Insurance
Homeowners Insurance in New Jersey
Published September 24, 2026 · Last updated October 1, 2026
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When does a hurricane deductible apply in New Jersey?
Many New Jersey policies have a hurricane deductible. It's usually a percentage of your dwelling coverage, not a flat amount.
Example: a 4% hurricane deductible on a home insured for $500,000 means you pay the first $20,000 of hurricane damage.
New Jersey has a clear rule for when that bigger deductible kicks in. Under state rules, it only applies when:
- the National Weather Service has declared the storm a hurricane, and
- sustained winds of 74 mph or more were measured in New Jersey.
If a storm doesn't meet both parts, your regular deductible applies instead.
Why Sandy didn't trigger hurricane deductibles
When Sandy came ashore in October 2012, it was no longer a hurricane. Forecasters had labeled it post-tropical. So the state told insurers that hurricane deductibles didn't apply to Sandy claims. Homeowners paid their regular, smaller deductible on wind damage.
The lesson: read the deductible section of your policy. Some policies also have a separate wind and hail deductible that can apply to strong storms that aren't hurricanes.
Flood: the gap Sandy exposed
Much of Sandy's damage came from storm surge, and that's flood. Standard homeowners policies don't cover flooding, including flooding from a hurricane.
- You need a separate flood policy, from the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer.
- A new flood policy usually takes 30 days to start. You can't wait until a storm is in the forecast.
- Even outside a high-risk zone, floods can happen. Check FEMA's flood map for your address.
See flood insurance for how it works.
Your car: flood damage to a car falls under comprehensive coverage on your car policy, not your home policy. If you only carry liability, your car isn't covered for flood.
If no one will insure your home: NJIUA
The New Jersey Insurance Underwriting Association (NJIUA) is the state's FAIR Plan. It offers basic property coverage to homeowners who can't get a policy from a regular insurer. Coverage is more limited than a standard homeowners policy, so compare what's included before you buy.
After a storm: claims in New Jersey
- Report the loss right away and take photos of the damage to your house and belongings.
- Stop more damage if it's safe. Cover holes in the roof or windows, and keep receipts.
- Hotel and meal costs may be covered under additional living expenses, but only if the damage is covered by your policy.
- Public adjusters can help present your claim. In New Jersey they must be licensed by the state. They work for you and are paid from your claim, so ask about the fee first.
What changes your price in New Jersey
- Distance to the coast and your hurricane deductible.
- Your home's rebuild cost. Insure to full replacement cost, and update it after a remodel.
- Your roof's age.
- Your claims history.
- Your deductible choices. A higher deductible lowers your price.
Not a quote or an offer. Your price comes from the insurance company.
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Storm-proofing before hurricane season? See roof replacement and basement waterproofing. Renting out a shore home? See landlord insurance.
More home insurance guides: Homeowners insurance cost · Condo insurance · Renters insurance · Landlord insurance · Mobile home insurance · Flood insurance · Umbrella insurance · How much homeowners insurance you need · Renters insurance basics · How to get renters insurance · All insurance
More New Jersey guides: New Jersey car insurance
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Related services
Renters Insurance
Compare renters coverage options for an apartment or rental home.
Condo Insurance
Explore condo coverage options alongside your association policy.
Landlord Insurance
Explore coverage options for a property you rent out.
Flood Insurance
Explore flood coverage, which standard home policies usually exclude.
Sources
- NAIC homeowners report (2022 data), via Insurance Information Institute
- NJ Department of Banking and Insurance, Hurricane deductible rules notice (N.J.A.C. 11:2-42)
- State of New Jersey, Hurricane deductibles won't apply to Sandy claims (Nov. 2, 2012)
- NJ Department of Banking and Insurance, Preparing for extreme weather
- NJIUA, Hurricane preparedness brochure