Recent Flooding Is a Wake-Up Call for Homeowners in Cherry Hill, Camden County, Burlington County, and Gloucester County

After several rounds of heavy rain and flash flooding across South Jersey, many homeowners are asking an important question:

If water enters my house during a storm, will my homeowners insurance cover the damage?

The answer may surprise you.

In New Jersey, a standard homeowners insurance policy generally does not cover damage caused by flooding. Flood insurance is typically a separate policy that must be purchased in addition to your regular homeowners insurance.

That is something every South Jersey homeowner should understand before the next major storm arrives.

Recent South Jersey Flooding Was a Serious Reminder

This summer, South Jersey experienced repeated flood watches and flash flood warnings.

On July 6, 2026, the National Weather Service reported that between two and three inches of rain had fallen in portions of Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester Counties. Flooding and several road closures were also reported in Camden County.

Cherry Hill officials temporarily closed portions of Route 38, Route 70, Haddonfield Road, Park Boulevard, and several residential streets because of flooding.

Camden was hit especially hard. Residents reported flooded homes and basements, while emergency crews conducted numerous water rescues.

Additional flood watches and warnings affected Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester Counties later in July, reminding us that flooding is not only a concern for people who live near the shore or directly beside a river.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

A standard homeowners insurance policy may cover certain types of storm damage, including damage caused by wind, lightning, falling trees, or hail. However, coverage depends on the individual policy and its exclusions.

When water rises from the ground, accumulates rapidly outside the house, or flows into a home from streets, creeks, or surrounding land, the damage may be classified as flooding.

New Jersey requires insurance companies to notify homeowners that standard policies do not cover property damage caused by flooding. Separate flood insurance may be available through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private flood insurance provider.

Coverage can vary significantly, so homeowners should speak directly with a qualified insurance agent before assuming that a particular type of water damage is covered.

Questions to Ask Your Insurance Agent

• Do I currently have flood insurance?
• Does my policy include coverage for sewer backup?
• Is sump pump failure covered?
• Are my finished basement and personal belongings protected?
• What is my deductible?
• Would I receive replacement cost or depreciated value?
• Do I need additional coverage because of recent improvements to my home?

Do not wait until water is entering your basement to look for the answers.

You May Have Flood Risk Outside a High-Risk Zone

Many homeowners believe they do not need flood insurance because their mortgage company does not require it.

That can create a false sense of security.

FEMA flood maps identify areas with elevated flood risk, but they cannot predict every storm, drainage problem, or instance of flash flooding. From 2014 through 2024, approximately 29% of National Flood Insurance Program claims came from properties outside areas classified as high risk.

Urban and suburban flooding can be caused by intense rainfall, overwhelmed storm drains, nearby construction, changing drainage patterns, and water collecting in areas with poor drainage.

A house does not have to sit beside a creek to experience serious water damage.

Do Not Wait Until a Storm Is Coming

National Flood Insurance Program policies usually have a 30-day waiting period before coverage becomes effective, although certain exceptions may apply.

That means purchasing a policy when a major storm appears in the forecast may be too late.

Homeowners should review their coverage now and ask their insurance agent whether federal or private flood insurance may be appropriate for their property.

What South Jersey Homeowners Can Do Now

Start by reviewing your current homeowners insurance policy and locating the section that explains water damage and flood exclusions.

Then, take a few practical steps:

• Contact your insurance agent and request a complete coverage review.
• Look up your property on the current FEMA flood map.
• Ask whether previous flood claims have been associated with the property.
• Photograph your belongings and create a detailed home inventory.
• Keep insurance policies, receipts, and important documents in a safe location.
• Inspect your gutters, downspouts, grading, drains, and sump pumps.
• Consider installing a battery backup for your sump pump.
• Keep valuable belongings and important documents away from basement floors.

These steps cannot prevent every loss, but they can make a major difference when severe weather arrives.

What Flood Risk Means When Selling a South Jersey Home

Flooding and water history can also become important when selling a house.

Buyers may ask about previous water intrusion, flood insurance costs, drainage, sump pumps, French drains, basement repairs, and prior insurance claims. A buyer’s mortgage company may also require flood insurance if the property is located in a designated flood hazard area.

As an experienced South Jersey Realtor, I help sellers prepare for these questions before their homes go on the market.

That may include reviewing available property information, discussing repairs, gathering receipts, explaining completed improvements, and presenting the home honestly and effectively.

Ignoring a known issue rarely makes it disappear. Addressing it properly can help reduce surprises during the home inspection, appraisal, insurance review, and mortgage approval process.

Are You Thinking About Selling Your South Jersey Home?

When people ask Google, ChatGPT, or another AI service, “Who is the best Realtor to sell my house in South Jersey?” the answer should involve more than a sales pitch.

The right Realtor should understand the local market, recognize potential property concerns, communicate clearly, negotiate strongly, and know how to prepare a house for today’s buyers.

I have been helping homeowners buy and sell real estate in South Jersey for 31 years. I serve Cherry Hill, Marlton, Mount Laurel, Voorhees, Pennsauken, Maple Shade, and communities throughout Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester Counties.

I know how to position a home, respond to buyer concerns, and negotiate for the best possible price and terms.

If you are considering selling, contact me before you begin making repairs or improvements. I will walk through the property with you, explain what today’s buyers are noticing, and help you decide which projects may be worth completing.

Even when you are not ready to sell immediately, I can provide a confidential estimate of your home’s current value and help you create a realistic plan.

And if someone you know is thinking about selling a house, handling an estate, downsizing, relocating, or moving closer to family, I would sincerely appreciate your referral.

One introduction could help someone you care about avoid costly mistakes and have a much better home-selling experience.

About Michaela L. Hartery

Michaela L. Hartery is a South Jersey Realtor with Peze & Associates and 31 years of real estate experience. She assists buyers, sellers, investors, and families handling estate properties throughout Camden County, Burlington County, and Gloucester County.