In most cases, home insurance can cover tree removal depending on the reason the tree has to be removed. Home insurance might include coverage for tree removal like a strong wind or ice storm. However, this coverage is typically limited by the terms of your policy.
Your policy does not extend coverage to tree removal that are dead, decaying, excessively grown, or causing damage to properties. Furthermore, if a tree on your property falls onto your neighbor’s house, your neighbor’s insurance would handle the damages.
When Does Home Insurance Cover Tree Removal
Home insurance could cover tree damage and removal under specific circumstances. If a tree or branch falls onto your residence, your policy may cover the removal costs, up to your coverage limit. However, it’s crucial to consider the cause of the tree falling. Removal expenses may be reimbursed if a tree falls under the following situations. However, if it lands on your resident, an outbuilding, or your driveway.
This situation includes windstorm, hail storms, ice or snow weight, lightning causing fire and other perils listed. This listed perils are covered by your policy. Furthermore, it’s important to note that insurance policies can vary significantly. Moreover, it’s advisable to discuss the specifics with your insurance agent to have an insight on what should be covered.
When Does Home Insurance Not Cover Tree Removal
Home insurance may not always provide coverage for tree removal. Here are several situations in which you are unlikely to be covered:
No Damage To Property
If a tree falls due to weather-related incident, but doesn’t cause damage to structures like your home or fence, you might be accountable to cover the removal expenses. However, there’s a usual exclusion, if the fallen tree obstructs your driveway or a wheelchair ramp, your insurance might assist in covering the removal costs.
Preventive tree Removal
Home insurance don’t extend coverage to the expense of removing trees that don’t present an immediate threat to your property. This involves the removal of sick or dying trees to reduce potential future damage. Moreover, such maintenance tasks are regarded as the responsibility of the homeowner.
Events Not Covered By Your Policy
If a tree falls because of an event not covered by your insurance policy, such as a flood, earthquake, or mudslide, you may be required to cover the removal costs yourself. Typically, these expenses are unlikely to be covered by insurance.
In addition, home insurance doesn’t extend coverage for dead trees or deterrent tree removal. These situations help keep and some part of the expense of owning trees on your property.
How Can Tree Damage My Property?
Although having trees on your property can enhance its aesthetics. However, it’s important to recognize that trees also have maintenance expenses and can potentially damage your home in various ways, including:
- Damage To Roofs: Overhanging tree limbs pose a risk during storms, as they can be dislodged and fall onto your roof, potentially causing damage or even penetrating your home.
- Damage To Siding: Tree branches can also be blown into your siding or continuously rub against your home, resulting in scratching or more severe damage over time.
- Interior Water Damage: If a tree branch or an entire tree falls onto or against your house during a storm, it can lead to rain entering your home, potentially causing interior water damage.
- Damage To Service Lines: The tree roots have the potential to grow into service lines such as water or gas lines, resulting in damage.
- Blocked Driveways: If a tree descends and obstructs your driveway, you may need to arrange for its removal in order to access your vehicles.
How Much Does Tree Removal Cost?
The cost of tree removal typically ranges between $200 and $2,000. The exact price is influenced by factors such as the tree’s size, location, and the complexity of the job. For instance, removing trees under 30 feet tall might cost between $200 and $450, but trees over 80 feet can range from $1,000 to $2,000 or higher, particularly if a crane is necessary. Even lesser trees can significant expenses if they’re situated close to buildings, power lines, or other structures. Lastly, trees with numerous branches or pest infestations can escalate the overall cost.
How To File A Claim For Tree Removal
To make an insurance claim for tree removal, you should report the damage to your insurance company. Additionally, inquire with the insurer about whether your homeowners insurance covers tree damage in the circumstances you have experienced. If the damage falls under your coverage, proceed with the claim process outlined by the insurer. Each insurance company has its own set of filing requirements. Typically, providing evidence of the damage and its cause is important. This allows the insurer to assess whether the damage is covered and determine the amount payable for covered losses.
Generally, home insurance can cover tree removal caused by a fallen tree only if the tree fell onto a covered structure. However, if the tree removal is covered, the provider reimburses the policy limits to remove the tree and reconstruct the affected building.
