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A severe storm just hit your area. You hear the wind tear at your roof, find a leak in the ceiling, or see shingles scattered across your yard. What do you do next? In New Jersey, storm damage is one of the most common reasons homeowners file insurance claims — and how you handle the first 48 hours can make the difference between a fully covered replacement and a denied claim. This guide walks you through every step.

The 6 Steps to a Successful Roof Insurance Claim

1

Document the Damage Immediately

As soon as it is safe, take photos and video of all visible damage — from the ground, from inside the attic, and of any debris. Photograph the date on your phone's camera to timestamp everything. Document interior damage too: water stains on ceilings, wet insulation, damaged belongings. The more documentation you have, the stronger your claim.

2

Prevent Further Damage (Mitigation)

Your insurance policy requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage. This means covering holes or exposed areas with a tarp, placing buckets under active leaks, and moving belongings away from water. Keep receipts for any emergency supplies. If you need emergency tarping, call us at (551) 388-5785 — we offer 24/7 emergency service and can tarp your roof the same day.

3

File Your Claim Promptly

Call your insurance company within 24-48 hours of the storm. Most NJ homeowners policies require "prompt" reporting. When you call, have your policy number ready and provide a general description of the damage. Do not give a detailed estimate or agree to any settlement over the phone. The insurance company will assign an adjuster to inspect the damage in person.

4

Get a Professional Roofing Inspection

Before the insurance adjuster visits, have a licensed roofing contractor inspect your roof and provide a detailed written report. This is critical because your contractor can identify damage that is invisible from the ground — soft spots in the decking, damaged underlayment, compromised flashing. We provide free storm damage inspections and detailed reports with photos that you can present to your adjuster.

5

Be Present for the Adjuster's Visit

When the insurance adjuster comes to inspect, be present — and ideally have your roofing contractor there too. The adjuster may only spend 30-45 minutes on your property. Your contractor can point out damage the adjuster might miss and ensure the scope of work in the adjuster's report matches what actually needs to be repaired. We attend adjuster meetings at no charge for our customers.

6

Review the Settlement Carefully

The insurance company will send a settlement offer detailing what they will cover. Review it carefully against your contractor's estimate. Common items insurance companies undervalue or omit include: ice and water shield (required by NJ code), drip edge replacement, decking replacement, and proper waste disposal. If the settlement is significantly lower than your contractor's estimate, you can negotiate or request a re-inspection. You have the right to a supplemental claim if additional damage is discovered during the work.

5 Common Mistakes That Cost NJ Homeowners Money

Mistake #1: Waiting too long to file. NJ policies typically require claims within one year of the damage, but the sooner you file, the easier it is to prove the damage was storm-related. Waiting months means the insurance company can argue the damage was pre-existing or from normal wear.
Mistake #2: Not getting your own inspection. Relying solely on the insurance adjuster's assessment often results in underpayment. Adjusters are not roofers — they may miss hidden damage. Having your own contractor's report gives you leverage to negotiate.
Mistake #3: Signing with a storm-chaser contractor. After major storms, out-of-state contractors flood NJ neighborhoods offering to "handle everything" with your insurance. Many are unlicensed, uninsured, and do substandard work. Always verify NJ licensure, insurance coverage, and local references before signing anything.
Mistake #4: Accepting the first settlement without review. The initial settlement offer is often negotiable. If your contractor's estimate is higher, provide the documentation and request a supplement. Insurance companies expect negotiation — the first offer is rarely the final number.
Mistake #5: Doing permanent repairs before the adjuster visits. Emergency tarping is fine and expected. But do not replace the roof or make permanent repairs before the adjuster inspects. They need to see the actual damage to approve coverage.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover in NJ?

Most standard NJ homeowners insurance policies (HO-3) cover roof damage caused by:

Insurance typically does not cover damage from normal wear and tear, deferred maintenance, or neglect. This is why documenting the storm event and showing that damage was sudden is so important.

NJ-specific tip: New Jersey's Department of Banking and Insurance requires insurers to pay claims within a reasonable time. If your claim is being unreasonably delayed or denied, you can file a complaint with the NJ DOBI at (800) 446-7467. This is a powerful tool that NJ homeowners often do not know about.

Storm Damage? We Are Here to Help.

Free storm damage inspections, detailed reports for your insurance company, and adjuster meeting assistance — all at no cost to you.

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