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Tree removal may be covered by homeowners insurance in some situations, but not all of them. It depends on why the tree fell and whether any property damage occurred.
Here is a detailed breakdown of when you can get tree removal covered by your insurer and when you’ll be financially responsible on your own.
Key Points
• Homeowners insurance may cover tree removal if the tree falls on a structure or blocks access to your home.
• Coverage for tree debris removal is subject to policy limits, typically $500-$1,000.
• Deductibles apply to tree removal claims and usually range between $100 to $5,000.
• Preventive removal of dead or diseased trees is usually not covered by homeowners insurance.
• If a tree from your yard damages a neighbor’s property, the neighbor’s insurance usually covers the costs.
When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tree Removal?
Let’s take a look at how homeowners insurance covers tree removal in different scenarios.
Debris Removal After a Covered Peril
Standard insurance policies do not usually cover tree debris removal alone. There needs to be some other type of covered damage in order to successfully file a claim. You can, however, purchase additional insurance coverage specifically for trees and bushes.
When a Fallen Tree Damages a Covered Structure
When a healthy tree falls during a covered peril — think a windstorm, fire, hail, vandalism, or weight of snow — removal is usually covered by your homeowners insurance policy. But insurers expect you to keep up with proper maintenance of trees and other plants on your property. If a dead or rotting tree falls and hits a structure, removal (and any damage caused to your home or other personal property) won’t be covered.
When a Fallen Tree Blocks a Driveway or Access Ramp
Can home insurance cover tree removal when the debris is blocking access to the home? Yes, in many cases, this situation is covered. Generally, if the tree is blocking a driveway or handicap ramp, you can file a claim and have the debris removed.
How Do I File a Claim for Tree Damage and Removal?
Follow these steps to file a claim with your insurance company after a tree causes damage on your property.
Immediate Steps to Take
There are two things you need to do right away to make sure your home is safe and that the damage is properly documented for your insurance company.
• Perform a safety check: Ensure your family and pets are safe. If the tree fell on your home, stay away in case there is structural damage. Check for downed power lines, and report the incident to 911 and your utility provider. Then, gauge the damage to see if it’s safe to stay in your home or if you need to go elsewhere for the time being.
• Take pictures and videos: Once immediate safety needs are taken care of, it’s time to contact your insurance company. Record as much of the damage as you can using photos and video.
Documentation Needed for Your Claim
The main documentation you’ll need is photographic evidence of the fallen tree. Be sure to take photos from multiple angles, especially if the tree is covering a structure or access areas, like a driveway or entrance to the home. Also include inventory of any damaged personal property you want to include in your claim.
The Claims Timeline and Process
The timeline for a tree debris removal claim varies depending on your insurer and the extent of an investigation they require.
In terms of process, expect an adjuster to be assigned to your claim. This professional will assess the damage and determine whether or not the tree debris removal (and any property damage) is covered by your policy.
Recommended: Homeowners Insurance Guide
What Tree Removal Costs Are Not Covered?
There are several scenarios when your insurance policy likely won’t cover any tree removal costs.
Standard Policy Exclusions
Some natural disasters and other factors are excluded from standard home insurance policies. In these cases, any fallen tree and resulting damage would usually not be covered unless you have a separate policy or endorsement.
When you’re buying homeowners insurance, take note of the standard policy exclusions, such as:
• Earthquakes
• Floods
• Pest damage
Removal of Standing Dead or Diseased Trees
Homeowners insurance typically doesn’t cover any type of preventive removal of trees, even if those trees are diseased or dead. This is considered home maintenance and is something you’re financially responsible for as a homeowner.
Trees That Fall Without Causing Damage or Blockage
As mentioned earlier, your home insurance policy likely won’t cover tree removal unless the tree has caused damage to a structure or is blocking some type of access on your property.
Understanding Tree Removal Limits and Deductibles
Even when tree removal falls under a covered event, there are some limitations to keep in mind. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Standard Sublimits for Tree Debris Removal
Tree debris removal is covered by home insurance in two parts, which impacts how much the insurer will pay.
When a tree falls on a structure or access point, it needs to be moved out of the way in order for repairs to begin. That falls under your dwelling coverage. But once it’s safely out of the way, it still needs to be removed from the property. Debris removal is subject to its own policy limits, usually between $500 and $1,000.
How Policy Limits Apply Per Storm or Event
One important homeowners insurance term to learn is the per occurrence limit. It means there is a limit to how much the insurer will pay for all claims related to a single event, such as a large storm.
This is different from your policy’s aggregate limit, which is the maximum amount your insurer will pay for all covered claims within one year.
How Your Main Deductible Affects the Claim
When filing a claim that includes tree debris removal, you won’t receive the full estimated amount. Your insurer will subtract your deductible before reimbursing you.
Your deductible is the amount you’re responsible for in each claim. Most homeowners insurance policies range from $100 to $5,000.
Recommended: Homeowners Insurance Costs Explained
The Takeaway
Home insurance can be a powerful financial resource, whether you’re facing tree debris or other damage to your home and property. Does homeowners insurance cover tree removal? In some situations, yes. But it depends on why the tree fell and whether it caused any damage to your property.
FAQ
What if my tree falls on my neighbor’s house (or vice-versa)?
Typically, the homeowner who experiences damage files a claim with their own insurance company, regardless of where the tree originally stood. So if a healthy tree from your yard falls on your neighbor’s house, they would likely be covered by their own policy.
If a tree from your neighbor’s yard lands on your property and causes damage, you would file a claim with your own insurance company. They may, however, try to collect reimbursement from the neighbor’s insurer. If they’re successful, you could get reimbursement for your deductible.
Does insurance pay to remove a dead or diseased tree before it falls?
No, removing dead or diseased trees, especially when they’re still standing, is the homeowner’s responsibility. It’s simply part of the home maintenance routine. And it’s an important part. Leaving those trees untended could lead to damage that also isn’t covered by your insurance policy.
How much will my insurance policy pay for tree removal?
Each policy has its own limits for tree removal for approved claims. Check the details to see the maximum reimbursement per event. In most cases, it’s between $500 and $1,000. Remember that you usually can’t get insurance to pay for tree removal if it didn’t block access to your home or cause damage to a structure.
Does my policy deductible apply to a tree removal claim?
Yes, your deductible does apply to a tree removal claim. If you’re getting a tree removed that is simply blocking a driveway and didn’t cause any damage to a structure, your deductible may end up being higher than the actual cost of removal.
If a storm knocks down multiple trees, are they all covered?
Typically, the debris removal limit applies to one tree, but your overall dwelling policy has a total limit for trees, shrubs and landscaping. In other words, the removal of multiple trees may be covered by your policy, but only up to the allowable limit.
photo credit: iStock/SolStock
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