TRENTON —As hurricane season begins in the Atlantic, Department of Banking and Insurance Acting Commissioner Justin Zimmerman encourages New Jersey residents to begin preparing for hurricanes and other storm activity by reviewing their insurance policies and making plans to protect their family and property.
Hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th. Hurricane and tropical storm activity in New Jersey typically peaks between August through the end of October. During this time, New Jersey can experience the effects of hurricanes and tropical storms, which can bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, storm surges, and flooding.
“The nation has experienced an increase in extreme storm activity in recent years that has brought hazards, loss and devastation. As we approach a time where hurricanes and tropical storms are more likely to occur, I encourage New Jerseyans to take the appropriate precautions and preparations in advance to protect themselves, their family and belongings from threats before they arrive,” said Acting Commissioner Zimmerman. “Prepare for storms today by reviewing insurance policies and evaluating coverage needs.”
Before storms occur, residents should review and understand their insurance policies, including any applicable deductibles. Residents should confirm that their properties will be protected from any potential damage and losses. Please note that most homeowners insurance typically excludes water damage caused by floods, as does most renters insurance policies. Only flood insurance covers a person’s home and their personal property from floods. Consumers can purchase a flood insurance policy from the National Flood Insurance Program, a federal program which operates as the primary provider of flood insurance for residential properties. Consumers can find companies that offer flood insurance in New Jersey on the department’s website: https://www.state.nj.us/dobi/division_consumers/insurance/homeownercontacts.htm#flood.
Consumers should be aware that flood insurance is not effective until 30 days after it is sold. Therefore, consumers who want flood insurance for this storm season should contact an approved flood insurance agent immediately and not wait for another approaching storm and protect their family.
Storm preparation should include making a list of insurance company/agent names, policy numbers and contact information such as phone numbers, websites, mailing addresses and emergency information hotlines. Consumers should keep this information with them during an evacuation in the event their residence is inaccessible after a storm. Residents should also take or update their home inventory. Having photos and videos of all major household items and valuables are important when filing insurance claims. Save copies of birth certificates, passports, medical records, and insurance papers in a safe, dry place.
For additional information on protecting your property before extreme weather, preparing for hurricanes, and filing a storm-related claim visit the Department’s website. |
