Protect the house, everything in it, and everything you've worked to build, with coverage limits based on what rebuilding actually costs today.
Most homeowners policies were written years ago and never revisited. Meanwhile construction costs have climbed sharply, meaning a policy that was perfectly adequate when you bought it may no longer rebuild your home.
A homeowners review is quick, free, and often the single most valuable hour a homeowner can spend. Let's make sure the number on your policy still matches reality.
A standard homeowners policy is built from several distinct coverages:
Rebuilds or repairs the physical structure of your home after a covered loss. This should reflect rebuild cost, not market value; they're different numbers.
Covers detached garages, sheds, fences, and similar structures on your property.
Covers your belongings, including furniture, electronics, clothing, and appliances, whether they're damaged at home or stolen while you're traveling.
Covers you if someone is injured on your property or you accidentally damage someone else's property.
Pays for hotels, meals, and living expenses if a covered loss makes your home temporarily uninhabitable.
Covers minor medical bills for guests injured on your property, regardless of fault.
In fifteen years of reviewing policies, the same handful of gaps come up again and again:
This is the one that catches New Jersey homeowners off guard: standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Not from storm surge, not from heavy rain, not from a swollen creek.
Given where we are in Ocean County, this is worth a real conversation. Flood coverage is written separately, and whether you need it depends on your flood zone, elevation, and risk tolerance, not just whether your mortgage company requires it.
There's usually room to lower the premium without weakening the policy. Bundling with auto is typically the largest single discount, followed by protective device credits for alarms, smoke detectors, and water shutoff systems. Newer roofs and updated electrical, plumbing, or heating systems often qualify for credits too.
Your dwelling coverage should reflect what it would cost to rebuild your home at today's construction prices, which is often different from market value or your purchase price. Building costs have risen substantially in recent years, so a policy written even a few years ago may be underinsured. I'll run a replacement cost estimate as part of a free review.
No. Standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage, which must be covered by a separate flood insurance policy. This is especially important in coastal and low-lying areas of New Jersey. I can help you determine whether you need flood coverage based on your specific location and risk.
Usually not without an endorsement. Water backing up through sewers or drains, or a sump pump failure, is typically excluded from standard coverage but can be added relatively inexpensively. It's one of the most common and most preventable coverage gaps.
It can, depending on the type and size of the claim and your claims history. For smaller losses it's sometimes worth paying out of pocket rather than filing. Call me first and I'll help you weigh it before you decide.
Call, text, or send a message. I'll give you a straight answer and a free quote with no obligation.