3 Things Every NJ Homeowner Should Check on Their Insurance Policy This July
July is peak storm season in New Jersey. Between the afternoon thunderstorms that roll in off the Delaware Valley, the tropical systems that occasionally push up the coast, and the lightning activity that spikes during summer heat, homeowners across the state face a genuine elevated risk window from late June through September. And yet, most homeowners in NJ haven't looked at their home insurance policy since they first signed up — which means they may be heading into the riskiest months of the year with coverage that no longer fits their home or their needs.
The first thing to check is your storm and lightning coverage. Standard homeowner's policies in New Jersey do cover wind damage and lightning strikes — but the details matter significantly. Your deductible for wind-related damage may be higher than your standard deductible, especially if you're in a coastal or storm-prone area. Equipment damaged by a power surge following a lightning strike may fall under a separate coverage sublimit. And structural damage caused by a falling tree — a common summer occurrence — may have specific conditions around whether the tree was on your property or a neighbor's. It's worth knowing these details before a storm forces you to find out.
The second thing to check is your personal property limits. This is where inflation creates the most invisible damage to your coverage. The cost of replacing furniture, electronics, appliances, clothing, and other personal property has risen substantially over the past three years. If your policy was written in 2020 or 2021, the personal property limits you set then may be significantly below what replacement would actually cost today. Most policies don't auto-adjust for inflation — you have to request a review and update your limits manually.
The third thing to check is your personal liability coverage for summer gatherings. If you're hosting barbecues, pool parties, or any outdoor events at your home this summer, you're increasing your personal liability exposure every time guests set foot on your property. A slip by the pool, a trip on the deck, or any guest injury that results in medical bills or legal action falls under your liability coverage. For many NJ homeowners, the standard $100,000 liability limit that came with their original policy is no longer adequate — especially for those who've accumulated more assets since signing up.
At UPIX Insurance in Elizabeth, NJ, a summer home policy review covers all three of these areas in a single conversation — at no charge. Click the button to get yours started today.
