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Why So Many NJ Homeowners Insurance Policies Are Being Non-Renewed (And What You Can Do About It)

Why NJ homeowners are receiving insurance non-renewal notices—and what you can do to protect your coverage.

If you received a NJ homeowners insurance non renewal notice, you are not alone. Homeowners across New Jersey—many with clean claim histories and well-maintained homes—are being notified that their policies will not renew in 2025. For many, it feels unexpected, confusing, and unfair.


This guide will help you understand why this is happening, what it means for your home, and what steps you can take to secure new coverage before your current policy expires.


How The Overmyer Insurance Agency Helps NJ Homeowners Get New Coverage Fast


At The Overmyer Insurance Agency (OIA), we help New Jersey homeowners navigate the recent changes in the insurance market, especially those with older homes, higher replacement cost and rebuild requirements, aging roofs, prior claims, inspection issues, or non-renewal notices.


We provide access to multiple insurance carriers still writing homeowners policies in New Jersey, fast quote turnaround to prevent coverage gaps, and guidance through inspections, underwriting requirements, and documentation.


We also offer advice on how to avoid future non-renewals, strategies to reduce premiums through multi-policy bundling, and clear, personalized support from a local agent who walks you through every step.


If you received a NJ homeowners insurance non-renewal, we can help you secure new coverage before your current policy expires—often with better or more competitive options than you had before.



What Is a Homeowners Insurance Non-Renewal?


A non-renewal is when your insurance company decides not to offer a new policy term once your current policy expires. This is different from:


  • a cancellation

  • a lapse in coverage

  • a missed payment

  • a claims denial


Non-renewals are usually tied to changes in underwriting guidelines, risk appetite, or coverage restrictions—not something the homeowner necessarily did wrong.

In 2025, many insurers in New Jersey changed their guidelines, resulting in a large increase in non-renewal notices statewide.


Why NJ Homeowners Insurance Policies Are Being Non-Renewed in 2025


Below are the most common statewide reasons for non-renewals this year.


1. Insurance Companies Are Reducing Their Exposure in New Jersey


This is the leading cause of non-renewals. Many insurance companies are:


  • limiting the number of homes they insure in New Jersey

  • reducing exposure to older homes

  • tightening guidelines after years of large weather-related losses

  • responding to higher reinsurance premiums

  • scaling back in areas with high rebuilding costs


This means even long-time policyholders with zero claims are being dropped as carriers rebalance their risk.


2. Roof Age and Condition Are Major Underwriting Concerns


In 2025, roof age is one of the top reasons for non-renewals.

Many carriers will not insure roofs that are:


  • older than 15–20 years

  • showing visible wear or granule loss

  • flat or made with outdated roofing materials


Even if there is no active leak, an aging roof may be considered an elevated risk.


3. Older Homes (Especially Pre-1950) Face Stricter Guidelines


New Jersey has a high number of older homes, and carriers are placing more restrictions on:


  • knob-and-tube wiring

  • cloth wiring

  • outdated electrical panels

  • old plumbing (galvanized pipes)

  • heating systems past their useful life

  • structural or roofing components near end-of-life


A beautifully maintained older home can still face a non-renewal if its systems no longer meet updated underwriting standards.


4. Failed or Problematic Home Inspections


Many non-renewals follow an inspection. Common issues include:


  • worn or damaged shingles

  • missing or loose handrails

  • cracked or uneven driveways/walkways

  • damaged or aging siding

  • peeling paint

  • trip hazards

  • overgrown vegetation touching the home

  • chimney or fireplace issues requiring inspection/cleaning


Even small concerns can cause an insurance company to non-renew a homeowners insurance policy.


5. Multiple Claims or Frequent Small Claims


Carriers are reviewing homeowners’ claims much more closely. Non-renewals are more likely if there are:


  • two or more claims in the last three to five years

  • a major water loss

  • repeat sump pump or drainage claims

  • storm-related roof claims

  • liability incidents


The frequency, not just the severity, impacts eligibility.


6. Distance to Fire Hydrants and Fire Stations


Many homeowners don’t realize how heavily insurers weigh fire protection.

