Will Home Insurance Cover a Fallen Branch or Tree on Your House?

2. Towering trees add beauty and character to our properties, but sometimes, Mother Nature throws a curveball. A powerful storm, strong winds, or even old age can cause a tree branch or entire tree to come crashing down. The aftermath can be devastating, especially if your home is in the path of destruction. But amidst the worry, a crucial question arises: Does home insurance cover damage caused by fallen trees? Standard homeowners insurance policies typically cover damage to your house and attached structures caused by fallen trees. This means if a tree branch or entire tree crashes onto your roof, siding, or windows due to a covered peril, your insurance policy should provide financial assistance for repairs. Covered perils typically include: Wind: If a storm or strong winds cause a tree to fall on your home, your insurance should cover the resulting damage. Hail: Large hail can damage trees, making them more susceptible to falling. If hail damages a tree that subsequently falls on your house, your insurance should cover the repairs. Lightning: A direct lightning strike can weaken or split a tree, increasing the risk of it falling. If a lightning-struck tree falls on your home, your policy should respond. It’s crucial to review your specific homeowners insurance policy for a detailed list of covered perils. Some policies might have exclusions or limitations related to tree damage, especially if the tree was already dead or diseased before falling. While your insurance will likely cover the damage caused by a fallen tree to your house itself, the cost of removing the tree might not be included. Homeowners insurance policies typically focus on protecting the structure of your dwelling, and

3. tree removal fall outside that scope. However, there are some situations where your insurance might contribute to removal costs: If the tree is blocking access to your home or poses a safety hazard: In such cases, your insurance company might authorize some coverage for tree removal to prevent further damage or ensure safe access to your property. If the fallen tree damages a covered structure: If the tree falls on your garage, fence, or other covered structures, your insurance might cover both the repair costs for the structure and the removal of the fallen tree debris. If your neighbor’s tree falls on your house, determining who pays depends on the cause of the fall: Act of God: If the tree fell due to a natural event like a storm, wind, or lightning, your homeowners insurance should typically cover the damage to your house, regardless of the tree’s origin. Negligence: If your neighbor knew the tree was dead, diseased, or posed a risk of falling and failed to take any action, they might be held liable for the damage. In such cases, you might need to file a claim with your neighbor’s homeowner’s insurance. If a tree on your property falls and damages your neighbor’s house, your liability coverage under your homeowners insurance should kick in. This coverage helps pay for repairs to your neighbor’s property and any associated legal fees if they choose to file a claim against you.

4. Understanding the intricacies of homeowners insurance and tree damage can be overwhelming. That’s where McCarty Insurance Agency comes in! Our experienced agents can review your specific policy, explain your coverage details, and advise you on the best course of action in case of a fallen tree incident. Contact us today to ensure you have the relief to weather any storm. Call us at (559) 324-1421 for further assistance.