Home Insurance in Long Branch, NJ
Stonebrook is an independent insurance agency, protecting New Jersey homeowners since 1982 from our office in nearby Lakewood. Long Branch has more than 4 miles of beachfront, from North Long Branch on the Shrewsbury River through Pier Village, the West End and Elberon. Here is what matters most for Long Branch homes. Live in Elberon? See our Elberon page. New to home insurance? Start with our home insurance guide.
Reviewed by Nate Feuerman, High Net Worth Insurance Producer at Stonebrook
Updated
Quick answers for Long Branch homeowners
Is Long Branch considered coastal for home insurance?
Yes, for most carriers. Long Branch is an oceanfront city with more than 4 miles of beachfront, and North Long Branch borders the Shrewsbury River.
Do I need flood insurance in Long Branch?
Many Long Branch homeowners should have it. Standard homeowners policies exclude flood, and parts of the city, including much of North Long Branch, flooded in Sandy.
What is a hurricane or wind deductible?
It is a separate, higher deductible for hurricane damage, set as a percentage of your dwelling limit.
How much dwelling coverage should I have in Long Branch?
As of 2026, we like to see about $250 per square foot of living space as a starting point, and more for custom finishes or older oceanfront homes.
From the nation’s summer capital to Pier Village.
Long Branch became a beach resort in the late 18th century. It takes its name from the “long branch” of the Shrewsbury River. Mary Todd Lincoln’s visit in 1861 drew national attention. In 1869, President Grant began summering here, and Long Branch became known as the “summer capital.” Seven presidents spent time here: Grant, Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, Harrison, McKinley and Wilson. Garfield was brought here after he was shot and died here on September 19, 1881.
In 1870, local businessmen and hotel owners opened the first Monmouth Park racetrack to bring in summer visitors. A state ban on betting closed racing in 1893, and it did not return to the Shore until 1946. Long Branch was incorporated as a city in 1903.
The resort faded after World War II. On June 8, 1987, the largest fire in the city’s history destroyed the amusement pier. Pier Village opened on the site in 2005, and a new 550-foot ocean pier was approved in 2026. The city grew from 30,719 residents in 2010 to 31,667 in 2020.
“Seven presidents spent their summers in Long Branch.”
Things to see in Long Branch.
Visitors come for more than 4 miles of beachfront and the history of seven presidents.
Pier Village and the oceanfront
Pier Village opened in 2005 on 16 acres where the old amusement pier stood, with 536 rental homes above more than 100,000 sq ft of shops and restaurants. A new 550-foot ocean pier off the boardwalk, a $12.4 million contract, was approved in February 2026.
Church of the Presidents
Built in 1879 and on the National Register since 1976, it is where the seven presidents worshipped. The Garfield Tea House beside it was built from the railroad ties laid to carry Garfield to the shore. Closed for a nearly $2 million restoration expected to finish in 2027.
Lake Takanassee
A lake by the beach at Ocean Avenue and Lake Drive, next to Life-Saving Station No. 5, built in 1878–79. The station was one of 42 in New Jersey around 1900, spaced about 3.5 miles apart from Sandy Hook to Cape May.
The old Long Branch pier
The first pier, the Great Iron Pier, opened in 1879. A later pier held the Haunted Mansion and Kid’s World until the 1987 fire. It had almost no insurance and was never rebuilt.
Dorothy Parker’s birthplace
The writer was born at 732 Ocean Avenue in the West End on August 22, 1893. The site is a Literary Landmark.
Long Branch beaches
More than 4 miles of beachfront, more than any other Monmouth County town. The Army Corps of Engineers has replenished the beaches from the West End to Elberon since Sandy.
Elberon
Long Branch’s southern neighborhood, between Takanassee Lake and Deal: Gilded Age history, the Church of the Presidents and large homes near the ocean. See our Elberon page.
Springsteen’s West End
Bruce Springsteen was born in Long Branch in 1949 and wrote “Born to Run” in a cottage at 7½ West End Court, about a block from the beach.
