Boats afford recreation and adventure to their owners, but they come with risks, as well. Don’t let an accident or disaster sink you—understand how to insure your prized vessel.

Bicycling is increasingly popular, both as a sport and as a means of transportation. Whether you spent a few hundred or a few thousand dollars on your bike, whether you use it to commute to work or to cycle around the block with your kids, it's important to understand the rules of the bike lane and protect your financial investment with the proper insurance.

Whether you plan to install a luxury, in-ground Olympic model or you're just inflating one for the kids, backyard pools and hot tubs have safety and insurance implications. Here's what you need to know.

A public adjuster is an independent insurance professional that a policyholder may hire to help settle an insurance claim on his or her behalf.

Your insurance company provides an adjuster at no charge to you, while a public adjuster has no relationship with your insurance company, and charges a fee of up to 15 percent of the insurance settlement for his or her services. Note that while a public adjuster can assist with the claims process, he or she cannot get you more money than you are entitled to under your insurance policy.

There are four events that should trigger a review of your policy:

1. When your policy comes up for renewal

Don’t just automatically send a check to your insurance company. Take the time to review your coverage and call your agent with any questions or concerns that you may have regarding your homeowners insurance. Ask yourself the following questions:

Credit scores are based on an analysis of an individual’s credit history. These scores are used for many purposes such as securing a loan, finding a place to live, getting a telephone and buying insurance. Insurers often generate a numerical ranking based on a person’s credit history, known as an “insurance score,” when underwriting and setting the rates for insurance policies. Actuarial studies show that how a person manages his or her financial affairs, which is what an insurance score indicates, is a good predictor of insurance claims.

A standard homeowners policy includes coverage for jewelry and other precious items such as watches and furs. These items are covered for losses caused by all the perils included in your policy such as fire, windstorm, theft and vandalism.

If you've filed an insurance claim filed an auto insurance claim but are not satisfied with the result, there are a number of actions you can take towards getting a resolution.

What is umbrella insurance?

Often referred to as excess liability coverage, umbrella insurance is a type of personal liability insurance that provides an additional layer of coverage beyond what standard homeowners, auto, or other vehicle coverage might provide.

An umbrella policy kicks in when you reach the limit on the underlying liability coverage for these policies. It may also cover risks that those policies often do not, such as libel or slander.

There's a difference between an insurance company canceling a policy and choosing not to renew it.

Auto insurance cancellation

Insurance companies cannot cancel a policy that has been in force for more than 60 days except when: