If a Dead Tree Falls on My House Will My Insurance Cover the Damage?
Trees are beautiful, except when they come down on buildings and other personal property. Fortunately, in most standard homeowner's policies, damage sustained from fallen trees typically is covered, although the amount of coverage varies by provider.
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Acts of God
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In general, home damage -- including that done to garages and other attached or detached structures -- are covered in homeowner's insurance policies under "acts of God." These are acts over which you have little or no control.
What Is Covered
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Most homeowner's insurance policies include terms for personal property, loss of use and dwelling and other structures. The personal property coverage comes into play for items within your house that the tree damages, like your TV, bed or table. Loss of use covers costs incurred because you aren't able to stay in your home. This might include hotel costs, for example. The dwelling and other structure part of your policy pays for the repairs to your home and related buildings, such as repairing your roof. If someone in your home -- including their pets -- are hurt on your property when the tree falls, your policy may cover costs related to the injuries within the personal liability and medical clauses.
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Location of the Tree
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The location of the fallen tree makes a difference regarding whether your insurance company pays. If the tree is your neighbor's tree, either your policy or your neighbor's tree may pay out, depending on whether the tree appeared healthy prior to the fall and whether you made previous complaints about the tree's condition. Usually, the person who sustains the damage pays through their policy, unless you can show negligence. Sometimes insurance companies ask for your neighbor's insurance company to pay if the tree was in your neighbor's yard, although your neighbor's company may not be obligated to pay -- this depends on the situation under which the tree fell, as well as the state in which you live. If your neighbor's company pays, this is the best situation, since you likely won't have your premiums increase. If the tree that falls is on your own property, your insurance company usually is the only option.
Considerations
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Depending on how your policy is drawn up, your insurance company -- or that of your neighbor -- may pay to have the fallen tree removed, particularly if the tree blocks pathways into or from the home and you are disabled. In some cases, insurance companies also cover the cost of replacing the fallen tree. This usually applies only if the fallen tree actually hits your home or another structure on your property, or if you are disabled and the tree is blocking a ramp or driveway. Additionally, documentation usually is necessary to prove negligence. Put whatever complaints you have in writing.
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References
- Photo Credit office and tree image by Lisa Hendrickson from Fotolia.com
