Usually, if a tree or branch falls on your house, on a separate tree, homeowners insurance will cover the cost of removing trees depending on how and where the tree fell. If the tree fell due to wind, hail, or a buildup of snow or ice and fell on an insured structure, home insurance may pay for its removal. But if the tree falls on the grass without damaging anything, the insurer probably won't cover its removal. Most homeowners insurance policies cover both the removal of trees and the repair of damage after the fall.
However, there are still restrictions on coverage depending on where the tree falls and the type of damage it causes. Most policies pay for all damage caused by a tree, even when it doesn't fall off at all, but scratches or dents something. Don't rely on your insurance company alone when you need to complete routine tree removal and garden maintenance operations at home. You know that the tree could fall and cause damage, and it's your responsibility as an owner to protect your property.
Whether the felling of trees is covered by your insurance policy depends on the cause of the fall and where it is located. If the fallen tree causes damage to your property, home insurance can help pay for its repair or reconstruction. If a tree falls on your home and causes extensive damage, the lost-of-use portion of your home insurance may help pay for additional living expenses, such as a hotel stay while your house is being repaired. Sometimes, a home insurance policy covers the removal of trees when the reason for the fall of the tree is related to a certain hazard, such as a windstorm, fire, or vandalism.
To get paid for felling trees, you'll need to have an additional business clause in your policy that covers it. Homeowners insurance policies that include coverage for certain outdoor surfaces also tend to pay for damage to flower beds, shrubs, other trees, and similar landscape features. A fallen tree that falls on your car will be covered by the comprehensive coverage section of your insurance policy. An exception is if the tree falls on the driveway of your house or on a wheelchair ramp, making it impossible to use, your company may agree to pay for it, since it has suffered a loss of use.
If a tree falls due to wind, hail, or the weight of snow or ice and falls on your home, shed, or other insured property structure, you are likely to be reimbursed for its removal. Tree removal service coverage is generally limited to 5% of the amount of insurance you have on the structure. If the tree damages your home and your personal belongings inside, you will be reimbursed for repairs and new items through the home and personal property coverage of your policy, until you reach the respected coverage limits. For example, if a windstorm or the enormous weight of snow or ice causes your neighbor's tree to fall on your house, your insurance company will normally pay for the removal of the tree.
