Does Home Insurance Cover Tree Removal?

Trees can add beauty and shade to your property, but they can also pose several risks. 

If a tree falls on your home, it could cause damage to your property or even injure someone. So you may be wondering if your homeowners insurance policy will cover the costs of tree removal and repairs. 

Does home insurance cover tree removal? The short answer is: it depends. While homeowners insurance may provide some coverage in the event of tree-related damage, understanding the specifics of your policy is critical to your financial security.

Read on to learn more about when homeowners insurance covers tree removal, when it does not, and mitigating risk for tree-related damage and injury on your property. 

At a glance:

• Homeowners insurance coverage for tree removal depends heavily on the specific policy and the circumstances surrounding the tree's fall.

• Regular tree inspections, proper maintenance, and careful landscaping can significantly reduce the risk of tree-related damage and associated costs.

• Homeowners should carefully review their insurance policies to understand their coverage, limitations, and exclusions regarding tree removal.
  
  

When does home insurance cover tree removal?

Homeowners insurance generally covers tree removal when a tree falls on your house or other insured structures on your property, when due to a covered peril. It is important to note that most policies have specific limits when it comes to tree debris removal. 

Here is a list of situations in which your home insurance will likely cover tree removal:  

• Tree falls on the dwelling—If a tree falls on your house due to a covered peril such as lightning strike, hail damage, or a windstorm, your insurance will typically cover the cost of removing the fallen tree and repairing the damage to your home.
  
  
• Tree falls on other structures—Similar to falling on your home, coverage may extend to trees falling on other insured structures on your property, such as a detached garage or shed. Review your policy to ensure you have other structures coverage included in your policy.
  
  
• Tree blocks access—Some policies may cover tree removal if a fallen tree blocks your driveway or access to a ramp used by disabled household members.

Coverage specifics can vary dramatically between different insurance companies and policies—such as whether you have an HO5 or an HO3 policy. To determine if your specific situation is covered, it's important to review your insurance policy carefully and discuss your coverage levels with your insurance agent for the most accurate coverage information.

When does home insurance not cover tree removal?

Homeowners insurance policies have limitations and exclusions for many coverage types, including tree removal. It's important to note that there are also often limits on the amount your insurance will pay for tree removal. 

Typically, a homeowners insurance policy has limitations based on damage and peril which will deem whether or not tree removal is covered. Review your insurance policy and discuss cases with your home insurance agent to better understand the extent of your coverage.

Understanding common home insurance policy terms

Homeowners insurance policies have a lot of terms that are unique to the insurance industry. The list of insurance terms below is by no means exhaustive, but provides definitions for some of the more common terms: 

• Dwelling coverage—Covers the structure of your home, including attached structures such as garages.
  
  
• Other structures coverage—Covers detached structures on your property, such as sheds, fences, and detached garages.
  
  
• Personal property coverage—Covers belongings inside your home, such as furniture, electronics, clothing, and jewelry.
  
  
• Liability coverage—Financial protection if someone is injured on your property or you are held liable for property damage to others.
  
  
• Medical payments coverage—Coverage for medical expenses for guests injured on your property, regardless of who is at fault.
  
  
• Loss of use coverage—Covers temporary living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss.
  
  
• Deductible—Amount you pay out-of-pocket for a claim before your insurance coverage kicks in.
  
  
• Perils—Events that are covered by your policy, such as fire, wind, hail damage, and theft.
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• Endorsements (or riders)—Optional add-ons to your policy that provide additional coverage for specific items or situations, such as valuable jewelry and high-value collectibles, or against excluded perils such as floods or earthquakes.
  
  
• Premium—The amount you pay for your homeowners insurance policy.
  
  

How to handle tree removal claims

Handling tree removal claims effectively requires a proactive and organized approach. Following the steps outlined below can help streamline the claims process and increase your chances of a fair and timely resolution with your insurance company.

1. Document the damage by taking photos and / or videos of the fallen tree, the damage to your property, and any injuries that were sustained in the event. Be sure to record the date and time of the incident.
   
   
2. As soon as it is safe to do so, contact your insurance agent to report the claim. Provide them with the details and documentation of the tree damage. If possible, review your policy documents together to understand any exclusions or limitations.
   
   
3. The insurance company will likely request an inspection of the damage and schedule an adjuster to evaluate the extent of the damage. Be sure to discuss the extent of the damage, share relevant documentation, and any removal or repairs you have done before their inspection.
   
   
4. Obtain estimates for removal of the tree and debris, as well as repairs from qualified contractors. Keep records of all receipts, invoices, and estimates, as your insurance adjuster will likely request this documentation.

As mentioned above, prioritize the safety of yourself and your family before you take any action. 

• Do not attempt to remove the tree or make home repairs yourself unless it is safe for you to do so.
  
  
• Take steps to prevent further damage by covering damaged areas to your roof or boarding up broken windows. 
  

Preventing tree damage & minimizing risks to your home

Preventing tree damage to your home requires a proactive approach. Through regular tree inspections, proper landscape maintenance, and hazard mitigation, you can reduce the risk of falling trees causing damage or injury.

• Regularly inspect your trees for any visible signs of disease, decay, or rot, such as dead or dying branches, cracks or holes in the trunk, leaning trees, or exposed roots. If you identify any of these issues, consider consulting with an arborist for a professional assessment to determine your options.
  
  
• Proper tree maintenance not only enhances the beauty of your lawn, but can also encourage the growth of healthy trees and minimize the risk of damage caused by fallen trees. Be sure to remove any dead, dying, or diseased branches, and prune any branches that hang over your roof. This can reduce the risk of tree damage during storms. It's also important to take care of the soil and root system by providing adequate water around the base to prevent a tree from toppling over.
  
  
• When landscaping, take into account the maturity, size, and proximity to structures on your property of new tree seedlings or transplants. Don’t plant too close to your home or power lines, and consider removing a tree if it poses a risk to any of the above. Consulting an arborist can help you identify cases where removal is necessary.
  
  
• If you live in an area prone to storms, you can take steps to minimize tree damage by monitoring weather forecast conditions, securing loose items and, in extreme events, taking temporary measures to cover windows or prevent roof damage. 
  
  

Protect your home and prevent tree damage

While homeowners insurance may offer some financial protection and coverage for tree removal, it’s important to take proactive steps to ensure your protection. Reviewing your insurance policy, conducting regular tree maintenance, and strategic landscaping can significantly reduce the risk of damage caused by falling trees.

Need to review your coverage or get a home insurance quote? Connect with a homeowners insurance agent near you to find the best policy for your needs. Visit Openly.com to explore home insurance options and get personalized advice.

*We provide this information to help you understand insurance. Any coverage is subject to the terms of your policy. Please refer to your policy and declarations page for complete terms, conditions and coverage details.