Your homeowners insurance policy covers damage caused by trees in most cases, but not all. It all depends on what caused the tree to fall and where it lands. Generally speaking, healthy trees that fall due to a storm will be covered, while trees that fall due to preventable causes may not be covered.
When does your home insurance cover tree damage?
If a healthy tree falls due to a natural event like high winds or lightning, homeowners insurance will typically cover the damage. For example, let’s say a powerful storm blows through your neighborhood, uprooting a giant elm tree. In this case, your policy would cover damage to the following:
- Your home’s structure, including the roof
- Other structures on your property, such as a fence, shed or detached garage
- Your driveway
Homeowners insurance may also cover the cost of tree removal if a fallen tree blocks an access point on your property. Access points include your home’s front door, driveway, garage or handicap ramp.
When does your homeowners insurance not cover tree damage?
Sometimes, trees or limbs fall due to preventable causes, like rot or broken roots. In these cases, your home policy may not offer coverage. That’s because homeowners insurance is primarily designed to address events that you can’t predict or prevent, like wind, lightning and heavy snow.
Here are some scenarios when a standard homeowners insurance policy may not cover damage caused by a falling tree:
Rot and decay
If the tree was dead, rotted or clearly neglected before it fell, your insurance carrier may deny your insurance claim.
Tree removal
Most home insurance policies won’t cover tree removal alone. Usually, the tree must also damage your property or block a key access point for your insurance to cover tree removal.
Vehicle damage
If a tree falls on your car, your auto insurance would typically cover the cost of repairing the damage to your car.
Yard damage
If a fallen tree damages your lawn, most insurance carriers won’t pay for landscapers to restore the lawn to its original condition.
Additionally, your homeowners insurance won’t pay to remove a rotted tree before it falls. Remember, maintaining healthy trees is part of your job as a homeowner—the same way you’re expected to keep your pipes warm in the winter.
What happens if my neighbor’s tree falls on my house?
The person whose property was damaged is responsible for filing the insurance claim, no matter who owns the fallen tree. Therefore, if your neighbor’s tree or limb lands on your house, you would have to file the claim with your homeowners insurance carrier—not your neighbor.
How to prevent tree damage
The best defense against tree damage is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some steps you can take as a homeowner:
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Regularly inspect your trees
When it comes to inspecting the trees on your property, you have two options: hire an arborist or do it yourself. Hiring a professional will cost you, but they can spot subtler warning signs. If you'd rather handle it yourself, keep an eye out for these red flags:- • Dead branches
- • Excessive leaning
- • A cracked or split trunk
- • Broken or damaged roots
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Prune your trees
There are many advantages to regularly pruning your trees, including the following:- • Removing dead branches reduces the risk of them falling and causing damage.
- • Cutting back healthy branches that overhang your home protects your roof and siding.
- • Thinning out the tree’s canopy allows wind to pass through more easily, reducing strain on the tree
during storms. - • It makes your home look tidier, adding to its curb appeal.
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Remove diseased trees
Don't wait for a weak or diseased tree to fail—remove it early to keep your home, family and property safe. Because tree removal is dangerous, always leave it to a professional arborist or tree removal service.