As Texans prepare to evacuate Galveston Island and parts of the Houston area with the approach of Hurricane Rita, AAA Texas is offering some tips for home and auto policyholders that may be affected by the storm.

-- Have a written inventory and photographs or videotape of all major items inside your home and their costs. (If you have already written down serial numbers, that's even better.)

-- Put copies of policies and important documents in a safe, waterproof container such as a safe deposit box.

-- Have your insurance policy numbers with you. In case you have to file a claim, it will help expedite the process (If not, the insurance carrier will have them.)

-- Take steps to protect your property by taping and boarding windows and moving your vehicle into a garage.

-- Make arrangements to take your pets with you or for them to have food, water and safe shelter.

-- In Texas, to be protected against flood damage, you must have flood insurance along with homeowner's insurance. Homeowner's insurance alone will not cover the cost of damage due to flooding. If you do not have it as of now, it is too late to get it to cover damage from this storm.

Residents who have their homes or vehicles insured with AAA Texas who will have to file a claim due to damage caused by Hurricane Rita can call the AAA Texas claims hotline at 1-800-672-5246.