The Department of Banking and Insurance says most homeowners and renters policies do not cover flood damage, and residents should review deductibles, replacement costs and home inventories before hurricane season.
MORRISTOWN, NJ – The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance is urging residents to review homeowners, renters and flood insurance coverage as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins. The department said hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with tropical storm activity typically occurring between August and late October.
The department said residents should review policy deductibles, confirm whether coverage is sufficient, and pay particular attention to replacement costs if they have remodeled or added new construction. Acting Commissioner Susan Ochs said residents should understand what their homeowners insurance includes, what it excludes and whether coverage is sufficient for their needs.
The biggest coverage gap is flooding. DOBI said most homeowners and renters insurance policies typically do not cover water damage caused by floods, and that only flood insurance covers a person’s home and personal property from flood damage. Consumers can buy flood insurance through the federal National Flood Insurance Program, and residents can check FEMA flood maps to see whether a home is in a high-risk flood zone.
DOBI also advised residents to keep insurance company and agent contact information, policy numbers and emergency phone numbers available in case they must evacuate. The department recommended updating a home inventory with photos and videos of major belongings and keeping copies of important documents in a safe, dry place.