By EFER Renovations | Licensed NJ Roofing Contractor
A severe storm rolls through Central New Jersey. Next morning, you walk outside and notice shingles scattered across your lawn — or worse, you spot a watermark spreading across your ceiling. Now what?
Filing a storm damage insurance claim for your roof can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with the stress of damage to your home. At EFER Renovations, we’ve helped dozens of NJ homeowners navigate this process, and we’re here to walk you through it step by step.
Step 1: Document the Damage Immediately
Before you do anything else, document everything. This is the most important step in protecting your insurance claim.
Walk around your property and photograph every area of damage you can safely access from the ground — damaged or missing shingles, bent gutters, cracked fascia, dented siding, broken windows. Take time-stamped photos and video. The more documentation you have, the stronger your claim.
Important: Don’t climb on your roof. Leave that to a licensed NJ roofing contractor who can safely assess the full extent of damage from above.
Step 2: Call a Licensed NJ Roofing Contractor First
Here’s a tip most homeowners don’t know: call a roofing contractor before you call your insurance company. A qualified contractor can provide a professional damage assessment that documents exactly what was damaged and what it will cost to repair or replace. This gives you an independent evaluation to reference when speaking with your adjuster — and it ensures you don’t miss any damage the adjuster might overlook.
At EFER Renovations, we provide free storm damage inspections and will walk your adjuster through our findings during their site visit.
Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company
Once you have a contractor’s assessment in hand, contact your homeowner’s insurance company to open a claim. Have the following ready:
- Policy number
- Date of the storm
- Description of the damage
- Photos and videos you’ve documented
- Your contractor’s written assessment
Your insurance company will assign an adjuster to your claim and schedule a site visit.
Step 4: Be Present During the Adjuster’s Inspection
Request that your roofing contractor be present when the insurance adjuster visits. This is your right as a policyholder, and it can make a significant difference in your claim outcome. Adjusters sometimes miss damage — especially storm-related issues on flat roofing sections, attic insulation damage from leaks, or subtle hail impact on shingles. Having an experienced roofer on-site ensures everything gets documented.
Step 5: Understand Your Policy Coverage
Most standard NJ homeowner’s insurance policies cover:
- Wind damage — Missing shingles, lifted flashing, damaged ridge caps caused by high winds
- Hail damage — Dented or cracked shingles, damaged gutters, siding impacts
- Falling objects — Tree limbs or debris that puncture the roof deck
- Water intrusion — Leaks caused by storm damage (not by general wear and tear)
What’s typically not covered: damage from age, lack of maintenance, or deterioration.
Step 6: Review the Adjuster’s Report Carefully
Once you receive the adjuster’s scope of loss, review it alongside your contractor’s assessment. If the numbers differ significantly, you have the right to request a re-inspection or bring in a licensed public adjuster. Don’t sign off on anything until you’re confident the full scope of damage is captured.
Step 7: Get Your Roof Repaired Promptly
Once your claim is approved, move quickly on repairs. Delaying can allow secondary damage — like water intrusion leading to mold or structural issues — which may complicate future claims. Your insurance company will typically issue a first payment based on actual cash value, with recoverable depreciation released after repairs are completed by a licensed contractor.
Common Mistakes NJ Homeowners Make With Storm Damage Claims
- Waiting too long to file — Most policies require claims within a certain window after the storm
- Accepting the first settlement without review — Always get a contractor’s second opinion
- Hiring an unlicensed contractor — Using an unlicensed roofer can void your claim
- Signing an Assignment of Benefits agreement — Be very cautious with AOB agreements
Why NJ Homeowners Choose EFER Renovations for Storm Damage Repairs
EFER Renovations is a experienced NJ Certified roofing contractor — a distinction held by fewer than 3% of roofing contractors nationwide. We’re fully licensed and insured in New Jersey, and we specialize in storm damage repair and insurance claim support across Mercer County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, and surrounding areas.
Call us today at (609) 948-4491 for a free storm damage inspection. We’ll assess the damage, document everything you need, and be right beside you through every step of the claims process.
EFER Renovations serves Princeton, Hamilton, Ewing, Toms River, Rumson, Basking Ridge, and communities throughout Central and South Jersey. Licensed NJ Home Improvement Contractor. experienced NJ Certified.
Related Resources From EFER Renovations
- Our Storm Damage Insurance Claim Support Services — Learn how we assist NJ homeowners through the full insurance claim process
- Storm Damage Roofing Services in NJ — Emergency storm damage inspection and repair by our certified team
- Residential Roofing Services — Full-service residential roofing in Princeton, Mercer County and Central NJ
- Roof Replacement Services — Get a new roof backed by experienced NJ warranty