When a major storm or hurricane comes through your area, downed trees are often the result. Home/property insurance policies typically provide some coverage, as outlined below, but it’s usually minimal compared to the damage a falling tree can cause.

Here are some of the most common questions that we hear related to fallen trees and insurance coverage.

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.

 

Read Other Blog Posts

Drowsy

Preventing Drowsy Driving

Every year, the National Sleep Foundation organizes Drowsy Driving Prevention Week to raise awareness about the dangers of driving while fatigued.
Smoke Detector

Daylight Saving Time Change: A Perfect Reminder to Check Your Smoke and CO Detectors

Daylight savings time is a perfect opportunity to keep your home safe by checking your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. Time change days are memorable markers, making it easy to establish this habit without any extra reminders.
Flooding

Why Flood Insurance is Essential: Lessons from Hurricanes Helene and Milton

The devastating impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton have shown that flood risk isn’t limited to coastal areas. These storms have highlighted a crucial gap that individuals and businesses need to be aware of: flood damage is generally not included in typical home, condo, renters, or commercial property insurance, making a separate flood insurance policy essential for true protection.
Driving Car

Factors Affecting Your Car Insurance Rate

The cost of auto insurance is influenced by a wide range of factors. Together, these variables shape the overall cost of auto insurance. With this in mind, it can be helpful to better understand how the following elements may impact your rates:
Insurance Policy

Why Personal Liability Insurance is Essential for Homeowners, Condo Owners, and Renters

An essential part of home, condo & renter coverage often overlooked is personal liability insurance, which provides financial protection if you’re legally responsible for causing bodily injury or property damage to another person, both on and off your property.
Distracted Driving

How Distracted Driving and Texting Impact Your Auto Insurance Premiums

One major reason for auto insurance premiums going up is the rise in distracted driving, especially texting while driving. Distracted driving has become a leading cause of accidents, pushing up costs for insurance companies and, ultimately, leading to higher premiums for all drivers.
Apartment living room

Keep Your Home Safe While on Vacation

Taking a trip and exploring the world is fun, but leaving your home unoccupied has some risks.  Before departing, protect your property from accidents and criminals by considering the following precautions.
Male teen driver

5 Tips for Adding a Teen to Your Auto Policy

If your teen is approaching driving age, it may be time to start thinking about your plan for adding them to your auto insurance policy. Here are five tips to consider when adding a teen to your auto insurance policy.
Night driving

Understanding the Risks of Speeding

According to NHTSA data, speeding kills more than 12,000 people behind the wheel each year, contributing to nearly one-third (29%) of all traffic fatalities. With this in mind, it’s important to understand what causes speeding and how to prevent it.

Visit Our Personal Insurance Page

Personal Insurance

Life is an ever-changing journey, and it deserves a thoughtful, comprehensive plan to protect the things and people that matter most. Our dedicated team at Murphy Insurance is here to assist you in creating that plan. With a wide range of product options at our disposal, we ensure that your plan is tailored precisely to your requirements. Our commitment to providing clear, intelligent guidance to help you achieve true peace of mind. Learn more about our personal insurance portfolio.