Home Insurance in Freehold, NJ
Stonebrook is an independent insurance agency, protecting New Jersey homeowners since 1982 from our office in nearby Lakewood. Freehold is two towns: Freehold Borough, the Monmouth County seat, and Freehold Township, which surrounds it on all sides. Here is what matters most for Freehold homes in both. 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 Freehold homeowners
Is Freehold Borough the same as Freehold Township?
No. They are two separate municipalities. Freehold Borough is the small county seat around the downtown, and Freehold Township surrounds it on every side.
Is Freehold considered coastal for home insurance?
Usually not, but some carriers may treat parts of it as coastal.
Do I need flood insurance in Freehold?
It is worth considering, because standard homeowners policies exclude flood.
What is a hurricane or wind deductible?
It is a separate, higher deductible for storm damage, usually a percentage of your dwelling limit instead of a flat dollar amount.
From Monmouth Court House to two Freeholds.
Freehold Borough and Freehold Township are separate municipalities with their own mayors, councils and police. The borough is about 1.9 square miles around the old downtown and is the Monmouth County seat. The township is about 38.9 square miles and wraps around it on every side. Both use Freehold mailing addresses, so your street address alone may not tell you which one you live in.
Freehold was one of Monmouth County’s three original townships, formed in 1693. The name comes from “freehold,” an English legal term for owning land outright. The county courthouse opened in 1715, and the village around it was first called Monmouth Courthouse. On June 28, 1778, Washington’s army fought the British at the Battle of Monmouth on fields that are now in Freehold and Manalapan Townships. A Great Fire on October 30, 1873, burned much of Main Street, including the courthouse. The village was incorporated as a town in 1869, fully separated from the township in 1888 and became a borough in 1919.
The borough grew as a mill town. The A&M Karagheusian rug mill employed 1,700 people at its peak in the 1930s and closed in the 1960s. Bruce Springsteen grew up on Randolph, Institute and South Streets and graduated from Freehold Borough High School in 1967. A Jewish community has been here since at least the 1880s, and its Orthodox congregation, Agudath Achim, was chartered in 1911; today it is the Freehold Jewish Center. Today the township is suburban, with sections like East Freehold, West Freehold and Smithburg. The borough had 12,052 residents in 2010 and 12,538 in 2020. The township had 36,184 in 2010 and 35,369 in 2020.
“Two towns, one name. Your policy should know which Freehold you live in.”
Things to see in Freehold.
A Revolutionary War battlefield, a county seat with 18th-century houses, and a lake and pine forest in the township.
Monmouth Battlefield State Park
About 1,818 acres on the Freehold Township–Manalapan line, where the Battle of Monmouth was fought on June 28, 1778. A National Historic Landmark since 1961. The 1746 Craig House, used as a British hospital during the battle, stands in the Freehold Township part of the park, and the battle is reenacted each June.
Monmouth Battle Monument
A column over 90 feet tall in front of the county courthouse on Court Street, dedicated in 1884. Its five bronze reliefs include Molly Pitcher at her cannon. Lightning shattered the top statue in 1894, and it was replaced in 1896.
Covenhoven House
Built about 1752–1753 at 150 West Main Street. British General Henry Clinton used it as his headquarters from June 26 to 28, 1778. Now a museum of the Monmouth County Historical Association.
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
Built in 1771 at 31 Throckmorton Street, for a congregation founded in 1702. On the National Register of Historic Places since 1998.
Freehold Raceway
Harness racing ran here from 1854 until the final race on December 28, 2024, about 170 years. The nearly 60-acre site on Park Avenue sold in 2025, and the new owners plan a mixed-use project.
Lake Topanemus Park
A 71-acre park in Freehold Township, owned and run by Freehold Borough, on the site of Forman’s Mill. Trails, fishing, paddle boats and a playground.
Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County
In a restored 1800s barn of the Solomon family, who farmed near here as early as 1720, at Mount’s Corner in West Freehold. Open to the public since 2008.
Freehold Raceway Mall
Opened August 1, 1990 on Route 9 in Freehold Township, with about 1.55 million sq ft and more than 200 stores.
Turkey Swamp Park
A 2,414-acre Monmouth County park at 200 Georgia Road, at the northern edge of the Pine Barrens: a 17-acre lake, camping and about 9 miles of trails.
Springsteen’s Freehold
Bruce Springsteen wrote about the borough in “My Hometown.” The family homes on Randolph, Institute and South Streets are private residences.
Monmouth County Fair
Held each summer at the East Freehold Showgrounds on Kozloski Road in Freehold Township.
Freehold-specific insurance knowledge.
How close is the coast?
