(InvestigateTV) — Home insurance costs have already been climbing for many families. Now, as hurricane and wildfire seasons ramp up, one insurance expert says cuts, cancellations and court fights around federal disaster-preparedness programs could add more pressure.

When wildfires, floods, tornadoes or hurricanes hit, FEMA is often part of the response. But the agency also funds work before disasters happen, including projects meant to reduce future damage.

Leslie Kasperowicz, editor-in-chief of Insurance.com, says disruptions to that kind of disaster-preparedness work could eventually show up in what homeowners pay for insurance.

“Our prediction is that we’re going to see home insurance rates increase,” Kasperowicz said.

FEMA program funding disrupted

One program she pointed to was Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC), a FEMA program that helps fund projects designed to reduce damage from future disasters. The program was canceled, then ordered restored by a federal judge. FEMA has since announced $1 billion in funding for the program.

Kasperowicz said that kind of disaster-preparedness work matters to insurers because it can affect how much damage homes and communities suffer when disaster strikes.

“What we’re looking at now is potential increases to home insurance costs because insurance companies don’t have the information they need first of all, for prediction. and they know that you’re probably looking at more serious claims when homes aren’t prepared for damage,” Kasperowicz said.

She said that risk becomes especially important during hurricane and wildfire season, when one major disaster can lead to widespread claims.

“If we go into this year, we have another harsh hurricane season, we have a really bad wildfire season on the West Coast and there’s a lot of damage and the insurance companies have to pay a lot of claims as a result, we’re going to see rates go up in response,” Kasperowicz said.

What homeowners can do now

For homeowners, Kasperowicz said the first step is to look for any mitigation help that is still available where you live.

She also said to ask your insurance company about discounts for work you have already done, like windstorm or wildfire mitigation.

And make sure your coverage is in place before a disaster is headed your way, she said.

“We always tell people, think ahead, make sure that you’ve got that coverage in place because insurance companies will place a moratorium on new coverage when there’s a storm on the way. So don’t wait until the sirens are going off,” Kasperowicz said.

Another tip from Kasperowicz: if you are hit by a natural disaster, document the damage as soon as it is safe. Take photos and video, keep receipts for temporary repairs, and contact your insurance company as quickly as possible.

She also recommended shopping around at renewal, asking about discounts, and reviewing whether your coverage still matches the risks where you live.