Hurricane insurance: Do you have it? Need it? Six things to know.

As hurricane Irene heads for the East Coast, here are answers to six key questions about insurance.

4. What isn’t covered by flood insurance?

Carlos Barria / Reuters / File
A resident walks next to a damage house after hurricane Ike hit the Gulf of Mexico in Galveston, Texas, Sept. 15, 2008. Flood insurance doesn't cover damage to yards or personal property outside, such as fences and cars.

Flood insurance doesn’t apply to all the losses you might incur from a hurricane, including some items of high value. So if a storm surge sweeps your stock certificates, money, or precious metals out to sea, they won't be covered. Also, insurance doesn’t cover damage to your yard or structures in it, such as decks, fences, or swimming pools. A flood insurance policy won’t cover living expenses either, if you have to pay for temporary housing.

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