Does my homeowners policy cover damage from trees?

At Hunter Insurance, one of the most frequent questions we field is whether homeowners insurance covers fallen trees and branches. If a tree hits an insured structure such as a house or detached garage, standard homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for the damage to the structure and the contents within. That includes trees knocked over by a windstorm, hail, weight of ice, snow or sleet. Furthermore, it does not matter whether a tree was actually on your property; if it lands on your home, you should file a claim with your insurance company. In cases involving a felled tree located on a neighbor’s property, the policyholder’s insurance company may try to collect from a neighbor’s insurance company in a process called subrogation. That sometimes occurs if the tree was in poor health or not properly maintained. If the insurer is successful, you may be reimbursed for the deductible. If a tree hits an insured structure, there is also coverage for the cos t of removing the tree, depending on the insurer and the type of policy purchased. If the fallen tree did not hit an insured structure, there is generally no coverage for debris removal; however, some insurance companies may…

Continue reading