Carriers typically require:


  • homes within 1,000 feet of a fire hydrant

  • homes within 5 miles of a responding fire station


Homes outside these ranges are more likely to be non-renewed.


7. Homes in Higher-Risk Weather or Flood-Prone Zones


Even without prior flood claims, insurers are reducing exposure in areas with:


  • high wind or storm risk

  • historical flooding

  • poor drainage systems

  • coastal or near-water location concerns


This affects both inland and coastal regions statewide.


8.Trees Overhanging Your Home


Overhanging trees and branches are an increasingly common reason for homeowners insurance non-renewals in New Jersey. Insurance inspections may flag trees or limbs that touch or hang over the roof, siding, gutters, chimneys, or power lines due to the increased risk of storm damage and water intrusion.


In many cases, trimming branches away from the home is enough to address the issue and improve eligibility with a new insurance carrier.


What To Do Immediately After Receiving a NJ Homeowners Insurance Non-Renewal Notice


A non-renewal notice can be stressful, but there are clear steps to take.


1. Don’t Panic — You Still Have Time


New Jersey regulations require carriers to provide advance notice. This gives you a window to secure replacement coverage before the policy ends.


2. Contact an Independent Insurance Agency (Like The Overmyer Insurance Agency)


Independent agencies have access to multiple companies, each with different underwriting rules. In 2025’s restricted market, this is one of the most effective ways to find a new policy.


3. Gather Important Information for the New Carrier


You’ll want to have:

  • roof age documentation

  • update history (plumbing, electrical, heating, roof)

  • prior claim details

  • photos of the home exterior

  • chimney/fireplace service reports (if applicable)

  • inspection reports


This helps underwriting move quickly and avoids unnecessary back-and-forth.


4. Make Simple Repairs Before the Next Carrier Inspects


Even quick improvements can make a big difference. Focus on:

  • handrail installation

  • vegetation trimming

  • driveway or walkway repairs

  • replacing damaged shingles

  • sealing cracks

  • fixing siding issues


OIA helps prioritize the most important items.


5. Review Policy Options to Improve Eligibility


Some carriers may be more flexible when homeowners:

  • increase deductibles

  • update coverage limits

  • bundle auto + home policies

  • remove outdated optional coverages


We will recommend what makes sense based on your home and budget.


A Better Way Forward for NJ Homeowners


A non-renewal can feel overwhelming, but you are not without options. New Jersey’s insurance landscape is changing quickly, and having the right guidance can make all the difference.


How OIA Supports You From Start to Finish


At The Overmyer Insurance Agency, we help homeowners move from uncertainty to clarity by providing:


  • access to carriers still actively writing in NJ

  • expert guidance on inspections and repairs

  • a streamlined quoting process

  • unbiased recommendations tailored to your home

  • proactive strategies to avoid future non-renewals

  • personal support from a local, independent agent—not a call center


Whether your non-renewal was due to roof age, home updates, claims history, or new underwriting standards, we help you secure stable, continuous coverage—without the stress.

If you’ve received a NJ homeowners insurance non-renewal, we’re here to help you take the next step confidently and quickly.



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


Why was my homeowners insurance non-renewed in NJ?

Common reasons include roof age, home age, inspection findings, prior claims, and statewide carrier capacity reductions.


Can I appeal a non-renewal?

Sometimes. If the non-renewal is based on inspection findings and repairs are made quickly, a carrier may reconsider. Capacity-based non-renewals generally cannot be appealed.


Is this happening across all of New Jersey?

Yes. Non-renewals are occurring statewide in suburban, urban, rural, and coastal areas regardless of home style or age.


Can I still get homeowners insurance after being non-renewed?

Absolutely. Independent agents like OIA work with multiple carriers and can find companies still writing in New Jersey.


How fast can I get new coverage?

In many cases, coverage can be bound same-day, depending on documentation and underwriting requirements.


Does a non-renewal mean my home is high-risk?

Not necessarily. It often means the insurer changed its guidelines—not that your home is uninsurable.


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