Freehold is inland, but not far enough for every carrier to ignore the coast. By our estimate, the borough is roughly 14 to 15 miles from the ocean in a straight line, the township’s eastern sections are a little closer, and the western edge near Turkey Swamp is roughly 17 to 18 miles away. The northern edge of the township is roughly 10 miles from Raritan Bay. Some carriers set wind or hurricane deductibles, or limit new policies, by distance to any saltwater, so a few Freehold addresses can fall inside a carrier’s coastal zone. Most do not. It depends on the carrier and the address.
Hurricanes and Sandy
Sandy was not a hurricane when it came ashore near Brigantine on October 29, 2012, as a post-tropical cyclone, so New Jersey hurricane deductibles did not apply. In Freehold the damage was wind, trees and power. JCP&L reported 92% of Monmouth County in the dark, the Freehold Raceway Mall closed, the borough set a curfew, and the township opened reception centers. On November 7, a nor’easter dropped about 13 inches of snow on Freehold and brought down more trees and lines on homes still without power.
“A July 2012 downburst broke about 44 utility poles in Freehold Borough.”
Wind, downbursts and falling trees
The storm claims that actually happen here are wind and falling trees. On July 28, 2012, a downburst flattened a swath of trees from Waterworks Road in the township to the East Freehold Showgrounds. Freehold Township declared a state of emergency, about 44 utility poles were broken in the borough, and dusk-to-dawn curfews lasted for days. On July 22, 2019, thunderstorms knocked out power to more than 9,000 homes and businesses in Freehold Township and closed Route 9 near Schanck Road. Older borough streets have large, mature trees close to houses.
Fire
Wildfire risk in most of Freehold is low. The borough and most of the township are built up. Turkey Swamp Park, at the northern edge of the Pine Barrens, is pitch pine and oak forest, so homes along its woods should keep brush and dead branches cleared. The Great Fire of 1873 is a reminder that older, closely built wooden blocks downtown can burn fast, so working smoke detectors and updated wiring matter.
Rain and flooding
Freehold is high ground where many streams begin, not where they end. The township holds headwaters of the Manasquan River, the Metedeconk branches, Manalapan Brook, Wemrock Brook and others. Flooding here tends to be heavy rain overwhelming small brooks, storm drains and basements, not river or tidal flooding. Freehold Township has been in the National Flood Insurance Program since 1976. FEMA has listed Freehold Borough as having little or no mapped high-risk flood zone. We recommend at least $25,000 of water backup coverage. Flood is a separate policy, so ask about it.
Home values and your dwelling limit
The U.S. Census Bureau puts the median value of an owner-occupied home at $553,600 in Freehold Township and $416,800 in Freehold Borough (2020–2024 American Community Survey). 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 Freehold home in two minutes.
Three quick checks for any Freehold 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 Freehold home.
What Freehold homeowners should ask about.
- 01
Older borough homes and oil tanks
Many borough homes are older, with older roofs, wiring and plumbing. Some still have buried heating oil tanks, which standard policies often exclude. Carriers may ask about age and condition, so tell us what you have, and ask about tank coverage or removal.
- 02
Renovations and additions
Second stories, finished basements and extensions raise rebuild costs, but your dwelling limit often stays the same. Tell us about any work so coverage keeps up. We like to see about $250 per square foot as a starting point, more for custom finishes.
- 03
Basements, sump pumps and water backup
Heavy rain and long outages can overwhelm a sump pump. Keep at least $25,000 of water backup. Flood from outside is a separate policy, worth asking about if you are near a brook or low ground.
- 04
Two-family homes, basement apartments and DP-3
Many borough houses are two-family or have a rented unit. The carrier may see a multifamily dwelling, even if you don’t. You may need a landlord or dwelling fire policy (DP-3), and tenants may need renters insurance. Disclose the unit.
- 05
Hosting, pools and liability
Township yards often have pools and room for guests. Ask about higher liability limits and an umbrella policy, and tell us about pools, trampolines, dogs and temporary structures like a sukkah.
- 06
Jewelry, silver and Judaica
Standard policies often cap jewelry and silver theft at a few thousand dollars. Schedule jewelry, watches, silver Judaica and other valuables item by item with appraised values.
- 07
Vacation homes
Own a shore house, a Florida condo or a place upstate? We place home coverage in all 50 states.
“An old buried oil tank is often excluded. Know if you have one.”
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 Freehold 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”
“Rebecca gave such great service! Stonebrook is the best for both home and auto insurance in Lakewood, NJ.”
“Working with Ruth from Stonebrook was a pleasure she was knowledgeable and super helpful on giving me a auto insurance quote for my cars in Lakewood”
Freehold 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 Freehold home.
Is Freehold Borough the same as Freehold Township?
No. They are two separate municipalities. Freehold Borough is the small county seat around the downtown, and Freehold Township surrounds it on every side. Both use Freehold mailing addresses, so check your tax bill if you are unsure. Taxes, rules and some insurance details can differ between them.
Is Freehold considered coastal for home insurance?
