NJ DEPARTMENT OF BANKING AND INSURANCE URGES NEW JERSEY RESIDENTS TO REVIEW INSURANCE COVERAGE AS THE 2026 HURRICANE SEASON STARTS

The following information was released by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance:

As hurricane season begins, the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance is reminding residents of steps they can take to prepare for extreme weather events that can threaten their home and property.',

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',The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with tropical storm activity typically between August and late October. Whether it is heavy rainfall, strong winds, flooding, or other weather-related events, residents can take steps to protect their home and property and make sure they are adequately insured.',

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',"As New Jersey continues to see more extreme weather events, it's important to take a moment each year to review your homeowners insurance policy," said Acting Commissioner Susan Ochs. "Now is the time to understand your coveragewhat's included, what's not, and if it's sufficient for your needs."

Before storms occur, residents should review any applicable deductibles in their homeowners policies and confirm that their properties will be protected from any potential damage and losses.',

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',This is especially important for those who have remodeled or added new construction to their home, which might increase replacement costs. ',

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',As a reminder, most homeowners and renters insurance policies typically do not include coverage for water damage caused by floods. Only flood insurance covers a person's home and their personal property from floods. Consumers can purchase a flood insurance policy from the federal National Flood Insurance Program, which operates as the primary provider of flood insurance for residential properties. Consumers can find companies offering flood insurance in New Jersey at nj.gov/dobi/division_consumers/insurance/homeownercontacts.htm#flood.

Residents can check if their home is in a high-risk flood zone by consulting FEMA's flood maps. Even if residents are in a low-risk area, consider flood insurance as flooding can and does happen anywhere.

Other Steps Consumers Can Take

Storm preparation should include making a list of insurance company/agent names, policy numbers, and contact information such as phone numbers, websites, and emergency information hotlines. Consumers should keep this information with them during an evacuation in the event their residence is inaccessible after a storm or other weather event. ',

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',Residents should also take or update their home inventory. Having photos and videos of all major household items and valuables is important when filing insurance claims. Save copies of birth certificates, passports, medical records, and insurance papers in a safe, dry place.',

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Clear away loose items like tree branches, secure your outdoor furniture and equipment, and make sure your gutters are clean for proper drainage. Taking these steps now can help minimize property damage.',

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Consumers can find additional information on protecting their property before extreme weather and filing a storm-related claim on the department's website.