It’s a question that most homeowners probably don’t consider until it’s too late: will insurance cover damage caused by a dead tree falling on your house?
Most insurance companies will be able to cover claims that involve fallen trees, but this happens only when they are through natural disasters considered to be an ‘Act of God.’ However, you should check their policy for storm conditions or damage to get accurate information about your insurance.
Read on to learn more about what dead tree damage is covered by homeowners insurance and how to file a claim if your property is damaged.
How Insurance Companies Handle Claims For Fallen Trees
Most homeowners insurance policies will cover damage caused by a fallen tree, but there are some important caveats to be aware of. First, the tree must have fallen due to an “act of God,” such as a severe storm, and second, the tree must have actually caused damage to your home or property.
You would not be covered if the tree fell without causing any damage. In most cases, coverage for damage caused by a fallen tree will fall under your policy’s “wind damage” or “storm damage” provisions. These provisions typically cover damages caused by high winds, hurricanes, tornadoes, and other similar weather events.
Therefore, your insurance policy should provide coverage if a tree falls during a severe storm and damages your home or property. However, it’s important to note that not all policies are created equal. Some policies may exclude certain types of damage, such as wind damage, from coverage altogether.
Others may have lower wind damage limits than other types of damage. Therefore, it’s important to read your policy carefully and ensure you understand what is and is not covered before purchasing a policy.
If you do have wind or storm damage coverage, your insurance company will likely require you to submit a claim form and documentation of the damages. The claim process can be fairly simple if there is minimal damage, but it can become more complicated if there is significant damage.
In either case, it’s important to work with your insurance company to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.
So, will your homeowners’ insurance policy cover damage caused by a fallen tree? In most cases, the answer is yes. However, it’s important to understand the specific provisions of your policy and to work with your insurance company if there is any damage.
What To Do When A Dead Tree Falls On Your House
If you have a dead tree on your property, it’s important to take action to remove it as soon as possible. Not only can dead trees be unsightly, but they can also pose a serious safety hazard.
If a strong windstorm hits and your dead tree falls on your house, it could cause significant damage – or even injure someone.In that case, the best thing to do is to contact a professional tree service to have it removed.
They can assess the situation and determine the best course of action. In some cases, they may be able to save the tree by trimming away diseased branches or stabilizing it with cables or brackets. However, in most cases, removal will be the safest and most effective option.
Once the tree has been removed, you’ll need to file a claim with your insurance company. Be sure to have all of the necessary documentation ready, such as photos of the damage, receipts for any repairs, and a copy of your policy. Your insurance company will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine how much they will pay out.
So, don’t wait to take action if you notice a fallen dead tree. Remove it as soon as possible to avoid any potential safety hazards – and be sure to check with your insurance company to see if they will cover the cost of repairs if it falls on your house.
What Does It Cost To Fix Damage By A Fallen Tree?
The cost of repairing damage caused by a fallen tree can vary depending on the extent of the damage. The repair costs will be relatively minor if the tree has damaged your home’s siding or roof.
However, the repair costs could be significant if the tree has destroyed your home’s foundation or structural support beams. In most cases, your homeowner’s insurance policy will cover at least some of the costs associated with repairing damage caused by a fallen tree.
Can I Prevent Trees From Falling On My House?
While in some cases, trees can fall by your house, and that situation is out of your control, you can do a few things to prevent trees from falling on your house. By following these tips, you can help to prevent trees from falling on your house – and avoid the costly repairs that would be required if they did.
Have Nearby Trees Inspected
If you have trees on your property or near your house, it’s important to have them inspected by a certified arborist at least once every year or two. They will be able to identify any potential problems, such as diseased branches or structural instability, and take action to correct them.
Prune Trees Regularly
Regular tree pruning can also help to prevent problems that could cause trees to fall. By removing dead branches and trimming away overgrown foliage, you can help to ensure that your trees are healthy and stable.
Don’t Plant Trees Near Your House
When planting new trees, it’s important to avoid planting them too close to your house. Ideally, they should be at least 20 feet away from your house to minimize the risk of them falling on it if they become unstable.
Install Support Systems For Larger Trees
For larger trees, you may consider installing support systems, such as cables or brackets. These can help to prevent the tree from falling if it becomes top-heavy or unstable.
Work With A Professional
If you’re not sure how to properly care for your trees or install support systems, it’s best to work with a professional. Tree care is a complex and potentially dangerous task – so it’s best to leave it to the experts.
Conclusion
No one ever wants to think about a tree falling on their house. But it’s important to be prepared just in case. Taking some simple precautions and having insurance in place can minimize the risk of damage if a tree falls on your property.