Coastal Home Insurance Checklist for NJ Shore Homeowners (Ocean & Monmouth County)

Quick Summary: Homeowners insurance usually covers sudden and accidental water damage — like from a burst pipe or storm-driven wind forcing rain inside your home. It typically does not cover damage from floods, sewer backups, or long-term leaks and mold caused by neglected maintenance. New Jersey homeowners often need separate Flood Insurance and optional sewer/drain backup endorsements to be fully protected. Water damage claims are among the most common for homeowners — especially in states like New Jersey that see heavy storms, coastal surge, high humidity, and aging infrastructure. If you’re in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or New York and shopping or reviewing coverage, Mesanko Insurance, an independent agency with offices in Toms River and Atlantic Highlands, NJ , can help you understand what your policy does and doesn’t cover — and what extra options make sense for your home. What Standard Homeowners Insurance Covers Most standard homeowners insurance policies (HO-3 forms, the most common) include coverage for sudden and accidental water damage, such as: A burst pipe in winter that floods your living room Overflow from an appliance (e.g., washing machine hose failure) Rain driven inside by a storm through a broken window Water damage from firefighting efforts In these cases, your policy should help pay to repair structural damage and replace damaged personal property, after your deductible. 👉 Curious what a standard policy looks like? Learn more at Mesanko Insurance – Homeowners Insurance → https://www.mesanko.com/homeowners-insurance . What Isn’t Covered: Common Exclusions 1. Flooding from Outside If water enters your home from rising rivers, coastal surge, or surface water, that’s not covered under a standard homeowners policy anywhere — including New Jersey shore towns like Seaside Heights or inland river valleys. This includes storm surge from hurricanes or nor’easters, even if there’s no official flood zone designation. You need a separate Flood Insurance policy through the NFIP or private market. 👉 Learn about flood coverage options at Mesanko Insurance – Flood Insurance → https://www.mesanko.com/flood-insurance . 2. Sewer, Sump, and Drain Backups If a sewer or septic line backs up and floods your basement, standard coverage typically excludes it. Most carriers will require a sewer backup endorsement (sometimes called “water backup” or “sewer & drain backup” coverage). This is especially important for older homes in towns where heavy rain can overwhelm systems. Example: After a heavy coastal storm, an inland New Jersey home’s sump pump fails and sewage backs into the basement — without the endorsement, the damage is not covered. 3. Gradual Leaks & Maintenance Issues Insurance isn’t meant to replace wear and tear: Slow leaks from a slow water heater drip over months Mold from unresolved humidity Rot from lack of maintenance These are considered preventable and won’t be covered. 4. Mold from Excluded Causes Mold from long-term leaks or neglect is excluded. However, if mold results directly from a covered peril (like a burst pipe), many policies will cover the mold remediation up to certain limits. Optional Endorsements You Should Consider Sewer & Drain Backup Coverage Especially for New Jersey homeowners with basements, low lots, or older sewer lines, adding sewer backup coverage is usually inexpensive and can prevent large out-of-pocket costs. Increased Limits for Water Removal & Mold Some endorsements boost the amount your policy will pay for: Water extraction Drying Remediation Mold cleanup (when related to a covered peril) Service Line Protection Covers breaks in utility lines you’re responsible for (water, sewer, power) — common in older communities. Examples for New Jersey Homes Coastal Cape May Home: A nor’easter drives rain and wind through a broken patio door. Standard coverage will apply — but if surge pushes water up from the ground, only flood insurance will cover that loss. Toms River Basement Flood: Heavy thunderstorms overload township sewers, backing up sewage into the basement. Standard policy = no coverage. With sewer backup endorsement = claim can be paid. Inland Somerset County House: A winter freeze bursts a line behind a wall. The sudden break is covered, but the resulting mold from days of unaddressed moisture may only be covered up to policy limits or with an added endorsement. Bottom Line Standard homeowners insurance will protect you from many sudden water perils, but It does not cover flooding from outside, sewer backups, or gradual leaks. Separate or expanded coverage (like Flood Insurance and sewer backup endorsements) is often essential in New Jersey’s varied climate and infrastructure enviro nments.  Ready for Peace of Mind? Water damage can be expensive and stressful — but the right coverage saves you money and worry. Contact Mesanko Insurance for a personalized review of your policy, a clear explanation of your water-related risks, and a quote tailored to your New Jersey home. Request your coverage review today and make sure you’re protected where it matters most.