BOSTON -- If your home gets flooded during a storm, NewsCenter 5's Susan Wornick said that the first thing to do is assess the damage in your home. Take pictures so you have proof and a record of the loss, and call your agent immediately if you haven't already.

Basic homeowner's insurance does not usually cover basic flooding. Cleaning and repairing wet basements is generally only covered by separate flood insurance, and those policies are usually only written for waterfront property or buildings in a flood plain.

Of course, not having coverage shouldn't stop you from mopping up as soon as possible. Standing water can mean mold and bacteria. Take precautions, such as a tetanus shot and use protective clothing such as gloves and a mask.

As for your car, the pounding rain has caused potholes. If you hit one you can blow a tire and even dent a rim, but don't expect your insurance company to pay. Most won't.

Whether you have any recourse depends on where it happened. The state won't reimburse you for the damage, but if it happened on a locally maintained road, the community might. Call the town or city hall and ask the policy.

Don't ever hesitate to call your insurance agent. They make a commission on your premium and are there to help. Unless your damage is severe, don't file a claim because your insurance company may cancel your policy at the next possible chance.

From the Massachusetts Division of Insurance:

Your homeowners' policy does not cover you for flood damage.

You don't have to live near water to be flooded. Approximately 25 percent of all flood insurance claims come from "low-risk" areas. Floods are commonly caused by storms, melting snow, dam or levee failure or water backup due to overloaded drainage systems.

Flood insurance is affordable. The average policy costs around $300 annually for about $100,000 of coverage.

Flood insurance claims are paid even when a federal disaster is not declared.

Almost 90 percent of floods are not designated as disasters by the president.

Increasing the number of properties with flood insurance significantly reduces the financial burden placed on federal and state taxpayers following a flood disaster.

Flood insurance claims are paid with premiums collected, not taxpayer dollars.

The average cost to repay a disaster loan, available only if a federal disaster is declared, is approximately 12 times as expensive as paying the average annual flood insurance premium.

Your mortgage company or bank may require you to carry flood insurance, but it is your responsibility to maintain adequate coverage limits.

Helpful Links:

FloodAlert.Fema.gov

Mass.gov: Coastlines