How to File a Roof Insurance Claim in NJ: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
After the January 2026 winter storm, thousands of NJ homeowners are discovering roof damage. This guide walks you through every step of the insurance claim process, from documentation to payout.
On January 24, 2026, Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a State of Emergency as a powerful winter storm hit New Jersey. Thousands of homeowners across the state are now discovering roof damage — missing shingles, leaks, ice dam destruction, and structural issues that need immediate attention.
If your roof was damaged, filing an insurance claim may be the best way to cover the cost of repairs. But the process can be confusing, and mistakes can cost you thousands. This guide walks you through every step of filing a roof insurance claim in New Jersey, including what is covered, how to document damage, how to avoid denials, and when to bring in a public adjuster.
If you are dealing with an active leak right now, start with our roof leak repair guide for immediate steps. For after-hours emergencies, our emergency roof repair team is available 24/7. R&E Roofing helps with the inspection and documentation process to support your claim.
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What Does NJ Homeowners Insurance Cover for Roof Damage?
Before you file a claim, you need to understand what your homeowners insurance typically covers — and what it does not. Coverage varies by policy, so always check your specific policy or call your insurer.
Typically Covered
- Sudden storm damage — wind, hail, falling trees, and heavy snow or ice weight
- Interior water damage — ceiling and wall damage resulting from storm-related roof damage
- Ice dam damage — if sudden, not gradual (the water damage, not the ice dam removal itself)
- Emergency tarping and temporary repairs — measures taken to prevent further damage
Typically NOT Covered
- Normal wear and tear — aging, deterioration, and weathering over time
- Maintenance issues — clogged gutters, neglected repairs, deferred maintenance
- Gradual deterioration — slow leaks and long-term degradation
- Cosmetic damage — dents or marks that do not affect the roof's function
- Roof replacement due to age alone — your insurer will not pay to replace an old roof simply because it is old
- Ice dam removal itself — only the resulting water damage is typically covered
Important: Every policy is different. Coverage depends on your specific plan, insurer, and deductible structure. Always read your policy or call your insurance agent before assuming what is or is not covered. If your roof is older, review our guide on how long roofs last in NJ to understand where your roof stands.
ACV vs. RCV Policies — Why It Matters for Your Roof Claim
One of the most important factors in your roof insurance claim is whether you have an ACV or RCV policy. The difference can mean thousands of dollars in your payout.
ACV (Actual Cash Value)
Pays the replacement cost minus depreciation. The older your roof, the less you receive.
Example: A 15-year-old architectural shingle roof that costs approximately $15,000 to replace might only get a payout of around $7,500 after depreciation.
RCV (Replacement Cost Value)
Pays the full cost to replace your roof with similar materials. You receive the depreciation amount back after completing repairs.
Example: That same $15,000 replacement gets the full approximately $15,000 once repairs are complete.
Which is better? RCV policies cost more in monthly premiums but pay significantly more on claims. If you are not sure which type you have, call your insurance agent and ask — this is critical to know before filing a claim. For help understanding your roof's current condition and value, see our roof replacement cost guide.
Step-by-Step: Filing Your Roof Insurance Claim in NJ
Follow these seven steps carefully to give your claim the best chance of approval and a fair payout.
Step 1: Document the Damage Immediately
Documentation is the single most important factor in a successful claim. Start as soon as you discover damage.
- Take photos and video of ALL damage, both exterior (roof, gutters, siding) and interior (ceilings, walls, floors)
- Photograph from multiple angles — include wide shots showing context and close-ups of specific damage
- Document the date and time of when you discovered the damage
- Save weather reports and news articles about the storm that caused the damage
- Do NOT make permanent repairs yet — only emergency temporary repairs to prevent further damage
Step 2: Prevent Further Damage (Required by Your Policy)
Most homeowner policies require you to mitigate further damage. If you fail to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage, your claim can be denied.
- Place tarps over damaged roof areas to prevent water intrusion
- Set up buckets and move furniture away from active leaks
- Emergency board-up for broken windows or large openings
- Save ALL receipts — emergency repair costs are reimbursable
- Take before-and-after photos of all temporary repairs
Need help with emergency repairs? See our emergency roofing repair NJ guide or call us for 24/7 emergency roof repair.
Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company
Call your insurer as soon as possible. Most policies require “prompt” notification of damage.
