Have you done it yet? It's that pesky New Year's resolution list you love to hate? The one you write down and never finish?

I've got a few items that can actually save you money, protect your financial position and help you sleep better knowing you are financially better protected.

Talk with your auto insurance agent about the new optional coverage approved by the Georgia General Assembly that goes into effect with your 2009 auto insurance policy. There is additional coverage for a car crash with an at-fault underinsured motorist to provide you with higher coverages.

You may have to pay slightly more for the new coverage, but you don't have to accept it. You must decline the coverage by signing a form your insurer has sent to you with your 2009 renewal billing.

If you don't opt-out by signing the form, you will receive the new coverage automatically, and your insurer may charge more for this specific coverage.

In 2009, make it a point to drive more defensively. That means pay more attention to what's going on around you so you can avoid developing problems.

If you want to earn an additional discount on your auto coverage, take an accredited defensive driving course. Ask your insurer about how much you can save on your auto insurance that will be good for three years. You will have to retake the course to continue the discount.

Since severe weather is common across the Southeast, develop and practice a home evacuation plan that will come in handy in case of a fire, severe weather or some other catastrophe.

If you have a digital camera or video recorder, take pictures or record your belongings in every room of your home or apartment. Include pulling out drawers where you store silverware and other important dishes, glass sets and appliances.

Then create a written home inventory room-by-room. This is particularly important following the holiday season so you can document anything new that you purchased or were given.

Renters should obtain a renters insurance policy to document your belongings since the landlord is responsible for the building. Your policy will cover your personal belongings. The landlord is not responsible for your things inside your apartment or other rented home.

You can download free home inventory software from the Georgia Insurance at www.giis.org. Look for the blue button on the upper left portion of your screen.

If you own your home, also take pictures of the exterior of your home all the way around the building to help your insurance adjuster to know exactly what your home looked like prior to any damage. Take pictures of your vehicles, too.

These new year's resolutions will save you time, money and possibly the lives of you and your family.

DAVID COLMANS IS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE GEORGIA INSURANCE INFORMATION SERVICECONTACT HIM AT (770) 565-3806 OR BY E-MAIL AT DCOLMANS@GIIS.ORG.