Severe Storms Hit the Jersey Shore: Protect Your Home and Your Insurance Claim
New Jersey residents were recently reminded how quickly severe weather can strike. Powerful thunderstorms swept across portions of the Jersey Shore, producing large hail, wind gusts approaching 75 mph, torrential rainfall, flash flooding, and tornado warnings.
Emergency responders conducted numerous water rescues as roads became impassable, while homeowners discovered damaged roofs, siding, windows, landscaping, and flooded basements.
Unfortunately, storm damage is not always obvious. Even when a property appears intact, hidden damage can lead to costly repairs if not identified and addressed quickly.
At American Claims Ensurance, we help homeowners understand their insurance claims and navigate the claims process following severe weather events.
Common Types of Storm Damage
Following severe thunderstorms, homeowners often experience:
- Roof damage from high winds
- Missing or lifted shingles
- Hail damage to roofs, siding, gutters, and windows
- Fallen trees and broken limbs
- Water intrusion through roofs and windows
- Basement flooding
- Structural damage from falling debris
- Damage to HVAC equipment, sheds, fences, and decks
Even minor damage can allow water to enter the home, resulting in mold growth, insulation damage, wood rot, and other costly issues.
What Should You Do After a Storm?
1. Put Safety First
Avoid downed power lines, flooded roadways, and damaged structures until conditions are deemed safe.
2. Document the Damage
Take photographs and videos of:
- Roof damage
- Hail impacts
- Broken windows
- Fallen trees
- Interior water damage
- Flooding
- Damaged personal property
Detailed documentation can be critical when filing an insurance claim.
3. Prevent Further Damage
Most insurance policies require homeowners to take reasonable steps to protect their property from additional damage.
Temporary measures may include:
- Roof tarping
- Emergency board-up services
- Water extraction
- Structural drying
- Debris removal
Keep all receipts related to emergency repairs.
4. Review Your Insurance Coverage
Storm-related claims can be complex. Understanding what your policy covers—and what it excludes—is an important step in protecting your financial interests.
Hail Damage Is Often Hidden
Hail damage is frequently missed during a visual inspection from the ground.
Professional inspections may reveal:
- Bruised shingles
- Granule loss
- Cracked roofing materials
- Damaged flashing
- Dented gutters and downspouts
- Damaged siding
Left unrepaired, hail damage can shorten the lifespan of a roof and lead to future leaks.
Flooding Can Create Long-Term Issues
Heavy rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems and allow water to enter a home through foundations, doors, and window wells.
Water damage can result in:
- Mold growth
- Damaged drywall
- Warped flooring
- Electrical hazards
- Insulation contamination
- Structural deterioration
Prompt mitigation is often necessary to prevent additional damage.
Why Homeowners Need Professional Guidance
Insurance claims following major storms can involve:
- Multiple types of property damage
- Complex policy language
- Coverage questions
- Repair estimates
- Documentation requirements
Having experienced guidance can help homeowners better understand their options and avoid costly mistakes during the claims process.
Don’t Wait to Address Storm Damage
Storm damage can worsen over time, and delays may make it more difficult to document the cause of loss.
If your property was affected by recent hail, wind, flooding, or falling trees, it is important to have the damage evaluated as soon as possible.
Contact American Claims Ensurance
If your home or business sustained storm damage, American Claims Ensurance is available to help you better understand your insurance claim and recovery options.
American Claims Ensurance
📞 609-978-1200
We Assist With:
- Storm Damage Claims
- Wind Damage Claims
- Hail Damage Claims
- Water Damage Claims
- Flood Damage Claims
- Fire & Smoke Damage Claims
- Mold Damage Claims
- Roof Damage Claims
- Commercial Property Claims
- Insurance Claim Disputes
Serving
Pennsylvania • New Jersey • Delaware • Maryland
Free Consultation
For more than 30 years, our team has helped property owners navigate the insurance claims process following catastrophic property losses.
Call 609-978-1200 or visit acepublicadjusters.com to schedule your FREE consultation today.