Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tree Removal?

Have you ever woken up one morning to find a tree has fallen in your yard? Unfortunately, this happens to many people. Often one of the first questions asked is “How much it will cost to get it removed?” This is typically followed by the question “Will my insurance cover this?” The answers to these questions depend on the insurance company and insurance policy.

For this reason, it’s important to read the fine print of your homeowner’s insurance policy to know whether your insurance provider will cover the cost of tree removal on your property. 

Whether or not tree removal is covered by your insurance depends entirely on the circumstances. Did a peril cause the tree to fall? Did the tree cause any structural damage to your home or any unattached structures on your property, such as a fence, tool shed, or patio?

A peril is considered to be an event that can cause loss or damage to your home and your belongings. Some common examples protected under your policy are fire and smoke, windstorm, lightning, hail, runaway cars, and falling aircraft or other objects, vandalism, and theft. If any of these circumstances cause a tree to fall and damage your home’s structure, your insurance company will cover the cost of repair and tree removal.

But what if the tree falls on your property without damaging your house? It depends on which peril, if any, caused the tree to fall. The list of covered perils may differ from policy to policy, so it is important to read carefully to know which perils would be covered. In addition, where the tree falls may also come into play. If the tree blocks your driveway or keeps you from easily entering your home, the tree removal will likely be covered.

If a tree falls because it is decaying or dying and does not block your driveway or entrance to your home, the cost and responsibility of removing it falls on you. As a homeowner, it is important that you identify old, dying trees and that you take the necessary steps to remove them. Even though a tree may have fallen on your property as a result of a lightning strike or windstorm, your insurance adjuster may determine that the tree was already deteriorating and that you as a homeowner should have already properly removed it. In that case, your insurance company will put the liability of removal on you.

Be sure to read over your policy thoroughly to determine which perils and circumstances will allow your tree removal to be covered. Once you get the green light from your insurance provider, we’ll work with them to swiftly get the fallen tree removed so you can restore your home. At 770-Tree-Guy, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have. Give us a call today!