Trees are a beautiful addition to any property, providing shade, beauty, and value. However, they also come with risks, such as falling branches or trees that can cause damage to your property or your neighbor’s property. Understanding what your homeowners insurance covers when it comes to tree damage is essential for protecting your investment. Here, we will delve into the key takeaways, common causes of tree damage, what is covered by insurance, and how to prevent tree damage.
Key Takeaways:
Homeowners insurance policies typically cover tree damage caused by specific perils, such as fire, windstorms, lightning, theft, aircraft, non-resident vehicles, vandalism, and malicious acts.
Factors that can affect costs related to tree damage include the type of tree, its age, and the type of care it receives.
Homeowners insurance does not cover the removal of dangerous or diseased trees from the property, but if a fallen tree blocks the driveway or meets specific requirements, the insurance company will generally cover the cost of cleanup and tree removal.
Understanding Tree Damage and Home Insurance Coverage:
When it comes to tree damage, homeowners insurance typically covers damages to trees and shrubs caused by disasters or accidents like storms, hail, snow, fire from lightning, vandalism, and theft. However, this coverage is usually limited to 5 percent of the amount of insurance on the structure of your home, with caps on coverage for individual trees, shrubs, or plants.
It’s important to note that most home insurance policies will not pay for tree or shrub removal unless the tree has fallen due to a covered peril onto a covered structure or is blocking a driveway or handicap access. Every policy is different, so it’s crucial to speak with your insurance agent to understand what is covered in your specific policy.
What Is Not Covered by Homeowners Insurance When a Tree Falls:
While homeowners insurance covers events beyond the policyholder’s control, such as storms or vandalism, it does not cover the removal of dangerous or diseased trees from the property. However, if a fallen tree blocks the driveway or meets specific requirements, the insurance company will generally cover the cost of cleanup and tree removal.
Additionally, if a tree from your property falls on your neighbor’s property due to a covered risk, your neighbor’s insurance may cover the damage. If the tree falls because the homeowner has not properly maintained it, they may be held legally liable. It’s essential to check your liability insurance coverage to see if it would pay for damages owed to a neighbor.
Tree Removal and Insurance Coverage:
Homeowners insurance typically covers the removal of trees if they have fallen due to a covered peril onto a covered structure, such as your home or garage, or if the tree is blocking an access point. However, if you want to preemptively remove trees on your property that have not caused damage, it is unlikely to be covered by insurance.
Insurance companies consider your justification for tree removal to determine if it will be covered. They may reimburse you for tree removal up to a specified dollar amount if an insured structure was hit, but if a covered structure was not hit, your insurance company is unlikely to pay for its removal.
Factors Affecting Tree Damage Costs:
Several factors can affect the cost related to tree damage, including the type of tree, its age, and the type of care it receives. Weakened species that have not been properly maintained may increase your responsibility if they cause damage. Additionally, your location in an area prone to severe storms or with many sick or dying trees may impact your insurance premiums.
Preventing Tree Damage:
As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to maintain your trees properly to prevent damage. Regularly assess the health of your trees and take preventive measures, such as trimming branches, checking for signs of disease or rot, and removing trees that pose a risk. Protective barriers can also help prevent damage from trees to structures and property.
In conclusion, understanding what your homeowners insurance covers when it comes to tree damage is crucial for protecting your property and investments. By knowing what is covered, what is not covered, and how to prevent tree damage, you can ensure that your property remains safe and well-maintained. If you have any questions about your specific policy, it’s best to speak with your insurance agent for clarification.