Fallen Trees: Storm Claims Q&A

Fallen Trees

Q: What coverage is available for the removal of fallen trees?
A. If a windstorm or the weight of snow, sleet, or ice causes a tree to hit your home or another insured structure, such as a detached garage or shed, a standard home insurance policy generally covers the damage the tree causes to the structure and contents within it (when the damage causes a hole in the building). It also provides limited tree debris removal coverage of up to $500 when a tree hits a covered structure. If a tree just falls in your yard, it’s generally not covered.

In some cases, insurance companies may offer a special endorsement that provides $500 or slightly higher amounts of tree debris removal coverage when a covered building is not involved. Tree coverage is subject to your policy deductible, and the cost of removing a tree may fall within a typical $500 or $1000. But don’t assume that you’re not covered; it’s always good to ask your agent.

Q. If a neighbor’s tree falls on my house, whose policy covers it?
A. Your policy covers damage to your home, so your insurance would provide the coverage. In some cases, if the tree was in poor health and not properly maintained, your insurance company may try to be reimbursed by your neighbor’s insurance company through a process called “subrogation,” which may allow you to be reimbursed for your deductible.

Q. Does insurance cover the removal of a tree before a storm to protect a house from the tree potentially falling on it?
A. No. While taking preventative measures to avoid a tree crashing into your home is wise, general maintenance isn’t covered by insurance policies. Yes, indeed, removing a tree isn’t cheap, but considering that tree removal coverage is limited after a tree falls, it’s better to take a tree down before it damages your house and potentially injures someone. Would you instead control how the tree comes down or have Mother Nature drop it randomly on your property? My choice would be to prevent it.

Q. What insurance policy covers damage if a tree falls on my car?
A. Cars damaged by a falling tree are covered under the comprehensive coverage part of your auto insurance policy. Suppose you have a car that you only drive seasonally and take off the road. In that case, it’s important to keep comprehensive coverage on the vehicle even while it’s in storage in case it is damaged by fire, falling trees, or other covered situations.

This is a general discussion of the issue. We recommend reviewing your policy and speaking with your Murphy Insurance agent for specific details about the coverage you’ve purchased.