Homeowners’ insurance typically doesn’t cover tree removal unless it forms part of an overall loss covered by their policy, since home insurance is intended to cover unexpected or unforeseeable events that might happen suddenly and unexpectedly.
However, if a tree falls due to a covered peril (like an intense storm) and causes damage to your property, then home insurance may cover the damages.
Homeowners’ Insurance
Homeowners’ insurance is an invaluable investment for most homeowners and is typically required by mortgage lenders to protect your investment and provide financial security during times of disaster. Most standard policies cover an array of issues related to the structure and contents of the home as well as personal belongings, liability protection and additional living expenses should it become uninhabitable. Some policies even offer limited tree removal coverage (usually limited at a percentage of dwelling coverage limit).
However, homeowners’ insurance typically does not cover preventative maintenance such as trimming or removing dead or unhealthy trees – this is considered maintenance by most insurers and thus it is wise to have them regularly inspected and trimmed to lower the risk of falling during storms.
If a tree falls due to a covered peril like lightning strikes or windstorm, most homeowners’ insurance policies cover the costs associated with its removal – even if the tree hits another property’s home, fence, or other structure. Instances in which homeowners’ insurance may not cover tree removal would include failing to maintain diseased or dying trees properly or failing to remove them promptly from a covered policyholder’s premises.
Some homeowner’s insurance providers also provide more specific types of policies to cover earthquakes, floods or landslides. It is wise to review any such specialized policy thoroughly so you understand exactly when and what it will cover for tree removal costs.
Homeowners looking to file a tree removal claim should carefully evaluate both costs and insurance deductibles before filing their claim. In many instances, paying out-of-pocket may make more financial sense than filing and potentially forfeiting future premium discounts – particularly if removal costs significantly less than your deductible amount. Furthermore, certain providers offer endorsements to increase coverage specifically for losses like tree removal.
Neighbor’s Insurance
No matter where a tree falls from – be it your neighbor’s yard, an adjacent vacant lot, or your backyard – homeowners insurance generally will cover the costs associated with its removal if it damages any structures on your property. Home insurance “follows” damaged structures; so if it fell from another source and caused damage on your home or other covered structures located nearby, liability coverage from that source would cover repair of this damage.
Bankrate’s insurance editorial team says your homeowners policy should cover both costs associated with repairing any damages that have resulted from such an event, and removal.
If a tree from your yard or garden falls onto your neighbor’s vehicle, the owner should file a claim with their auto insurer to cover costs associated with repairing or replacing their car as well as removal, according to The Team at Proctors. Comprehensive auto coverage typically provides adequate compensation.
As far as preventative tree removal goes, homeowner policies generally do not cover this expense – even if the tree was dead or dying before falling over had you addressed it sooner. Our team suggests documenting every incident carefully using photos and other forms of evidence so there will be an easy claim process without escalated conflicts or disputes over claims processing.
Approach your neighbors calmly and constructively so you can reach an amicable resolution without exacerbating the situation. In an ideal world, persuade them to have trees regularly inspected and removed so they aren’t at risk of causing damage to your home or other structures on their properties. If this proves unsuccessful, consulting with an attorney might help resolve it outside court – while home insurance usually doesn’t cover preventative tree maintenance costs either!
Flood Insurance
Homeowners insurance typically covers the cost of tree removal if it falls due to something covered in your policy – typically wind, hail, lightning and the weight of snow or ice. But sometimes trees fall due to other causes – like fire, explosions riot aircraft non owned vehicles vandalism etc. In such instances a separate flood or earthquake policy will need to be purchased in order to cover damages related to these events.
Your homeowners’ policy likely covers fallen trees if they hit or damage something on your property insured under it, such as your house, garage or fence. A falling tree can also cause roof damage as well as car accidents in your driveway when it falls – as well as interior damages in your home and personal possessions usually covered up to a certain limit.
Depending on where the tree fell from, you could get reimbursed from their homeowner’s policy if it lands on your property. Even if it fell from somewhere other than where you live – making it imperative that you review their policy thoroughly for details. Your neighbor’s insurer may try and recover some or all of the expenses from you by subrogation;
Insurance companies tend not to cover the removal of healthy trees that pose no threat to your property, such as those with rot or disease, because this falls under your homeowner responsibilities. But should a poorly maintained tree cause damage to structures on your property, your insurer may help cover its removal cost – this underscores why taking proper care with trees and scheduling regular inspections by certified arborists are so essential in helping identify issues before they become bigger problems.
Earthquake Insurance
Trees add character and shade to a home; their vibrant fall foliage displays serve as companions and longstanding friends. Unfortunately, established trees may also cause damage through storms, wind gusts or other reasons – usually homeowners insurance will cover this if the damage was caused by covered perils like fallen branches during a storm or other natural disaster; specific coverage depends on both policy and insurer.
Your homeowners’ policy typically provides coverage if a tree falls for any of the reasons covered under your homeowners’ insurance, causing damage to a structure such as a shed or fence on your property. Furthermore, some policies cover the costs of tree removal and debris clean-up in certain circumstances; though limits may differ between insurers.
Typically, it isn’t covered when a tree falls for no discernible reason and doesn’t cause damage to structures on your property, such as an old or dead tree that comes down without incident. You are ultimately responsible for maintaining the trees in your yard; thus it is your duty to remove any dead or dangerously leaning trees before they cause any issues on your property.
Notably, standard home insurance policies rarely cover costs associated with earthquake damage removal or repair. If you have a home warranty with an insurer and wish to add additional coverage through an earthquake endorsement policy, an earthquake endorsement may be available for purchase to add extra coverage. In order to file a claim and report visible earthquake-caused damage, call your insurer and report visible damage caused by earthquake; then work closely with their claims adjuster in inspecting property for hidden or hidden damage that might not immediately appear; finally they can assist in finding contractors to provide repair/cleanup service/debris removal/cleanup as soon as possible.