The Presidents Gallery
Markers for all seven presidents on the boardwalk between Laird Avenue and South Broadway, part of the city’s 7 Presidents Heritage Trail.
Long Branch-specific insurance knowledge.
How close is the coast?
Long Branch is an oceanfront city, and carriers treat much of it as coastal. It has more than 4 miles of beachfront, and much of Ocean Avenue sits on a bluff above the beach. North Long Branch borders the Shrewsbury River, and Lake Takanassee sits just behind the beach. Expect questions about distance to the water, and a hurricane or wind deductible on many policies. Some carriers limit new policies close to the coast. It depends on the carrier and the address.
Hurricanes and Sandy
Sandy hit Long Branch hard, but it was not a hurricane when it came ashore. It made landfall near Brigantine on October 29, 2012, as a post-tropical cyclone. In Long Branch it destroyed about a mile of boardwalk and badly eroded the bluff beneath it. Most of North Long Branch flooded, from the ocean and from the Shrewsbury River backing up. Some residents were without power for up to two weeks. The boardwalk reopened in April 2016, the last Sandy-damaged boardwalk in New Jersey to be rebuilt.
“Most of North Long Branch flooded during Sandy, from the ocean and from the river.”
Nor’easters and erosion
Nor’easters and erosion are the regular threat here. A March 2013 nor’easter closed Ocean Avenue from Melrose Terrace to South Bath Avenue and blew 2 to 3 feet of sand onto the road. After Sandy, FEMA funded a 5,450-foot steel wall, 40 feet deep, along the boardwalk to hold the bluff. The Army Corps has added sand from the West End to Elberon, including 1.2 million cubic yards for Elberon.
Fire
Wildfire risk in Long Branch is low. The city’s largest fire, on June 8, 1987, was spread by high winds and destroyed the amusement pier. The owners had almost no insurance, so it was never rebuilt.
Rain and flooding
Flooding is a real risk in parts of Long Branch. North Long Branch floods from the Shrewsbury River and its creeks, Lake Takanassee has a history of flooding and surge, and the Elberon trestle floods in heavy rain. Long Branch averages about 52.5 inches of rain a year, and 5.82 inches fell on August 27, 2011 alone. Monmouth County’s current FEMA flood maps took effect June 20, 2018. Check whether your address is in a high-risk zone (AE or VE). Flood is a separate policy, through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private carrier. We also recommend at least $25,000 of water backup coverage.
Home values and your dwelling limit
Zillow put the typical Long Branch home at $825,074 as of September 30, 2026, up 8.7% in a year. Oceanfront homes and Elberon estates run much higher. Rebuild cost is a different number from market value, so check your limit against our 2026 guideline of about $250 per square foot.
Check your Long Branch home in two minutes.
Three quick checks for any Long Branch home insurance policy.
1. Dwelling coverage guideline
Our 2026 starting point is about $250 per square foot. Custom finishes cost more.
2. Hurricane deductible
A percentage deductible applies to hurricane or wind damage, not to every claim.
3. Your flood zone
Look up your address on FEMA’s official flood map. Zones starting with A or V are high risk, and a lender will usually require flood insurance there. Homes outside those zones can still flood.
Check my flood zone on FEMA’s mapNot sure how to read it? Send us your address and we’ll tell you what it means for your Long Branch home.
What Long Branch homeowners should ask about.
- 01
Oceanfront condos, HO-6 and the master policy
Pier Village and Ocean Avenue have many condo and apartment buildings. The association’s master policy covers the building, but often not your unit’s interior, upgrades or belongings. Read the master policy, then get an HO-6 policy that fills the gaps, including loss assessment.
- 02
Hurricane and wind deductibles
Near the ocean, many policies carry a hurricane deductible of 1% to 10% of your dwelling limit. On a $600,000 home, 2% is $12,000. In New Jersey it applies once the National Weather Service measures sustained winds of 74 mph or more in the state. Know your number before storm season.
- 03
Flood insurance and elevation certificates
Homeowners policies exclude flood. In a FEMA VE or AE zone, your lender will require flood insurance, and an elevation certificate can lower the price. Homes raised after Sandy may qualify for better rates. Flood is a separate policy, so ask us to quote it.
