Tree damage and how it affects you.

Tree damage and how it affects you.

Let's talk about tree damage and how it affects you based on your insurance policy.

Suppose a tree falls onto your house. Your homeowner's policy will respond - paying to remove the tree from your home at full expense. Once the tree is removed and set to the ground, a typical policy will have a limit for debris removal. Your home will be repaired up to the limit of the dwelling coverage.

Here are some scenarios we have run into:

Scenario 1

• Let's consider a tree that falls and hits other structures on your property, like fences, gazebos, detached garages, sheds, or pools. When a tree falls and hits another structure, your home insurance policy will respond similarly to when a tree falls and hits your home. Check your specific policy coverage limits and whether the other structure is covered at replacement cost or actual cash value.

Scenario 2

• If a tree falls on your property but doesn't cause damage to your home or a separate structure, your insurance will not cover removing that tree.

Scenario 3

• When it comes to neighbors and trees - if your neighbor's tree falls onto your property and causes damage, your policy will respond.

Scenario 4

• Conversely, if a tree on your property injures or damages your neighbor's property, your neighbor's insurance responds. To shift this liability, documentation of your concern and communications is very important and must be done well ahead of time.

If you have any additional questions, reach out to your insurance agent. We are here to help!