Trees can add beauty and value to your property, but they also pose potential risks, especially during storms and other severe weather events. Understanding how tree damage is covered by home insurance is crucial for homeowners. With the right policy and potential assistance from a tree removal company, you can ensure that any unexpected expenses arising from tree-related incidents don’t throw your finances into disarray.
What Is Typically Covered
Homeowners insurance generally covers:
Damage to your home or other insured structures (like sheds, garages, fences) if a tree falls due to a covered event such as wind, lightning, hail, or vandalism.
Removal costs for a fallen tree, but only if it damages a covered structure or blocks a driveway or access for disabled persons.
Some policies help if a neighbor’s tree falls on your house and causes damage; in those cases, your insurer may pursue reimbursement from your neighbor’s insurance.
Prevention Tips
- Regularly inspect trees and remove weak, diseased, or dead ones before they pose a risk.
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Prune branches and plant trees an adequate distance from your home and power lines.
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Maintain healthy trees to avoid excluded claims due to neglect.
What Is Excluded
You are usually not covered for:
Trees that fall due to neglect, poor maintenance, rot, or age.
Removal of trees that simply fall on your yard or are already dead, unless you specifically add coverage or a rider for such scenarios.
Damage caused by non-covered perils such as earthquakes or floods.
Financial Impact
Claims for tree-related damage often exceed $4,000, reflecting the cost of repairs and tree removal. Without proper coverage, homeowners may pay these costs out-of-pocket, including hiring professional removal services.
What to Do If Your Home Is Damaged
- Document the Damage
Take photos of the damage immediately for your claim
- Check Your Insurance
Contact your insurance agent to clarify your coverage for tree damage and removal.
- Hire Tree Removal Experts
Work with a reputable tree removal company to address urgent risks and any insured repairs.
