Living near the Jersey Shore has its perks—ocean breezes, vibrant boardwalks, and tight-knit beachside communities. But whether you own a home in Ventnor or rent a summer cottage in Margate, one thing all locals need is a clear understanding of property insurance. From coastal flooding to summer theft, the unique risks of seaside living require tailored coverage—and a firm grasp on what is and isn't protected.
Unfortunately, many homeowners and renters don’t fully understand the scope of their policies until it’s too late. For example, if you keep valuables in a storage unit and something goes wrong, you might wonder: who’s responsible if a storage unit gets broken into? Resources like WheeKeep help answer these questions before problems arise.
In this guide, we break down the key things every Jersey Shore resident should know about property insurance—from flood risk and renter coverage to seasonal rentals and off-site storage.
Many Jersey Shore residents are surprised to learn that standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage. This includes storm surge, rising groundwater, and flash floods from heavy rain.
To be protected, you need a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private provider. Even homes outside designated flood zones may benefit from coverage, especially as extreme weather events become more frequent.
If you rent out your home or condo on Airbnb or Vrbo during the summer, your regular homeowners policy may not cover guest-related damage or liability. Insurers often consider this “business use,” which requires a landlord or short-term rental endorsement.
Without it, you could be liable for property damage, injuries, or even legal costs if something goes wrong during a guest stay.
What to do:
If you’re a seasonal renter in Ventnor, Margate, or Longport, your landlord’s policy only covers the building—not your belongings. Renter’s insurance can be extremely affordable (as low as $15/month) and protects your furniture, electronics, and clothing from fire, theft, or water damage.
Most policies also include liability coverage, which can protect you if someone is injured inside your rental.
Tip: Bundle renter’s insurance with your auto policy for a discount.
Many residents use local storage units to hold seasonal gear—patio furniture, surfboards, bicycles, or holiday decorations. But depending on your insurance provider, the contents of a storage unit may only be partially covered, or not at all.
Homeowners and renters policies often limit off-premises coverage to 10% of your personal property limit. That means if your policy covers $50,000 in belongings, only $5,000 might be extended to a storage unit.
And here’s the real concern: who’s responsible if a storage unit gets broken into? While storage facilities may have security measures, they typically don’t assume liability for theft or damage. Platforms like WheeKeep help explain how responsibility is divided—and why it’s crucial to have your own insurance in place.
What to do:
Living near the coast often means your policy includes a separate windstorm or hurricane deductible—a percentage of your home's value instead of a flat dollar amount.
For example, if your home is insured for $400,000 and your wind deductible is 2%, you'd need to pay $8,000 out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in. This can catch many homeowners off guard after severe weather.
Action step: Review your policy to understand what’s included under wind damage and whether you're exposed to higher deductibles during hurricane season.
High-value items like engagement rings, heirlooms, and original artwork are often not fully covered under standard personal property limits. Most policies have a cap—often around $1,500 per item—for certain categories like jewelry or electronics.
If your beach home doubles as an art gallery or you store valuables locally, ask your insurer about scheduled personal property or floater policies.
If you ever need to file a claim, having a home inventory can make the process faster and more accurate. Use your smartphone to take photos or videos of every room, focusing on expensive items, serial numbers, and receipts when possible.
Apps like Sortly, Encircle, or even Google Sheets make it easy to keep track of your belongings—and update them after big purchases or seasonal storage changes.
Big-name insurers have wide coverage, but local insurance agents often understand regional risks better—especially on the Jersey Shore. They’ll know which companies offer better rates for flood-prone areas, how to protect rental income, and where supplemental coverage might be necessary.
Understanding your property insurance is just as important as locking your doors or securing your surfboards. From floods to theft, the risks of coastal living are real—but with the right policies and protections, they don’t have to be stressful.
Whether you own a house near the boardwalk or rent a bungalow for the summer, take time to review your coverage annually. And if you use off-site storage, make sure you know who’s responsible if a storage unit gets broken into before placing valuable items out of sight.Because when it comes to property protection, it’s not just about having insurance—it’s about having the right kind.