- 04
Two-family homes and rentals
Most occupied homes in Long Branch are rented: the owner-occupied rate is 42.5%. If you rent out a unit or a whole house, the carrier sees a landlord. You may need a dwelling fire policy (DP-3), and tenants should carry renters insurance.
- 05
Summer and short-term rentals
Renting your home for the summer or by the week can fall outside a standard homeowners policy. Tell us before you rent it, so we can add the right coverage or move you to a policy that allows it. Check the city’s rental rules too.
- 06
High-value and older homes
Older shore homes and custom oceanfront homes cost more to rebuild. We like to see about $250 per square foot as a starting point, and more for custom finishes. Schedule jewelry, art, silver and watches item by item, and ask about an umbrella policy for liability.
- 07
Vacation homes
Is your Long Branch home a second home, or do you own a vacation home somewhere else? Second homes need the right policy for how they are used. See our vacation homes page. We place home coverage in all 50 states.
“A hurricane deductible is a percentage. On a $600,000 home, 2% is $12,000.”
Stonebrook is an independent insurance agency.
We don’t work for one insurance company.
We work with more than 25 carriers and compare coverage for your Long Branch home. If another carrier fits your home better, we can place it there. Protecting New Jersey homes since 1982.
What clients say about Stonebrook.
“Super smooth getting my home reinsured through them. I emailed them my policy and they sent me a back a better one. Great experience working them”
“Very honest they go above and beyond to find you the best rate and if you have a better rate he won’t try upselling you on something that you don’t need thank you Nate !!”
“This is the best insurance broker in Lakewood and surrounding areas they are honest and not pushy at all it was a pleasure talking to Nate they have the best rates that I have found thanks! Definitely recommend as top 5!”
Long Branch home insurance questions, answered.
What is an independent insurance agency?
An independent agency works with many insurance companies instead of one. Stonebrook is independent and compares more than 25 carriers for your Long Branch home.
Is Long Branch considered coastal for home insurance?
Yes, for most carriers. Long Branch is an oceanfront city with more than 4 miles of beachfront, and North Long Branch borders the Shrewsbury River. How a carrier rates your home depends on the carrier and how close the address is to the water.
Do I need flood insurance in Long Branch?
Many Long Branch homeowners should have it. Standard homeowners policies exclude flood, and parts of the city, including much of North Long Branch, flooded in Sandy. If your home is in a FEMA high-risk zone and has a mortgage, your lender will require it.
How much does home insurance cost in Long Branch?
It depends on the home, the carrier and how close you are to the water. The average New Jersey homeowners (HO-3) premium was $1,417 in 2022, according to NAIC data reported by the Insurance Information Institute. Homes near the ocean often cost more, and flood insurance is extra. Ask us for a quote.
What is a hurricane or wind deductible?
It is a separate, higher deductible for hurricane damage, set as a percentage of your dwelling limit. In New Jersey it is often 1% to 10%, and it applies once the National Weather Service measures hurricane-force sustained winds of 74 mph or more in the state.
Does my condo association’s policy cover my unit?
Usually only in part. The master policy covers the building, but often not your interior, upgrades or belongings. An HO-6 condo policy fills the gaps, so read the master policy and ask us to match your HO-6 to it.
Does homeowners insurance cover a neighbor’s tree falling on my house?
Generally, yes. Your own homeowners policy usually covers damage to your house from a falling tree, whoever owns it, minus your deductible. If the neighbor knew the tree was dead or dangerous, your carrier may seek repayment from them.
Can I rent my Long Branch home for the summer?
Yes, but tell your insurance company first. A standard homeowners policy may not cover a home rented to others. We can add coverage or find a policy built for rentals. Check the city’s rental rules as well.
How do I check my flood zone?
Look up your address on FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov. Monmouth County’s current flood maps took effect June 20, 2018. We can help you read the map and get an elevation certificate if you need one.
Is my sukkah covered?
It depends on your policy. Tell us about your sukkah and any other temporary structures, along with the guests you host in it, so your property and liability coverage fit.
