High temperatures and drought conditions are combining to boost fire risks in much of the country, including Southern California. That makes it more important than ever to ensure that one's personal fire insurance is adequate.

Most policies cap their coverage, even on extended replacement policies, to a percentage of the structural limits. A policy that promises $500,000 in structural coverage may pay as much as 125 percent or 150 percent, but not more.

If the house can't be rebuilt for less than the policy limit, the homeowner will have to come up with the remaining amount. If a homeowner has renovated a kitchen or bathroom, the question is should the owner call their insurance agent to see whether this changed the cost of rebuilding.

Most policies limit coverage for contents to a percentage of the structural coverage. If the structural limits are inadequate, it's possible that the content limits are, too. Homeowners should review their policies annually.

For more information, call Mosen OHadi at (818) 5186911 or e-mail mohadi @farmersagent.com.