Fallen trees have become a regularly occurring problem in Southeastern PA, and it seems to be a growing one. Strong weather events with heavy wind, rain, or snow cause most of the damage. But we are also seeing an increase in tree diseases from invasive bugs and parasites that put them at higher risk of falling.
When a tree does fall, we can only hope that nothing is in its path. But that’s not always the case. Far too often, trees fall onto cars or against a nearby house. Those are the circumstances that bring us into the insurance claims territory.
How Does Insurance Coverage Work for Fallen Trees?
Tree damage reports are one of the more frustrating insurance conversations a property owner will have. Most people expect to make the claim against their neighbor’s homeowner policy, but it almost never actually works out that way. The bottom line is that whoever owns the property where the tree fell now also owns the tree. Furthermore, the actual property affected by the tree will dictate how or if there is an insurance claim at all.
The Tree Falls on Open Ground
If a tree falls onto a neighbor’s property without hitting anything but the ground, there is most likely no insurance claim at all. A typical homeowner policy does not provide tree coverage. Each property owner is responsible for cleaning up whatever part of the tree is on their property. Hopefully the neighbors will be able to work together to convert the mess into beautiful piles of mulch and firewood.
The Tree Falls on a Car
If the tree falls onto a vehicle, the vehicle owner’s comprehensive policy will cover the damage. The insurance is likely to only cover the damage to the car and will probably not pay for the tree’s removal and cleanup. Make sure to take pictures and document all of the damage before removing the branches or tree from the car.
The Tree Falls on a House
If the tree falls on a house, porch, garage, or anything covered under a homeowner policy, the damage is covered. Again, tree cleanup is not usually included in the coverage, but there is a technical exception. Sometimes the insurance company will pay to remove the tree to get to the damaged property. For example, insurance might pay for the tree to be taken out of the roof so that the roof can be fixed.
When is My Neighbor’s Tree Not My Responsibility?
There are a few exceptions to property owners having to use their own policy for damage caused by a neighbor’s tree. If the tree was clearly posing a risk before it fell, the original owner’s insurance could be responsible for the claim. The tree would be posing a risk if it was diseased, dead, or already showing a lot of damage. The person who is nervous about the tree falling on their property needs to prove that they tried to get the tree owner to be proactive.
The other exception is if the damage is a result of work being done by a tree removal service, landscaper, or other contractor. If that company is properly insured for the work they’re doing, they will cover the damage. The owner of the damaged property should always make a report with their own insurance company even if they believe the claim will be paid by someone else.
Tree Damage Prevention and Preparation
Some homeowner policies have a provision for general tree cleanup up to $1000. If there are multiple trees on your property, this may be worthwhile coverage. Review your policies with your local insurance agent to discuss your options and to find out what deductibles to expect in the case of a claim. It’s also a good idea to get your trees professionally trimmed and have a tree service inspect their health and integrity every few years.
We never know just how vulnerable any given tree is to severe damage. Sometimes a healthy tree is hit with just the right amount of force to fall or lose a branch. Other times, a weak tree meets its final storm before the owner has a chance to cut it down safely. The best way to prepare for a catastrophe is to know what to do when it happens. If a tree falls on your property, take a lot of pictures and call your insurance agent right away. Its always best to call your insurance agent before filing any claim to talk through the coverage and the premium impact.
Smyrl Insurance educates, nurtures, and empowers individuals through insurance to make sure they can handle the first steps after their property is damaged. Contact us to review your current policy and to find out how well your home and cars are protected from trees and other natural hazards. We work with individuals for home, auto, umbrella, property liability, and other insurance needs in Hatfield, Lansdale, Souderton, Harleysville, and throughout Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.