- Get a claim number and write it down
- Ask about your deductible amount — know what you will pay out of pocket
- Ask if you have ACV or RCV coverage — this determines how depreciation affects your payout
- Ask about any wind/hail deductible — some NJ policies have separate, higher deductibles for wind and hail damage. Note: homeowners in NJ coastal zones may have a separate hurricane or named-storm deductible of 3-5% of insured value, which is significantly higher than the standard $1,000-$2,500 deductible
- Document everything — write down the name of every person you speak with, the date, and what was discussed
NJ Insurer Response Requirements (Know Your Rights):
- Your insurer must acknowledge your claim within 10 business days
- They must complete their investigation within 30 days
- If they need more time, they must notify you in writing with a reason
Step 4: Get a Professional Roof Inspection
A professional inspection report carries far more weight with your insurer than DIY photos alone. A licensed roofer can identify hidden damage that you might miss.
- Have a licensed roofer inspect and document all damage
- The roofer should document: type of damage, cause, extent, and estimated repair cost
- A detailed inspection report strengthens your claim significantly
- Ask your roofer about roof repair vs. replacement — your insurer will want to know whether the damage can be repaired or requires full replacement
R&E Roofing offers FREE storm damage inspections with detailed photo documentation and written reports that insurance companies accept. Call us at (667) 204-1609 to schedule yours.
Step 5: Meet with the Insurance Adjuster
Your insurer will send an adjuster to inspect the damage. This is a critical step — the adjuster's report heavily influences your payout.
- Be present during the inspection (or have your roofer present) — do not let the adjuster inspect alone
- Share your documentation and your roofer's inspection report
- Point out ALL damage, including hidden damage the adjuster might overlook
- Remember: the adjuster works for the insurance company — they may underestimate the scope of damage
Step 6: Review the Settlement Offer
Once the adjuster completes their inspection, your insurer will send a settlement offer. Do not accept it automatically.
- Compare the offer to your roofer's estimate — if there is a significant gap, you can negotiate
- Request an itemized breakdown of the adjuster's estimate
- Check depreciation calculations — if you have an RCV policy, make sure depreciation is properly calculated and recoverable
- If the offer seems low, provide additional documentation and your roofer's detailed estimate to support a higher payout
Step 7: If Denied or Underpaid — Your Options
If your claim is denied or the settlement offer is too low, you have several options.
- Request a written explanation for the denial or low offer
- Appeal the decision with additional documentation, photos, and a second inspection
- Hire a public adjuster — they work for YOU, not the insurance company (more on this below)
- File a complaint with the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance if you believe your claim was unfairly denied
- Consult an attorney as a last resort for large disputed claims
Need a Professional Inspection for Your Claim?
R&E Roofing provides FREE storm damage inspections with detailed photo documentation and written reports that insurance companies accept. We can also meet with your adjuster to explain the damage.
Common Reasons Roof Insurance Claims Get Denied in NJ
Understanding why claims get denied helps you avoid the same mistakes. Here are the most common denial reasons we see from NJ homeowners:
Wear and tear: The insurer determines the damage is from aging, not the storm event. This is the most common denial reason. Regular maintenance and inspections help counter this argument. Check our guide on signs you need a new roof to understand your roof's condition.
Pre-existing damage: The insurer claims the damage existed before the storm. This is why documenting your roof's condition before storm season matters.
Lack of maintenance: Clogged gutters, missing shingles that were never repaired, or other deferred maintenance items. Read our winter roof preparation guide to stay ahead of maintenance.
Policy exclusions: Certain perils or damage types may not be covered under your specific policy. Always read your policy carefully.
Late filing: You waited too long to report the damage. File within days of discovering the issue, not weeks or months.
Insufficient documentation: Not enough photos, videos, or professional reports to support the claim. This is preventable — see Step 1 above.
Cosmetic-only damage: Dents or marks that do not affect the roof's structural integrity or function.
How to avoid denials: Document everything thoroughly, maintain your roof with regular inspections, file promptly after discovering damage, and get a professional inspection report. If you are concerned about your roof's condition before a storm, consider our roof leak repair services to address issues proactively.
Should You Hire a Public Adjuster?
A public adjuster is a licensed professional who represents you — the homeowner — during the insurance claims process. Unlike the adjuster your insurance company sends, a public adjuster works in your interest.
