There’s a lot that your typical homeowner’s insurance policy will cover—fires, hurricanes, lightning strikes, and other disasters. But floods aren’t one of them. Just 1 in. of water in your home could cost you $25,000. The problem is floods are the “most common and costly natural disaster,” according to the Insurance Information Institute, which says that 90 percent of all natural disasters involve some kind of flooding. Over the last four decades, flood-related damage has caused over $26...

Winter weather can do a number on your house. From flooding due to ice dams, to roof damage from snow and ice, there’s a lot that can go wrong during the winter. Fortunately, there are some simple low-cost things you can do to protect your home from Mother Nature’s fury. 1. Outside faucets. Drain outside faucets and then turn them off from the inside. Also, make sure your hoses are drained and disconnected. And, if you have a sprinkler system, blow compressed air through it to void any ...