Tree Maintenance
Does Insurance Cover if a Tree Falls on My Property?
Falling trees can be devastating. Take shelter in storms and stay on top of tree maintenance.
Does insurance cover if a tree falls on my property?
Sometimes! If wind caused the tree to fall onto a covered structure, most insurance policies provide coverage. Many policies also have coverage for “falling objects,” so there would be coverage even if wind wasn’t the cause. However, if the tree fell in your yard, there’s a good chance there is no coverage for removing the tree.
Does insurance pay to remove a tree that’s about to fall?
Unfortunately, probably not. This is considered regular maintenance, which isn’t covered by most homeowners insurance policies.
What causes trees to fall?
We all know that wind can blow down a tree, but did you know that heavy rain after a drought also causes a high risk of trees falling? Lightning, decay, and age can also cause a tree to fall. Ice and snow buildup in the winter can also cause limbs to fall, which may or may not be covered by your insurance policy. Check with your agent to see if you have coverage for weight of ice and snow or falling objects.
How much will my insurance pay if a tree falls on my house?
Most policies have a limit for tree removal, so make sure to check your coverage. But if the tree damages your roof, there’s also coverage for repairs and things like tarping in the meantime.
Will my insurance cover if a neighbor’s tree falls on my property?
In Tennessee, if a tree was alive at the time it fell, the claim needs to be filed on the policy that covers the property that sustained damage. If your tree was healthy and it fell on your neighbor’s fence, their insurance should pay for it. If their tree was healthy and fell on your fence, you need to file on your insurance.
However, if the owner of the tree should have reasonably known that there was a condition issue and did not properly maintain the tree as part of their property, there could be liability exposure. If your neighbor’s tree was dead and it fell on your shed, there’s a strong chance that their insurance’s liability coverage should pay for it. You may still file a claim on your insurance. Your insurance will pay the covered amount after your deductible and any depreciation, then try to subrogate the amount from the neighbor’s insurance.
Why should I bother trimming trees that hang over my roof?
Being a homeowner is a pain, but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of headache later. If wind blowing a tree branch causes scratches to your roof, insurance probably won’t cover the damage. Also, if that limb falls on your roof, you could be displaced from your home while repairs are done. There’s also a risk of wildlife, like rodents and insects, getting into your home from an overhanging branch.
Insurance companies will sometimes inspect the properties they insure. If you have an overhanging branch, you may get a letter asking you to trim it back to help protect your home.
How do I know if my tree needs to be cut?
ArborDay.org has helpful resources to do a self-assessment, but the best option is to talk to a local arborist.
What do I do if my neighbor’s tree is about to fall on my property?
Check with local laws, but usually you are allowed to trim any portion of a tree that overhangs onto your property so long as you do not trespass onto theirs to do so.
We recommend speaking to your neighbor and documenting that conversation. Retain copies of any letters or messages sent to them. If possible, communicate with letters, emails, or texts that can be retained. At the very least, keep detailed notes regarding verbal conversations. It may help to have a report from an arborist stating that the tree needs maintenance.
If you have the means, it may help to offer to split the cost of maintenance. You can’t force your neighbor to maintain their property, but a well-documented history of making them aware will help your home insurance company’s subrogation rights later, which makes it more likely you’ll get your deductible back.