The toy: A brand-new snowmobile.

The potential pitfall: You didn't see that dip in the trail, and it threw you for a loop. You're not hurt, but your snowmobile is.

The safety net: Off-road vehicles, such as snowmobiles, are excluded from coverage under your auto and home insurance. But recreational vehicle insurance can provide protection* for physical damage to your sled and liability in case you're sued because of an accident.

*See policy for restrictions.

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In The Swing Of Things
The toy: A cedar playground for the backyard, complete with miniature rock-climbing wall and castlelike turrets. It set you back $6,000, but the smiles on your little darlings' faces make it worth every penny.

The potential pitfall: A tornado makes a beeline for your yard -- and carries the swing set down the street in a million pieces.

The safety net: Most home insurance policies cover all structures on your property, even those that aren't attached to the house, such as a garage, barn, or deluxe swing set. But pay attention to this caveat: Most insurance companies require you to notify them within 90 days of the start of any improvements that increase a house's value by $5,000 or 10% of your policy's Coverage A limit, whichever is greater. What's the big deal? If you have a loss and you're underinsured, those home improvements could be gone with the wind. Ask about MetLife Auto & Home's Coverage A Plus, which covers these gaps.

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It's Game Day
The toy: You stood in line at the electronics store at 5 a.m. to snag the year's hottest new computer game, making you your son's hero.

The potential pitfall: Half the 8th-grade class came by the house for some after-school fun, and one enthusiastic player spilled a soda on the console, which is now refusing to play.

The safety net: Computers are becoming as common in most households as toasters, so most basic home and renters policies include some coverage for computer software and hardware, such as Wii or Xbox 360 gaming devices. However, this coverage can be limited to as little as $1,000, and it won't cover accidental dousings with liquids. But a Home Computer Endorsement, which can be added to your home insurance for a small premium, can expand your coverage to include liquid spills as well as limits up to $15,000. For serious gamers who have all the latest equipment and an extensive software library, that may be a good idea. Another perk: Losses have a low $50 deductible.

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Little Deuce Coupe
The toy: Your tot will rule the driveway in a souped-up, battery-operated mini car -- which can cost $400 and up.

The potential pitfall: It was left outside during a vicious hailstorm, and it is too banged up to drive.

The safety net: Although they may look like real vehicles, these pint-size cars are simply toys. You won't find coverage for them under your auto policy because they're not intended for road use, but you will get coverage for children's toys under your home, renters, or condo insurance.

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Oldies But Goodies
The toys: Your vintage Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader action figures have had a place of honor in your house since you first saw Star Wars in 1977.

The potential pitfall: Your dog decides that your mint-condition collectibles make great chew toys.

The safety net: Whether your passion is antique dolls or vintage PEZ dispensers, consider adding Scheduled Personal Property (SPP) coverage to your insurance collection. Why? Most home and renters policies limit payments for collectibles to $5,000. So if a fire destroys $15,000 worth of Precious Moments® figurines, you'll only get $5,000. SPP gives you higher limits, and it has no deductible. It provides broader coverage for many more things that could go wrong. Take that playful dog who chews up a collection along with its value. That accident isn't covered under a standard homeowners policy, but it would be under expanded SPP coverage. Ditto if you're at a collectibles show and some of your pieces mysteriously disappear.

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On The Road Again
The toy: You got yourself a big-boy toy: custom wheels with chrome rims for your pickup.

The potential pitfall: Thieves like how those rims look -- and steal the entire truck while you're sleeping.

The safety net: This situation is exactly what your auto insurance is for. If your pickup were stolen, you'd be reimbursed for your auto, plus you'll get replacement cost for your tires through MetLife Auto & Home's Coverage Plus.* (Note: Replacement cost doesn't apply if only the tires were stolen; those are subject to actual cash value.) Before customizing your vehicle, always check with your local police department and the vehicle's manufacturer to make sure your plans won't violate federal, state, or local regulations or void your warranty. The good news is that you can insure most modifications; be sure to discuss coverage options with your insurance company before installation.

*Not available in MA, NC, and TX.

Surge Sabotage Santa's bag is increasingly filled with high-tech toys such as DVD players and plasma TVs. Unfortunately, Grinch-like electrical surges and lightning strikes can fry their computer chips in a fraction of a second. "We're seeing an astonishing increase in damage to sensitive electronic equipment caused by lightning," reports Richard Kithil Jr., CEO of the nonprofit National Lightning Safety Institute. Plug-in surge protectors, however, provide an important line of defense. Warns Kithil, "People who don't use surge protectors are gambling." Know your joules. Joules (measured in watt seconds) are a scientific measurement of a surge protector's strength. The more joules, the better. For a home entertainment center, for example, Kithil recommends at least 3,000 joules, which will cost about $40. Avoid common set-up errors. Many people don't realize that power surges can travel through telephone, cable TV, and computer DSL lines. So do your setup right: Plug the telephone and cable line from the wall into the surge protector's jacks. Then locate the extra telephone or cable wires that are supplied with most surge protectors and use them to link the surge protector to your telephone, TV, or computer modem. Don't be fooled by a power strip. Although it looks like a surge protector, it provides no protection and is usually much less expensive.

 

Get the Advantage with MetLife Auto & Home: We promise, You get a new car Give yourself the gift of our top-notch auto insurance. If you totaled your new car, we'd replace it with a brand-new one -- with no deduction for depreciation -- within the first year of purchase or 15,000 miles, as shown on the odometer, whichever comes first. This protection is included automatically in your policy's collision and comprehensive premium in most states, excluding MA and NC. Subject to deductible.* *See policy for restrictions.

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