Usually not, but some carriers may treat parts of it as coastal. By our estimate, Freehold is roughly 10 miles from Raritan Bay at its northern edge and about 14 to 18 miles from the ocean. Carriers that rate by distance to any saltwater may add a wind or hurricane deductible for some addresses. It depends on the carrier and the address.
Do I need flood insurance in Freehold?
It is worth considering, because standard homeowners policies exclude flood. Freehold is inland high ground, but heavy rain can flood brooks, low streets and basements. Ask us whether flood coverage makes sense for your address.
How do I check if my address is in a flood zone?
Search your address on FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov. It shows your flood zone on the current map. Homes outside a mapped zone can still flood, so ask us either way.
How much does home insurance cost in Freehold?
It depends on your home, your carrier and your distance from the coast. For reference, NerdWallet put New Jersey’s average at $2,030 a year in 2026 for a sample policy with $600,000 of dwelling coverage. We compare more than 25 carriers to find the right price for your home.
What is a hurricane or wind deductible?
It is a separate, higher deductible for storm damage, usually a percentage of your dwelling limit instead of a flat dollar amount. A 2% deductible on a $550,000 home is $11,000. Check whether your policy has one and what triggers it.
Does my homeowners policy cover a neighbor’s tree falling on my house?
Usually, yes. Your own policy typically pays to repair your house, minus your deductible, no matter whose yard the tree grew in. The neighbor is generally responsible only if they were negligent, for example if they ignored a tree they knew was dead.
Is my sukkah covered?
Often, but check your policy. A sukkah is usually treated as an other structure or as personal property, and wind damage to it may be covered. Liability coverage applies to guests who get hurt, so make sure your limits are high enough.
Do I need to tell my insurance company about a basement apartment?
Yes. A separate unit that someone lives in can make your home a multifamily dwelling to the carrier. You may need a landlord or dwelling fire policy (DP-3), and tenants may need renters insurance. Disclose the unit to avoid problems at claim time.
How much dwelling coverage should I have in Freehold?
As of 2026, we like to see about $250 per square foot of living space as a starting point, and more for custom finishes.
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 Freehold.
Get a free second opinion on your Freehold 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 Freehold 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 Freehold 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 (29)
Facts on this page come from these public sources. Figures are as of the dates shown in the text.
- en.wikipedia.org · Freehold Borough, New Jersey
- en.wikipedia.org · Freehold Township, New Jersey
- census.gov · PST045224
- census.gov · LFE046223
- censusreporter.org · 06000US3402525200 freehold borough monmouth county nj
- en.wikipedia.org · Monmouth Battlefield State Park
- en.wikipedia.org · Hankinson–Moreau–Covenhoven House
- en.wikipedia.org · St. Peter's Episcopal Church (Freehold Borough, New Jersey)
- revolutionarynj.org
- hmdb.org · m.asp
- en.wikipedia.org · Freehold Raceway
- newjersey.news12.com · freehold raceway closes today after 170 years
- newjersey.news12.com · freehold raceways new owners hope to preserve its history
- en.wikipedia.org · Freehold Raceway Mall
- en.wikipedia.org · Lake Topanemus
- monmouthcountyparks.com · page
- en.wikipedia.org · Monmouth County Jewish Heritage Museum
- freeholdjc.org · our history
- patch.com · hurricane sandy in freehold
- cbsnews.com · freehold nj residents say theyll get through despite snow sandy damage
- cbsnews.com · state of emergency declared in freehold township following heavy storms
- patch.com · forecasters calling saturdays storm a downburst
- patch.com · dusk until dawn curfew continued in freehold borough
- patch.com · downed trees block route 9 cut power 10k freehold area
- webarchive.library.unt.edu · cis
- weather.gov · sandyreport
- nerdwallet.com · homeowners insurance nj
- consumerreports.org · when a tree falls who pays for the damage
- msc.fema.gov
Photo credits
- “Downtown Freehold I” by Freeholdman12, CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: Wikimedia Commons
- “Freehold, N.J. LCCN2002710113” by Library of Congress (photographer unknown), Public domain. Source: Wikimedia Commons
- “John Craig House and Barn, Monmouth Battlefield, Freehold Township, NJ - 2026” by Zeete, CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: Wikimedia Commons
- “Battle of Monmouth Monument at Courthouse” by Mr. Matté, CC BY 4.0. Source: Wikimedia Commons
- “Covenhoven House (Freehold, NJ - February 28, 2026)” by Freeholdman12, CC BY 4.0. Source: Wikimedia Commons
- “St. Peter's Church (April 2021)” by Freeholdman12, CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: Wikimedia Commons
- “Freehold Raceway grandstand, Sept. 2024” by Mr. Matté, CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: Wikimedia Commons
- “Cherry Blossoms at Lake Topanemus” by Freeholdman12, CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: Wikimedia Commons
- “Jewish Heritage Museum” by Freeholdman12, CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: Wikimedia Commons
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