SPECIAL REPORT: Be Disaster-Ready (And Start Planning for the Next)

Flood Insurance: What It Costs and Why You Need It | How Much Umbrella Insurance Do You Need? | Hurricane Insurance Claims: 10 Things You Should Know Created for {EMAIL} | [Web Version]( September 1, 2023 CONNECT WITH KIPLINGER  [LinkedIn]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Youtube]( [Instagram]( Kiplinger Today [SIGN UP]( ⋅ [SHARE]( [] Top Story [] [Flood Insurance: What It Costs and Why You Need It]( [Flood Insurance: What It Costs and Why You Need It]( (Getty Images) Homeowners insurance typically covers damage that comes from the top down — such as rain and wind damage — but it doesn't cover rising water and flooding. FEMA administers the National Flood Insurance Program to ensure you have access to flood insurance. [Learn about premiums, what you can expect to be covered by your FEMA policy and about the changes Risk 2.0 will mean to the reassessment of risk and rate increases](. [] Umbrella Insurance [] [How Much Umbrella Insurance Do You Need?]( [How Much Umbrella Insurance Do You Need?]( (Getty Images) Having too much liability insurance is better than having too little. Umbrella coverage provides protection outside of existing limits and coverages, covering anything from lawsuits that arise when you're driving abroad or operating rented watercraft, harm caused to others by your dog or if you're sued for slander. [Use our calculator to determine how much umbrella insurance you need and how much it will cost](. [This Billion Dollar Startup Wants to Help You Retire]( This Princeton grad's startup raised $161 million to help you plan a comfortable retirement. If you're one of the whopping 110 million Americans over the age of 50, or wisely planning ahead, SmartAsset's no-cost tool can help match you with up to 3 vetted financial advisors. [LEARN MORE]( ADVERTISEMENT [] Insurance Claims [] [Hurricane Insurance Claims: 10 Things You Should Know]( [Hurricane Insurance Claims: 10 Things You Should Know]( (Getty Images) Eight of the 10 costliest natural disasters in U.S. history have been hurricanes. You can learn a lot from the experiences of past victims of natural disasters who had to assess the damage, contact their insurers, and undergo the long process of physical and financial recovery. [Here’s how to get the money you deserve from your insurance company and ways to make the most of other assistance to fill in the gaps](. [] Emergency Preparedness [] [14 Must-Have Items for Your Home Emergency Kit]( [14 Must-Have Items for Your Home Emergency Kit]( (Getty Images) Emergency preparedness used to be a seasonal thing, and it tended to be focused on specific areas. Now more than ever, you need to be prepared to survive on your own in the case of disaster — days without power, food or water from the tap. [Think you’re prepared? We’ll leave the basics to you. Our list covers everything else — the gear that should be in every home emergency kit](. [] Financial Planning For Disasters [] [Have a Financial Plan for The Next Natural Disaster]( You should have a plan in place before disaster hits because you may not be home when the evacuation alarm sounds. We asked insurance experts what homeowners who have faced such devastation wish they had done earlier. If disaster strikes, do you have your important financial documents safeguarded in case you need to leave your home in a hurry? Here’s what you’ll need. [Start Planning]( [7 Secrets to Know About Hiring a Financial Advisor]( Choosing a financial advisor is a major life decision that can determine your financial trajectory for years to come. Be aware of these 7 secrets comfortable retirees know about hiring an advisor, so you can find peace of mind and potentially avoid years of stress. [LEARN MORE]( ADVERTISEMENT [] Historic Natural Disasters [] [The Most Expensive Natural Disasters in U.S. History]( Wind, water, fire and drought have all wreaked havoc on the United States. Historically, hurricanes have been the most expensive natural disasters in the U.S. Storm surge (damage not covered by homeowner’s insurance) is the main source of hurricanes' damage. [11 Costliest Disasters]( ABOUT KIPLINGER When we write about money, we get it right. So the decisions you make with your dollars are also right. Kiplinger is a trusted provider of unbiased financial advice, objective business and economic forecasts, and practical help to millions of business professionals, investors, and individuals seeking to make more profitable decisions with their money. 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