How much dwelling coverage should I have in Long Branch?
As of 2026, we like to see about $250 per square foot of living space as a starting point, and more for custom finishes or older oceanfront homes.
Can Stonebrook insure a vacation home outside New Jersey?
Yes. We place home coverage in all 50 states through our carriers and partners.
Nearby towns we cover.
Every town has its own risks. See what matters for homes near Long Branch.
Get a free second opinion on your Long Branch policy.
- Upload your declarations page. It’s the summary page of your policy, usually 1–3 pages. A photo works.
- We check it against your Long Branch home. Dwelling limit, water backup, wind deductible, flood, liability and valuables.
- You get a plain answer. What’s fine, what’s missing, and whether one of our 25+ carriers can do better. No pressure.
Send us your policy.
We’ll look it over and get back to you with a plain answer.
Let’s make sure your Long Branch home is covered correctly.
Take 30 seconds to take the first step towards better coverage.
Get a quote.
Tell us what you need and we’ll take it from there.
Sources (32)
Facts on this page come from these public sources. Figures are as of the dates shown in the text.
- en.wikipedia.org · Long Branch, New Jersey
- census.gov · POP010220
- nps.gov · long branch new jersey the resort town that hosted president garfield
- longbranch.org · LBHistoricTrail Brochure
- patch.com · bp three racetracks called monmouth park
- njmonthly.com · long branchs transformation at the jersey shore shifts into overdrive
- en.wikipedia.org · Long Branch Pier
- en.wikipedia.org · Pier Village
- wbjb.org · long branch approves construction of fully accessible ocean pier
- njbiz.com · long branch 12m contract pier
- monmouthcountyparks.com · page
- en.wikipedia.org · Seven Presidents Park
- thecoaster.net · church of the presidents in long branch undergoing major renovations
- en.wikipedia.org · Garfield Tea House
- atlasobscura.com · garfield tea house
- preservationnj.org · united states life saving station 5
- springsteencenter.org · curatorial corner greetings from long branch nj
- patch.com · photos long branch boardwalk devastated
- amp.insurancejournal.com · 17
- pallone.house.gov · pallone announces over 73 million long branch prevent damage future storms
- patch.com · no snow accumulation but nor easter does its damge
- pallone.house.gov · congressman pallone announces start beach replenishment long branch sea bright
- pallone.house.gov · pallone announces start beach replenishment project elberon
- en.wikipedia.org · Effects of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey
- mcsonj.org · Long Branch City HMP 2020
- weather.gov · monmou
- pumpsandsystems.com · city retrofits check valves after hurricane sandy
- zillow.com · long branch nj
- iii.org · facts statistics renters insurance
- propertycasualty360.com · homeowners hurricane deductibles
- amp.insurancejournal.com · 31
- msc.fema.gov
Photo credits
- “Long Branch Beach New Jersey by David Shankbone” by David Shankbone, CC BY 2.5. Source: Wikimedia Commons
- “On the Bluff at Long Branch, at the Bathing Hour” by Winslow Homer (Cleveland Museum of Art), Public domain (CC0). Source: Wikimedia Commons
- “Long Branch NJ Pier Village” by Alexisrael, CC BY-SA 3.0. Source: Wikimedia Commons
- “Church of the Presidents NJ1” by Acroterion, CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: Wikimedia Commons
- “Lake Takanassee looking east, Long Branch, NJ, Sept. 2026” by Mr. Matté, CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: Wikimedia Commons
- “Haunted Mansion, Long Branch, New Jersey” by John Margolies (Library of Congress), Public domain. Source: Wikimedia Commons
- “Dorothyparkerlandmark” by Kevin C. Fitzpatrick (K72ndst at English Wikipedia), CC BY-SA 3.0. Source: Wikimedia Commons
- “Greetings from Long Branch, New Jersey - Large Letter Postcard” by Steve Shook, CC BY 2.0. Source: Wikimedia Commons
- “Elberon Avenue sb, Elberon, NJ, Sept. 2026” by Mr. Matté, CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: Wikimedia Commons
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