Trees May Fall During a Storm. Are you Covered?

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

If a tree falls in your yard, will insurance cover to have it removed? Will it be covered if it causes damage to your home? The answer is not a simple "yes" or "no", it depends on your homeowner's policy.

Here are some things to consider: 

Did a Tree Hit Your Home or Other Structure?   

If so, you probably have coverage for:

The cost to remove the tree

The damage to your home, fence or other structure

But, not coverage of the cost to replace the tree itself.

Is a Fallen Tree Blocking Your Driveway?

Depending on the edition of your home insurance policy, you may have coverage for at least some of the cost to remove a tree that’s blocking your driveway. Even if it didn’t damage any of your property.

Did a Tree Fall on Your Car?

If so, your auto policy, not your homeowner’s policy, might pay to fix your car. Hopefully, you have Georgia auto insurance, and chose to buy “other than collision” (widely known as “comprehensive”) coverage. The cost to remove the tree is not covered by either home or auto insurance, unless the tree blocks your driveway (see above).

If There’s No Damage, There May Be No Coverage

If a tree falls without damaging any insured structures or blocking the driveway, you will likely need to pay the costs to remove it. Some insurance policies provide a limited amount of coverage for these cases. Check with your agent or insurance company to see if yours does.

Did Your Tree Hit Your Neighbor’s Property?

If so, the damage would be covered under THEIR homeowner’s policy, not yours. If the tree fell due to obvious neglect, your liability insurance might apply.

Tips to File an Insurance Claim for a Fallen Tree

Take photos, preferably from different angles to show the damage.

If utility wires are involved, stay away! Call your electric utility to have the wires cleared.

Call your insurance agent or company to report the claim.

If there has been damage sustained by your home, call SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976 and we will be there to help.