How to ensure coverage will actually cover disaster?

[Mary M.]

The recent California wild/urban fires, the destruction of 15,000 homes,  and the horror stories on insureds not getting paid enough to rebuild, have me wondering: 

How do we ensure that our coverage will do what we think it will in times of need? 

Will my policy actually pay to rebuild if there is a fire? (Or insert disaster of choice) , how can I check? What do i look for in my policy? 

What tools can a consumer/invester use to ensure they will be protected if disiaster strikes? 

Are there insurance companies that are better than others? 

I am hoping this thread can be used to help educate us on how to ensure we are covered.