What If a Tree Falls on Your House?
If a tree hits your home due to wind, lightning or hail, your standard homeowners insurance policy covers the damage to the structure and the contents. It also covers other insured structures like a detached garage.
Am I covered, even if it's not my tree?
If a tree lands on your home, you can file a claim with your insurance company. Because branches can travel significant distances during a big storm, insurance companies will typically not spend time trying to figure out where a tree or branches came from. In the case that the felled tree was from your neighbor’s property, your insurance company may try to collect from their insurance company. If they are successful, you may be reimbursed for your deductible.
Keep in mind! Poor maintenance is not covered by homeowners insurance, so always maintain your trees’ health and properly prep them for the weather accordingly.
Am I covered for tree removal?
If a tree hits an insured structure, a homeowners policy covers the cost of removing the tree, usually up to about $500 to $1,000. If it didn’t hit an insured structure, there generally isn’t coverage for debris removal. Some insurance companies may pay to remove the felled tree if it’s blocking a driveway or ramp designed to assist the handicapped.
Are damaged trees covered?
Damaged trees and shrubs are covered to a point. Stately trees and landscaping add value to your property and can be costly to replace. Standard homeowners insurance policies do cover damage to trees and shrubs due to natural disasters or an accident, such as a fire, explosion, theft, vehicle crashes or vandalism. Coverage for these disasters is generally limited to 5% of the amount of insurance on the structure of the house. Most insurers will cap the coverage for any one tree, shrub or plant.