Can your homeowners insurance withstand a disaster? If trouble comes in the form of a flood, you’re probably sunk.

Standard homeowners policies will not pay for water damage from floods. You need a separate policy, available through the National Flood Insurance Program (www.floodsmart.gov).

But what about protection from lesser calamities? Insurers are reducing coverage or raising rates. To help clear away the confusion, we considered some common threats that could cost you thousands, and how you can be protected.

Spiking liability claims for mold damage have prompted many insurers to reduce or even eliminate such coverage. To make sure you’re protected, read your policy or call your insurer or agent. Coverage should cost $200 to $300 a year for $25,000 of mold-remediation coverage – about the minimum you’ll need.

Many insurers also exclude from coverage damage caused by dogs – such as rottweilers, pit bulls and chow chows – that the company considers risky. Your insurer may agree to cover such risks, however, if you buy an umbrella policy, which covers liability for your house and car. A $2 million umbrella will cover liability amounts over your policy’s limit (usually $300,000) and cost you an additional $200 to $400 annually.

While homeowners policies generally will cover losses from theft of jewelry, artwork, antiques, furs and other valuables, some won’t cover a loss resulting from your own mistakes, such as dropping your ring down the drain. Consider a floater policy: about 75 cents to $1.50 per $100 of value.

No matter its component protections, make sure your homeowners policy covers the cost to rebuild your house should it be destroyed. Covering your home for the amount you paid for it – or for what you could get if you sold it – might leave you woefully underinsured.

Note that increasing your coverage by 25 percent could boost annual premiums by 10 percent. You might be able to lessen that impact through discounts. Many companies will cut your rate if you are over 55; some will discount for smoke detectors, alarms or dead-bolt locks.

Other ways to lower your premiums include:

¢ Raise your deductible – the amount you pay before coverage kicks in – from $500 to $1,000 to cut your premium by about 25 percent.

¢ Bundle plans. Using the same insurer for homeowners and auto insurance should qualify for a discount of 5 percent to 15 percent on each policy.

¢ Make loyalty pay. Some insurers cut premiums by 5 percent if you’ve been with them for three to five years – or 10 percent for sticking around more than six.