3 min read

Falling Trees: Are You Protected?

Apr 26, 2017 6:30:00 AM

Tree Falling - FB.jpgThe saying goes “April showers bring May flowers,” but storm season can sometimes do more harm than good when it comes to your foliage. Fallen trees can result in significant damage, so this is the ideal time to review what is covered by your insurance policy when it comes to the damage they cause.

Here are five different scenarios involving fallen trees and your homeowners insurance policy:


Scenario 1: Your Tree Hits Your Roof

If an otherwise healthy tree is felled by a covered incident, such as wind or lightning, and falls onto your roof, your homeowners insurance will provide coverage for the damage done to both the structure and its contents. You will be responsible for the deductible, but not removal or repair costs.

Homeowners insurance usually will not cover a loss caused by negligence or a maintenance-related issue, so be sure you are keeping all trees on your property healthy, and that your neighbors are doing the same.


Scenario 2: Your Neighbor’s Tree Hits Your Roof

Speaking of your neighbor’s shrubbery, if a tree falls from their yard and damages your property, your homeowners insurance may still provide coverage. If you informed your neighbor that their tree was in precarious condition before it fell, your insurance company may try to collect from their insurance company in a process called subrogation. If they are successful, you may be reimbursed for your deductible.


Scenario 3: Your Tree Falls Without Hitting Anything

If a tree falls on your property without hitting any insured structure, you are responsible for the costs of removal. There are a few exceptions to this, however, such as if the fallen tree blocks your driveway or damages a ramp that allows differently abled residents access to the home. Some broader and/or high value homeowner policies will provide for the removal of a tree on your residence premises up to a certain limit, even if the tree didn’t hit a covered structure if caused by a covered peril such as windstorm, hail, or weight of ice or snow.


Scenario 4: A Tree Falls On Your Car

If a tree—yours or someone else’s--falls onto your car and causes damage, it’s your car insurance that will help cover the cost of repairs instead of your homeowners insurance. What may not be covered, however, is the cost to remove the tree from atop your car.


Scenario 5: The Damage Is To The Trees Themselves

According to the Insurance Information Institute, standard home insurance policies provide coverage for damage to trees and shrubs due to perils such as fire, lightning, explosion, theft, vehicles not owned by the resident, vandalism, and malicious mischief. Most insurers will limit coverage to about $500 for any single tree or plant.

In the case of damage caused by fallen trees or plants, it’s important to know when you’re covered and the extent of said coverage. Be sure to meet with your insurance advisor to review the specifics of your policy and coverage limits within any of the above situations. Mother Nature doesn’t give warnings before felling trees, so it’s best to ensure you have the protection you need for anything unexpected!

Gibson

Written by Gibson

Gibson is a team of risk management and employee benefits professionals with a passion for helping leaders look beyond what others see and get to the proactive side of insurance. As an employee-owned company, Gibson is driven by close relationships with their clients, employees, and the communities they serve. The first Gibson office opened in 1933 in Northern Indiana, and as the company’s reach grew, so did their team. Today, Gibson serves clients across the country from offices in Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Utah.