Fire is such a big fear that many homeowners hardly worry about it.

It’s only when devastating images appear on local newscasts that you wonder: Am I protected?

Since more fires occur in winter, due to space heaters, candles and other hazards, those disturbing reports have probably been nagging you more frequently.

Worrying isn’t the answer. Investing a little time in boosting your protection is. You’ll reduce your risks and could save money, too. Here’s how:

Sensible Measures

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. That’s why every home should maintain working smoke detectors on every floor to alert you to danger before it gets out of control.

Tell your insurance agent you have detectors and you’ll likely be eligible for at least a 5 percent discount on homeowner premiums, says Claire Wilkinson, spokeswoman for the Insurance Information Institute.

Many newer homes may be equipped with sprinkler systems, which may trim insurance premiums by another 15 percent or so. Security alarms that alert the local fire station also may qualify you for a discount, but not all of these pricey systems are eligible for reductions by all insurers.

The majority of fires start in the kitchen, notes Lorraine Carli, spokeswoman for the National Fire Protection Association. Extinguishers can be useful for putting out contained cooking fires, but only if you know their limitations, says Carli. People often use an extinguisher when they should instead dial 911 and then flee.

If you’re a condo owner, your protection depends on neighbors and management following prudent measures.

Fortunately, a 2009 NFPA report shows the risk of fire loss in high-rise buildings is lower. That’s because these buildings often have sprinkler systems and evacuation plans, Carli explains. Still, multi-family dwellers should actively insist that management keep the building up to code and provide smoke alarms and other measures in common areas.

Proper Coverage

Safety is first, and insurance is the final layer that protects by paying for loss if it occurs.

Fire claims don’t usually spark disputes between insurers and owners, unlike storm claims, where clashes arise as to whether wind or other uncovered sources of damage are involved, says Robert Hunter, of the Consumer Federation of America

But owners often are confused about how much their insurer will pay should their home be destroyed.

A policy typically offers “replacement cost” coverage. If homes like yours are currently selling for $300,000, you may think that your insurer would pay you that much should your home be totally burned. “But you are not insuring for appraised value – but for replacement, what it would cost to rebuild,” explains Michael McRaith, Illinois Director of Insurance.

Owners wanting to ensure that they’d get all the funds necessary to reconstruct can find “guaranteed” or “extended” replacement coverage, although premiums will be slightly higher. Otherwise, ask at least a couple of agents for estimates of what the right replacement cost level your home should be insured for, suggests McRaith.

Condo Coordination

Insurance policies hardly make easy reading, and you should ask your agent to interpret in layman’s language. Chances of confusion are even higher for condo dwellers, because the association’s policy may pay for some elements – like your kitchen cabinets – if they’re destroyed in a fire. It may make sense to contact the company providing the common insurance for details on what your own homeowner policy should entail, suggests Hunter.

Shopping for coverage is never discouraged, however. “Just have other agents talk to the condo association for details about their coverage to make sure yours coordinates,“ Hunter concludes.

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