The spring and summer months are the time for flowers to bloom, making our surrounding extra vibrant with colors. However, it is also the season of storms, according to National Severe Storms Laboratory.
Now that the thunderstorm season is fast approaching, it is high time to run through your homeowners’ insurance to know what coverage you have concerning damages brought by fallen trees.
Keep these five essential things to mind:
- You are likely covered for tree removal cost, damage repairs, and other insured structures on your property like fences.
Your tree topples over your house and damages your window and door. What should you do next? These damages will be likely covered by your insurance company, assuming you’ve paid your deductible. You will also be covered in case lightning strikes your tree or high winds topple your tree off your roof.
But, the same is not true if your homeowners’ insurance finds that you failed to do your part to maintain your tree. You may be declined of your coverage if there is neglect on your end.
- There should be damage to your property.
Your homeowners’ insurance will only cover for fallen tree removal if it damaged any of your insured property. If a tree falls on your yard without harming your house or any guaranteed structure, then you will be responsible for the tree removal cost.
- You may still file an insurance claim even if your city took care of the fallen trees on the streets.
Make sure to check with your local government to see who’s responsible for removing a tree that fell onto the street. Even If they take the responsibility, it may only be for a part of what’s in the road and whatever is left on your property is yours to take care of.
- You may still claim for coverage even if a tree falls from your neighbor’s yard.
If a tree damages your property, no matter whose tree it is, your homeowners’ insurance may contribute. Your homeowners’ insurance may try to get some of the damage costs as well as your deductible from your neighbor’s insurance provider. This can be the car if they found out your neighbor was negligent in keeping the tree well.
- Car damages from a fallen tree may be covered by your homeowners’ insurance.
Your car insurance will likely cover for any damages in case a tree falls onto your vehicle. Whether the tree comes from your property or your neighbor’s, you probably are covered. However, you may not be covered for the cost of removing the tree from your car.
Homeowners’ insurance has a unique way to handle fallen tree claims. They will consider your situation and the specifics of your policy to come up with the final decision.
Tips for Filing an Insurance Claim for a Fallen Tree
Take photos: Take as many pictures as you can from all angles to help homeowners’ insurance from establishing the cause and scale of damage.
Give as many information as possible: Make sure to tell your insurance provider if your neighbor failed to take care of his tree, resulting in it falling onto your roof. Also, if your tree is storm damaged, be sure to provide all the necessary details about the intensity of the storm.
Be ready to lay your deductible: You should be prepared to cover for your deductible in case of damage caused by a fallen tree.
Your car insurance and homeowners’ insurance will likely cover you if a tree falls and damages your property. It is essential to know your policy so that you know when and when not you’re covered. So go and review your policy or ask them as many questions you can think of to make sure you’re on the same page.
For further questions contact your local tree removal company to guide you through the process.