After a bad storm rolls through Mercer County, your roof takes the hit. Wind, hail, falling branches — the damage can be obvious or easy to miss. What comes next is where many New Jersey homeowners lose money: the insurance claim process.
This guide walks you through exactly how it works, what’s covered, and how to make sure your insurance pays what your claim is worth.
Step 1: Document the Damage Before Touching Anything
The most important thing you can do immediately after a storm is document what you see — from the ground. Take clear photos and videos of:
- Damaged or missing shingles visible from the ground
- Dented gutters or downspouts
- Cracked or broken siding panels
- Fallen debris still on the roof or in the yard
- Any interior leaks — water stains on ceilings, wet insulation in the attic
Don’t attempt to climb the roof yourself. It’s dangerous, and disturbing the damage before an adjuster sees it can complicate your claim.
Step 2: Call a Licensed NJ Roofing Contractor for a Free Inspection
Before you call your insurer, get a roofing contractor to inspect the damage. A good contractor will:
- Document damage with photos and measurements in an organized report
- Identify damage you might not see from the ground (hail impact on shingles, lifted flashing, damaged decking)
- Give you an honest assessment of whether the damage is likely to be covered
- Provide an estimate in the format your insurer expects
This step costs you nothing — reputable roofing contractors offer free storm damage inspections. Having a professional report in hand before you file gives you a much stronger starting position.
At EFER Renovations, we’ve done this for hundreds of Princeton-area homeowners. Call (609) 851-5625 to schedule a free inspection.
Step 3: Review Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy
Before filing, check your policy for:
Your deductible. This is what you pay out of pocket — the insurer covers the rest. Deductibles in NJ typically range from $500 to $2,500 for standard policies. Some policies have a separate, higher “wind and hail deductible” — check yours.
Replacement cost value (RCV) vs actual cash value (ACV). RCV policies pay for a new roof at today’s prices. ACV policies deduct depreciation from the payout — if your roof is 15 years old, an ACV policy might only pay a fraction of replacement cost.
Exclusions. Standard NJ policies cover wind, hail, fallen trees, and ice dams. They don’t cover gradual deterioration, wear and tear, or flooding.
Step 4: File Your Claim Promptly
Call your insurer’s claims line or file online. You’ll need: your policy number, date and location of the storm, description of the damage, and photos and your contractor’s report.
New Jersey law gives you two years from the date of loss to file a storm damage claim — but don’t wait. Evidence of storm damage fades over time, and the sooner you file, the cleaner your documentation.
Step 5: The Adjuster Inspection
Request that your contractor be present. This is your right, and it matters. Adjusters are covering many claims and may miss damage that a roofing professional would catch immediately.
Adjusters work for the insurance company. That doesn’t mean they’re adversaries, but their job is to document damage according to policy terms — not necessarily to advocate for a maximum payout. Your contractor advocates for you.
Get the adjuster’s scope in writing. Once the inspection is done, ask for a written scope of loss listing exactly what the insurer agrees to cover and at what cost.
Step 6: Review the Settlement Offer Carefully
Once the claim is processed, you’ll receive a settlement offer. Compare it to your contractor’s estimate.
If the numbers are close: You’re in good shape. Proceed with authorizing the repair.
If the insurer’s estimate is significantly lower: Your contractor can file a supplemental claim — additional documentation of damage items the adjuster missed or undervalued. Most experienced NJ roofing contractors handle this regularly.
If your claim is denied: Ask for the denial in writing with specific reasons. Your contractor’s documentation is your best tool for appeal.
Step 7: Authorize the Repair and Schedule the Work
Once the claim is settled, you’ll receive a check. If you have a mortgage, your lender may be listed as a co-payee — you may need to involve them before paying the contractor. You’ll pay your deductible directly to the contractor. The insurance payment covers the rest.
For a typical residential roof replacement in New Jersey, work takes one to two days once materials are delivered. Your contractor pulls the permit — you don’t need to handle that.
Common Mistakes That Cost NJ Homeowners Money
Waiting too long to inspect. Storm damage looks worse right after a storm. Waiting weeks or months makes it easier for insurers to attribute damage to wear and tear.
Filing before getting a contractor’s report. Homeowners who file without documentation often accept the first settlement offer, which may be low.
Not requesting a supplemental claim when the estimate is low. Many homeowners assume the insurer’s number is final. It isn’t.
Using a contractor unfamiliar with insurance work. Not every contractor knows how to document for insurance purposes or how to handle supplements.
Signing an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) agreement carelessly. Read any agreement carefully before signing.
What Types of Storm Damage Are Covered in New Jersey?
| Damage Type | Typically Covered? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wind — missing or lifted shingles | Yes | Most policies cover 50+ mph wind events |
| Hail — impact marks on shingles | Yes | Adjuster looks for denting pattern and density |
| Fallen trees or branches | Yes | Covers roof and structure, not tree removal |
| Ice dam interior leaks | Yes | Must show sudden damage, not gradual |
| Lightning strike | Yes | Including resulting fire damage |
| Wear and tear / aging | No | Maintenance issues are excluded |
| Pre-existing damage | No | Document storm date carefully |
| Flooding | No | Requires separate flood policy |
How EFER Renovations Handles Insurance Claims for Princeton, NJ Homeowners
EFER Renovations Inc has been helping New Jersey homeowners navigate storm damage claims for over 13 years. We’re GAF-certified and Owens Corning Preferred — credentials your insurer recognizes as a mark of quality.
- Free storm damage inspection with written documentation
- Adjuster accompaniment — we’re there during the insurance inspection
- Supplemental claim filing when the adjuster’s scope is incomplete
- No up-front cost — you pay your deductible; insurance pays the rest
- Licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania
We serve Princeton, Hamilton, Lawrenceville, Hopewell, Trenton, West Windsor, Plainsboro, and all of Mercer County — plus all of New Jersey and Eastern PA.
Call (609) 851-5625 or visit eferroofingsidingnj.com to schedule your free inspection.