Having a good homeowners' insurance is very important - and you learn about it only when it's too late to change anything. When you have to file a claim there may be many aspects of your insurance that you had no idea could be important - which is why it's crucial to discuss the smallest details with your insurance agent. If there are some gaps in your homeowners' insurance policy - there is nothing you can do, so thinking about everything in advance seems to be pretty good advice. There are some exclusions that may vary from insurer to insurer and may be covered by some of them or not covered by anyone - this is the case with nuclear accident that no companies are likely to cover. These days things have changed if compared to earlier years - and in many companies they will not be covering for mold and water damage (allowed in over 30 states), war, terrorism, natural disasters (if you live in a remote place, and not in some developed area), infestation (you are expected to take care of your home to prevent is from destruction), intentional damage, luxury items etc. If you need personal liability coverage, dog bites may or may not be covered - everything depends on the breed of dog you won. If you have a pit bull - the chances are you will be denied this kind of coverage. An up-to-date home inventory is the one thing that can help you deal with your insurance company if your house is truck by a fire, burglary, earthquake or some other disaster of the kind. If you do not have one - you will simply have to use your memory to make s list of all the valuables stolen or damaged. Inventorying your personal possessions is thought to help you take batter care of them once you realize what they are worth. It's recommended to take pictures of the things you own that cost more than 50 dollars. You can include clothes, collections of coins of other valuable objects - paintings, antiques etc, and electronic equipment. Your inventory can take you quite some time as it should contain a number of important points - complete description of the object (make, model and serial number) Some people actually make engravings on some valuable items, with an engraving pen that you can use at home costs about 50 bucks - not too much to help the police identify the stolen valuables faster. Certain items, especially art and antiques may need a professional appraisal and these items may need to be listed on your policy separately. And of course the best place to keep your inventory is a place outside your home where it can be accessed if something happens to your house.