. Consider increasing your liability protection if you install a pool, etc.
2. Get what you need: Replacement cost insurance covers the cost of replacing your home and is generally the policy for most homeowners. Your agent will evaluate your home and its contents and write a policy that would replace it at that value.
3. Get specific. Find out what your policy says about storm, water, mold, wind and flood coverage. In the past 10 years, companies have increasingly changed the language about these specific items. Ask about adding specific endorsements if your agent or company doesn't offer the coverage you want.
4. Flood warning. If you live in a low-lying area or one that is predisposed to flooding, purchase flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program.
5. Get loss of use coverage. Consider loss of use insurance to cover rent or hotel fees in the event your home is uninhabitable after a catastrophe. Experts recommend at least one year of coverage.
6. Claim deadline. Check with your state's Department of Insurance for the statute of limitations for filing a claim, which can vary from one to two years.
7. Safe keeping. Put important paperwork, especially policy information, in a fireproof/waterproof safe. Take photos and videos of everything in your home. Keep the originals in a safe-deposit box and send copies to relatives or friends across the country.
8. Ask around. Don't take an insurance adjuster's proof-of-loss statement as accurate. Instead, use at least three independent contractors' estimates as your starting point. The insurance company's initial payout is often drastically lower than what the work will require.
9. Public adjuster. If you experience a sizable loss, consider hiring a public insurance adjuster who will file and submit your claim on your behalf. These adjusters often have years of experience on the private insurance side and work to get homeowners the best settlement possible. Their compensation is a percentage of your settlement. That percentage varies by state.
10. Crash course. Familiarize yourself with what you are entitled to receive in the event of a loss. Ask your agent about his or her experience in handling a loss claim. An experienced agent should be able to not only detail what your policy will and will not cover, but be able to give you a good idea of what to expect if a claim takes place.

Angie's List Tips to get the best deal:
· Improve your home's safety: Severe weather, higher rebuilding costs and an increase in claims can all affect the price of your premium. Some companies offer discounts for installing storm shutters, adding a security system, updating wiring, or your home's proximity to a fire station.
· Bundle up: Many companies will reduce your rates if you purchase additional policies, such as auto or life, through them.
· Raise your deductible: Just remember if you do have a claim, you are going to have to pay more out of pocket then you would have before.
· Shop around: Like any other service, shop around for homeowner's insurance rates. You can comparison shop online with just a click of a mouse. Comparing policy coverage options with a few companies will give you the opportunity to find the best policy at the best price.