Timber! Tree Damage…
When a tree falls damaging my property, who is responsible for paying for the damage?
Scenario 1: Your tree falls on your home.
Your homeowner’s policy will provide coverage for any damages up to your policy limits, after you pay your deductible. This coverage extends to cover damage to your main home, garage, shed or other additional buildings, and structures such as a fence. If there is damage to a structure, debris removal is also covered, up to policy limits.
Scenario 2: Your tree falls on your neighbor’s house or vice versa.
If your tree falls on your neighbor’s house, the basic, and almost always applied, rule is that the insurance policy of the property that was damaged pays for the loss. In other words, if your tree falls on your neighbor’s house, your neighbor’s homeowner’s insurance covers the damage to your neighbor’s house and your homeowner’s insurance applies if your neighbor’s tree falls on your house.
Scenario 3: A tree falls on your vehicle.
As with damage to a home, if a tree falls on a car, the comprehensive coverage of the vehicle owner’s auto policy will apply, if you have opted for this coverage.
Scenario 4: A tree has fallen with no property damage.
If your tree comes down in your yard during a windstorm without causing any damage to your house or structures, your homeowner’s policy will most likely not pay for debris removal. You are responsible to take care of the removal of the tree.
If your neighbor has a tree that seems diseased, express your concerns to your neighbor. Tell them that you feel that your home is in jeopardy of being damaged. But keep in mind that a person can’t be forced to remove a tree. If you cannot reach an agreement and still have serious concerns for the safety of your property send a certified letter to your neighbor requesting the removal of the tree. This will put your insurance company in a stronger position to argue your neighbor’s negligence in the event of a claim.
This article provides generic information only, for specific coverage questions on your policy please contact your Bouvier Agent at 860.232.4491 or www.binsurance.com.