Quick answer
After storm damage, make sure everyone is safe, photograph all damage before anything is moved, stop further damage with tarps or board-up if it is safe, report the claim to your insurer, and get a professional inspection and written estimate before the adjuster visits.
Nor’easters, tropical storms and summer squall lines all hit the Jersey Shore hard. When wind tears off shingles or siding, the next few hours and days matter. Here’s what to do — in order — to protect your home and your insurance claim.
1. Make sure everyone is safe
Stay away from downed power lines, sagging ceilings and trees resting on the house. If you smell gas or see sparking, leave and call your utility and 911. No repair is worth an injury.
2. Document everything before anything is moved
Take wide photos of each side of the house and close-ups of every damaged area — missing shingles, torn siding, dented gutters, broken windows and interior water stains. Date-stamped photos and video are the foundation of a smooth insurance claim.
3. Prevent further damage
Most homeowner policies expect you to take reasonable steps to stop additional damage. That means tarping roof openings, boarding broken windows and moving belongings away from leaks. Keep receipts for anything you buy. If you can’t do it safely, call a contractor for emergency storm repair — we tarp roofs and secure homes across Ocean, Monmouth and Atlantic County.
4. Call your insurance company
Report the claim promptly and ask what your policy covers, your deductible (many shore policies have separate wind or hurricane deductibles) and when an adjuster will visit.
5. Get a professional inspection and written estimate
Storm damage isn’t always obvious from the ground. Lifted shingles that look fine can have broken seals, and siding can be cracked behind the corners. A thorough inspection with photos and an itemized estimate gives you something concrete to compare with the adjuster’s report.
6. Meet the adjuster with your contractor
Having your contractor on-site when the adjuster visits helps make sure all damage is noted — including items like drip edge, ridge vents, flashing and gutter damage that are easy to overlook.
7. Watch out for storm chasers
After big storms, out-of-state crews knock on doors. In New Jersey, home improvement contractors must be registered with the Division of Consumer Affairs, and you have the right to a written contract. Work with a local contractor who will still be here next year if something needs attention.
Need help now? Call (908) 636-9745 for a free storm damage inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon should I report storm damage to my insurance company?
As soon as possible. Most policies require prompt notice, and reporting early gets an adjuster scheduled sooner — especially after a big storm when claims pile up.
Can I make temporary repairs before the adjuster comes?
Yes. Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent more damage, like tarping a roof. Photograph the damage first and keep receipts for materials and labor.
How do I avoid storm-chaser contractors?
Work with a local contractor registered with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, get everything in a written contract, and be wary of anyone who asks for large cash deposits or pressures you to sign on the spot.