Does Insurance Pay for Tree Removal?

One topic that often prompts many questions concerns fallen trees and how insurance policies typically handle these situations. It might seem like a simple, straightforward scenario, but it's actually ridden with various details that change the coverage outcome. Today, we'll break down the differences and help you understand how tree damage and debris removal is handled under your insurance policy.

When Insurance Covers Removal:

If a tree falls and contacts a structure on your property, such as your house, garage, or a screened porch, your policy will typically cover it. It's important to note that most insurance policies include a certain degree of tree debris removal coverage in such circumstances, so depending on the damage to your yard, all debris may not be covered to be removed. Deriving from the base coverage for property damage, this provision aids in cleanup and removal of the fallen tree to the structure, so the repairs can start.

When Coverage Doesn’t Cover Removal:

Now, let's consider a slightly different situation. Suppose a tree falls and doesn't hit any structure—it just lands in your yard, in the forest surrounding your property, or perhaps even in the street. Despite the obvious inconvenience and the potential effort to remove it, such a scenario falls outside the scope of most insurance policies because it caused no structural property damage.

In these cases, unfortunately, tree debris removal coverage won't apply. The responsibility and cost of cleaning up fallen trees that didn't damage a covered structure typically fall on the homeowner.

We all know insurance coverages can sometimes appear intricate and even slightly opaque. We hope walking you through the ins and outs of fallen tree coverage today will assist you to understand the nuances better. As always, if you have specific questions on tree damage coverage or any other aspect of your home insurance policy, feel free to reach out to us. Not only is it our job to ensure you're covered appropriately, but it's also our pleasure to help clarify these points for you.