- Licensed in NJ: Public adjusters in New Jersey are licensed by the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance. Verify any adjuster's license on the department's website before hiring.
- Typical fee: There is currently no legal cap on public adjuster fees in NJ. Typical fees range from 10-12.5% of the claim payout, but some adjusters charge significantly more. Always negotiate the fee upfront and get it in writing — we recommend not agreeing to more than 12.5%. They only get paid if you get paid.
- When it makes sense: Large claims (typically $10,000 or more), denied claims you believe are unfair, and disputes where your roofer's estimate is significantly higher than the insurer's offer.
- When it does not make sense: Small claims where the adjuster's fee would exceed the additional payout they might negotiate, or straightforward claims that are already being processed fairly.
Tip: Before hiring a public adjuster, get a professional roof inspection first. A detailed inspection report from a licensed roofer is often enough to negotiate a fair settlement without the added cost of a public adjuster. Know your questions to ask your roofer before choosing someone.
How R&E Roofing Helps with Insurance Claims
We have helped hundreds of Essex County homeowners navigate the insurance claim process. Here is exactly how we support you:
- FREE storm damage inspection: We thoroughly inspect your roof, attic, gutters, and interior for all storm-related damage at no cost.
- Detailed documentation with photos: We provide a comprehensive report with professional photographs that insurance companies accept and respect.
- Adjuster meeting support: We can be present when your insurance adjuster inspects your property to explain the damage, point out hidden issues, and ensure nothing is missed.
- Itemized repair estimates: We provide detailed, line-item estimates that match the format insurers use, making it easier for your claim to be approved at a fair amount.
- Insurance coordination: We work directly with your insurance company on pricing and scope to streamline the process.
- Quality repairs after approval: Once your claim is approved, we handle the repairs with the same team that did the inspection — no handoffs, no miscommunication.
Whether your damage is from the January 2026 winter storm, ice dam damage, or any other covered event, we are here to help. We serve all 22 towns in Essex County, including West Orange and Newark.
Schedule Your FREE Storm Damage Inspection
We'll inspect your roof, document the damage with photos, and provide a detailed report for your insurance claim. No cost, no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a roof insurance claim in NJ?
NJ law requires you to notify your insurer within 20 days of the loss (or as soon as reasonably possible). Individual policies may have their own deadlines as well. Filing sooner is always better — delays can lead to denials. Contact your insurer within days of discovering damage, not weeks or months.
Does homeowners insurance cover roof leaks in NJ?
It depends on the cause. Leaks from sudden storm damage (wind, hail, fallen trees) are typically covered. Leaks from wear and tear, aging, or lack of maintenance are not. See our roof leak repair guide for steps to take when you discover a leak.
What is the difference between ACV and RCV for roof claims?
ACV (Actual Cash Value) deducts depreciation from your payout based on your roof's age. RCV (Replacement Cost Value) pays the full cost to replace your roof with similar materials. RCV policies cost more in premiums but pay significantly more on claims.
Can my roof insurance claim be denied?
Yes. Common denial reasons include wear and tear, pre-existing damage, lack of maintenance, late filing, and insufficient documentation. Thorough documentation and prompt filing help prevent denials. A professional inspection report from a licensed roofer significantly strengthens your case.
Should I get my roof inspected before filing a claim?
Yes. A professional inspection report from a licensed roofer strengthens your claim significantly. The roofer can identify hidden damage and provide a detailed estimate that carries more weight than DIY photos alone.
What is a public adjuster and should I hire one?
A public adjuster is a licensed professional who represents you (not the insurance company) during the claims process. There is no legal cap on fees in NJ, but typical fees range from 10-12.5% of the payout. Always negotiate the fee upfront and get it in writing — we recommend not agreeing to more than 12.5%. They are worth considering for large or disputed claims over $10,000. For smaller claims, a professional roofer's inspection report may be sufficient to negotiate a fair settlement.
Ready to Start Your Insurance Claim?
R&E Roofing provides FREE storm damage inspections with detailed documentation for your insurance claim. We'll be with you every step of the way — from inspection to repair.
About R&E Roofing
Licensed NJ roofing contractor serving Essex County for 25+ years. We specialize in storm damage restoration, insurance claim support, emergency repairs, and residential and commercial roofing. Our team has helped hundreds of homeowners navigate the insurance claim process successfully.
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