Consumers can pay for additional coverage for contents and the structure of their homes, but most insurers limit replacement cost to 150 percent of the policy's face value at the most - and for an additional fee. These days, insurers also add surcharges to cover extras such as detached garages, cottages and outdoor built-in barbecues. It's up to homeowners to know which policies cover what structures.

Suarez-Resnick says that on wind-only policies, detached structures are ``a la carte.'' For instance, homeowners have to buy separate coverage for pools, but fencing is included. Yet, on many property policies that cover fire and theft, pools are included, she says.

FLOOD PROGRAM

For Florida homeowners living in a flood zone, adequate flood insurance is a must - and it's often required by mortgage banks. Since 1968, flood damage has been covered by the National Flood Insurance Program. The maximum coverage provided by the flood program is $250,000.

There's an often-overlooked provision in the flood insurance program that penalizes homeowners who are underinsured. For instance, if a home should be insured for $200,000 to cover rebuilding after a flood or storm surge, but only $100,000 of coverage has been purchased, it's 50 percent underinsured. Godwin says claims would be paid by the same percentage the home is underinsured - a $50,000 claim would be paid at $25,000.

What's more, the insurance law passed this year requires insurers to pay only for the portion of damage they cover, be it wind or flood. For instance, if it costs $50,000 to repair damage after a hurricane, but wind damage was responsible for only $20,000, windstorm insurance will pay only $20,000 of the claim.

Insurance agents realize skyrocketing rates make buying sufficient coverage a hardship. In order to make insurance more affordable, Tom Webb, owner of Coastal Insurance, advises consumers to opt for a higher deductible and take advantage of discounts for hurricane mitigation and adhering to stricter building codes.

Everything you need to know to be prepared for this year's hurricane season.

HERALD.COM: For complete hurricane coverage, including live updates during every storm, go to storm.herald.com

Are You Really Covered?

With higher construction costs and stricter building codes, having adequate insurance to cover rebuilding after a disaster is a must. Steps to take:

* Review policy limits annually.

* Review what's included and not included in policy coverage.

* Tell your insurer about any major improvements or additions to your home.

* Have a contractor familiar with your neighborhood prepare a per-square-foot reconstruction estimate.

* Inventory your contents; photograph or videotape the home's interior and exterior.