Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Fallen Trees?
Heavy winds can lead to a significant increase in claims for downed trees. In 2023, severe storms and high winds caused thousands of trees to fall, leading to substantial damage and costly insurance claims. For example, a series of storms in San Francisco alone resulted in over 1,000 fallen trees, significantly impacting homes, cars, and power lines.
Having a fallen tree on your property can be more than just a nuisance. According to Consumer Reports, the median amount paid by insurance companies for settled tree claims was $4,110, with 7% of all settled claims caused by a fallen tree.
Here, Central’s claims and loss control teams weigh in on what happens when a tree falls on your—or a neighbor’s—property.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Fallen Trees?
Homeowner’s insurance covers the cost of any damage caused by a tree falling onto your home, whereas auto insurance will cover the cost of damage from a falling tree onto a personal vehicle.
Melissa Hilvers, Director of PL Middle Market Underwriting at Central Insurance, adds that “for auto coverage to apply, the vehicle needs to carry physical damage coverage.”
Who Is Liable for a Neighbor’s Tree Falling on Your Property?
If a tree on your neighbor’s property falls and damages your fence, garage, or other property, your insurance is responsible for covering the loss. Even though it’s not your tree, it fell due to an “Act of God,” meaning your neighbor isn’t liable. They couldn’t have predicted the tree would fall.
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That being said, the same is true for a tree on your property that falls on a neighbor’s yard due to an “Act of God.” In that case, your neighbor’s insurance would cover the damage caused by the tree.
The only exception to this rule is if the tree was dead or showing signs of being ill before it fell. In this scenario, if your neighbor’s tree falls on your property and causes damage, your neighbor’s insurance should cover the damage, as they would be considered negligent for not addressing the hazard. The same rules apply if a tree on your property falls onto your neighbor’s property.
How to Prevent Damage from a Neighbor’s Tree
If you notice a dead or diseased tree on your neighbor’s property, notify them immediately. Whether they address the situation or not, be sure to document the condition of the tree with photos, as this evidence can be crucial if a insurance-related situation arises.
Ideally, your neighbor should be as interested in addressing the dead tree as you are, because if the tree damages their property and they knew it was dead, their insurance might not cover the damage.
Learn More: New Homeowner Checklist: Everything You Need to Know When Insuring a New Home
How to Prevent Damage from Falling Trees on Your Property
Though “Acts of God” are often unavoidable, there are steps you can take to prevent trees from falling on your property. Here, Central’s loss control experts outline some of the best practices for keeping your trees—and your property—safe.
1. Regular Tree Maintenance
Inspect Regularly: Conduct regular inspections of trees on your property to identify signs of disease, decay, or structural weakness. Look for dead branches, cracks in the trunk, or areas where the bark is peeling.
Prune When Necessary: Regular pruning helps remove weak or dead branches that could fall during storms. Proper pruning techniques also promote healthy growth and reduce the risk of entire trees toppling.
2. Get Professional Assessments
Hire an Arborist: Engage a certified arborist to perform a thorough assessment of your trees. An arborist can identify potential hazards that might not be visible to an untrained eye and provide expert recommendations on how to mitigate risks.
Implement Recommendations: Follow the arborist’s advice, which may include tree trimming, treatment for diseases, or, in some cases, tree removal to prevent future damage.
3. Take Proactive Measures
Clear Surroundings: Ensure the area around your trees is clear of potential targets for falling branches, such as parked cars or outdoor furniture.
Secure Structures: Install protective barriers or supports around young trees to help them withstand strong winds. For mature trees, ensure they have adequate root support and are not destabilized by construction or landscaping activities nearby.
By taking these proactive steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage from fallen trees and ensure a safer environment for your property and loved ones.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Fallen Trees?The Central Difference
Looking for high-quality homeowner’s insurance from a company that puts hospitality first? Find a Central agent in your area to get started.
And remember, choosing Central means partnering with a team of experts who understand the nuances of insurance coverage and are committed to protecting your property. We provide personalized guidance to ensure you have the right coverage for all scenarios, including those involving downed trees.
What’s more, our dedicated claims team is here to support you through every step of the process, offering peace of mind when you need it most. Trust Central Insurance to be your reliable partner, helping you navigate the complexities of insurance and providing the protection you deserve.
The information above is of a general nature and your policy and coverages provided may differ from the examples provided. Please read your policy in its entirety to determine your actual coverage available.
Products underwritten by Central Mutual Insurance Company and affiliated companies.
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