One of the most common questions after a storm is: "Who is going to pay for this?" The relationship between tree care and insurance can be complicated. Generally, homeowners insurance is designed to cover sudden, accidental damage rather than routine maintenance or preventable decay.
If a healthy tree falls on your house during a windstorm or due to a lightning strike, your policy likely covers the removal and the repairs. These are known as "covered perils." However, if a tree falls because it was dead or rotting for years—and you did nothing about it—the insurance company may deny the claim due to negligence.
Insurance usually only triggers if the tree hits a "covered structure," such as your home, garage, or fence. If a tree falls in the middle of your yard without hitting anything, many policies will not pay for its removal. You will likely be responsible for the cost of hauling the debris away.
To avoid being stuck with a massive bill after a storm, it is vital to utilize professional arborist services for regular safety inspections. Having a documented history of professional care can actually help your insurance claim by proving that you were a responsible homeowner who maintained their property properly before the disaster.
If your neighbor’s tree falls on your house, your own insurance typically pays for it first. Your insurance company might then try to get the money back from your neighbor’s insurance if they can prove the neighbor knew the tree was hazardous. This is why having an expert assessment in writing is so important.
Insurance is a safety net, but it’s not a maintenance plan. The cost of pruning a hazardous limb is far lower than your insurance deductible. Investing in proactive care ensures that you never have to file a claim in the first place, keeping your premiums low and your family safe.
Navigating insurance claims for tree damage requires a clear understanding of your policy's limits. While insurance helps after a disaster, the best "insurance" is preventative care. By maintaining your trees regularly, you protect your home from the most common causes of preventable property damage.