What to do after home damage in New Jersey

• Get people and pets out of unsafe areas. Call 911 for fire, gas or electrical danger.
• Stop the water at the main valve if you can do it safely.
• Take photos and video before you move or clean anything.
• Move valuables and documents to a dry, safe place.

• Call your insurance company to report the loss. Write down the claim number and the name of anyone you speak with.
• Arrange emergency work: water extraction, drying, board-up or tarping. Your policy usually expects you to prevent further damage.
• Keep every receipt for emergency purchases, hotel stays and meals.
• Do not throw out damaged items until the adjuster has seen them or approved disposal.

• Start a simple folder or note with the claim number, adjuster contact, photos and receipts.
• Make a list of damaged belongings with rough age and value.
• Get an itemized repair estimate your adjuster can review.
• Ask your adjuster what else they need, and when they plan to inspect.

The adjuster works for your insurance company and decides what the policy covers. A good relationship helps everything move faster.

• Be there for the inspection if you can. Point out everything you've noticed.
• Ask questions by email so you have answers in writing.
• Send documentation promptly. Missing paperwork is the most common reason claims stall.

We work alongside your adjuster with photos, moisture readings and itemized estimates. We do not negotiate on your behalf.

If your home isn't livable during repairs, many policies pay for the extra cost of living somewhere else. That can include a hotel or rental, and the difference in costs like meals or laundry. There are usually limits on time or amount. Keep every receipt and ask your adjuster what applies.

Depreciation is the reduction in value because something was already old. If your floor was 15 years old, the first payment may be for its current value, not the cost of a new one.

Recoverable depreciation is the part held back that you can often get later, once the repair is actually done and you show proof. That's why finishing the work and keeping invoices matters. Your policy explains how this works for you.

A public adjuster is licensed by the state to represent you in your claim, usually for a percentage of the settlement. Some homeowners consider one for very large or complicated losses, or when they disagree with the carrier.

We are not public adjusters. If you want one, you can check that they are licensed through the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance license lookup.

• Cleaning up before taking photos.
• Throwing out damaged items before the adjuster sees them.
• Waiting days to start drying. Mold can start growing quickly.
• Signing with a contractor who can't give you an itemized estimate.
• Closing walls before moisture readings say it's dry.
• Losing receipts for hotel stays, meals and emergency purchases.