FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2022
Even when a tree is rooted on someone else’s property, if it falls onto your side of your property line, you are generally responsible for handling any damage and removing the portion of the tree on your property. Your homeowners insurance policy may help pay to repair or replace your damaged property and remove the tree from your yard or home. Talk with your agent about when and how to make a homeowners insurance claim.
In some cases, your insurer may ask your neighbor’s insurer to reimburse them for the claim through a process called subrogation. If they are successful and your neighbor’s insurer covers the claim, you may get a refund of your deductible from your insurer.
Contact the agents at Lupton & Luce in Riverhead, New York, to learn more about how homeowners insurance can help protect you from the financial consequences of unexpected events like a neighbor’s tree falling onto your property. 
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tree Removal?
Each homeowners policy is different, but insurers may cover tree removal up to a specific policy limit. They may also cover debris removal. The insurance company may help pay for repairs to any damaged structures, such as a detached garage, shed or your home.
In the case of damage caused by a fallen tree or tree branch, expect to pay your homeowners insurance deductible before coverage kicks in.
If a tree or tree branch falls onto your property but doesn’t cause damage to any structures on your property and doesn’t block your driveway or an access ramp for a person with a handicap, your insurance company may not cover debris removal. Consult your agent to understand how your homeowners insurance policy covers fallen tree damage and debris removal.
What if My Tree Falls Damages My Neighbor’s Property?
If a tree rooted in your yard falls, causing damage to your neighbor’s property, they must file a homeowners insurance claim with their insurer to get coverage.
Does My Homeowners Insurance Cover Landscaping Damage?
If your landscaping plants, shrubs or other trees are harmed when your neighbor’s tree falls on your property, you may not have coverage for that damage through your homeowners insurance policy. Talk with your agent about whether you can expect to be reimbursed for damage to your landscaping plants due to a fallen tree or tree branch.
Your homeowners insurance policy may help pay to replace damaged landscaping plants if they are damaged in a named peril, such as a lightning strike or car crash. That coverage may cap out at a specific percentage of the total insurance coverage for your home.
How to Prevent Damage From Fallen Trees
Consult an arborist to learn more about how to trim trees to avoid potential damage from fallen limbs. If a neighbor’s tree canopy extends to your property, you can typically trim any branches that may fall onto your property.
Broken, damaged or dead branches are vulnerable to insect infestation, tree diseases and decay. It’s important to visually inspect trees with branches that extend over your property to identify areas that may need attention.
If a tree’s branches brush against your house, block your view from a window or hang low over a pathway on your property, you may want to talk with a tree expert to mitigate potential damage.
While it’s possible to trim low-hanging lightweight branches with a pole saw, you may want to hire a professional if you need to cut a branch high in a tree or if you need to use a chainsaw to remove a tree limb. Using a chainsaw can be especially dangerous if you are working on a ladder or if you need to lift the chainsaw above chest height to complete the job.
Talk With Your Agent About How Homeowners Coverage May Help With Damage From Fallen Trees
Contact the agents at Lupton & Luce today to learn more about how your homeowners insurance can help pay to repair or replace your property if a fallen tree or branch causes damage.
This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.
No Comments
Post a Comment |
|
Required
|
|
Required (Not Displayed)
|
|
Required
|
All comments are moderated and stripped of HTML.
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTICE: This blog and website are made available by the publisher for educational and informational purposes only.
It is not be used as a substitute for competent insurance, legal, or tax advice from a licensed professional
in your state. By using this blog site you understand that there is no broker client relationship between
you and the blog and website publisher.
|