Are you dealing with an emergency tree situation? Whether a tree has fallen on your roof or your car, it’s important to be prepared. This includes understanding the role that your homeowner’s insurance policy will play in your tree removal services. While there are many times when your tree services will be covered, there are also many times where your services will not.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the many factors that will determine whether or not your tree services will be covered by your insurance. Whether you’re dealing with severe tree damage or your tree fell out of nowhere, it’s important to understand the influences that play into your insurance’s decision. Let’s get started.
When Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Tree Removal?
There are many cases where your tree damage was simply beyond your control. In cases where the tree fell due to storms or fell unexpectedly and damaged your property, you’ll want to know how these instances affect your insurance assistance. Below, we’ve compiled common ways that your insurance may cover your tree removal. Read through them to learn more, then read on to discover when you may not receive coverage.
If the Tree Damaged Your Property
If your tree falls on your home, garage, fence, or shed, your tree removal may be covered. In addition, most policies will include debris removal if caused by a covered event such as wind or lightning.
If the Tree is Blocking Your Driveway or Access to Your Home
Some insurance policies may pay for removal if the tree is blocking essential access, like your driveway or your wheelchair accessible ramp. It’s important to check with your insurance policy to make sure this case is covered if needed.
Storm Damage or Other Covered Emergencies
Homeowner’s insurance policies typically cover tree removal if the tree fell due to storm damage. If your tree was damaged due to wind, hail, fire, snow/ice, or lightning, you may want to file an insurance claim for your tree removal services.
When Is Tree Removal NOT Covered By Insurance?
Unfortunately, there are many instances where your tree removal will not be covered by your insurance. It’s essential to understand when you may have to deal with tree damage on your own, so you can be as prepared as possible. Learn more about when your insurance may not cover your tree services below.
If the Tree Falls Without Damaging Your Property
Many insurance policies do not cover tree falls that do not cause any property damage. If your tree only falls in your yard without damaging a covered structure, you’ll most likely have to pay out-of-pocket for your tree removal.
If the Tree Was Diseased, Dead, or Neglected
The health of your tree prior to the fall is crucial to receiving coverage. Your insurance may deny coverage if your tree was poorly maintained or posed a known risk before falling.
If the Cause Was Not Covered
There are some causes that may be excluded from your homeowner’s insurance policy. If you face damage caused by events not usually covered in standard policies, such as floods or earthquakes, you may not receive coverage for your tree care.
Will Insurance Cover Tree Removal from a Neighbor’s Yard?
It is possible that your homeowner’s insurance will cover a neighbor’s tree that has fallen onto your property. This will depend on many factors, such as the damage and the circumstances. In addition, if the tree was known to be hazardous, your neighbor may be held liable for the damages.
If this tree is on a shared property line, it’s important to clarify who is responsible for the tree and keep documentation of the agreement. This will help you avoid disputes with your neighbors and help keep the process simple for tree services and your insurance company.
What to Do if a Tree Falls on Your Property
It’s essential to know what to do when you have severe tree damage. You need to take the proper steps to ensure that you can get the services you need quickly. Below, we’ve outlined 5 easy steps to help you make sure you can get the services you need. Read through them, and feel free to call our experts at Leveled Up Tree & Crane if you have any further questions.
1. Stay Safe & Stay Clear
Whether the tree damaged your roof or fell elsewhere on your property, it’s important to stay away and stay safe from the damages. If you can, you should stay with a friend or family member to ensure the safety of everyone in your household. Once everyone is safe, you can proceed.
2. Take Photos and Document the Damage
Your insurance company will need detailed evidence of the incident. You will need to take photos and document the damages, so they can determine exactly what happened and if your tree removal can be covered.
3. Contact Your Tree Service Company
Next, you’ll want to contact a professional and trustworthy tree service company. You can schedule an estimate and inspection to determine the best solutions for your property.
4. Get Assistance with Your Insurance Claim
Many tree services, such as our team at Leveled Up Tree & Crane, can help you with your insurance claim. We will guide you through every step, keeping you informed as we work closely with your insurance company to help you get accurate compensation.
5. Book Your Services
You don’t have to wait for your insurance to process the claim before addressing your damaged tree. Your tree service company will work on your tree removal quickly, so you don’t have to worry. You can keep your receipts for reimbursement if your removal is covered.
Overall, Covered Tree Removal Depends on Many Factors
In summary, there are many factors that will influence whether your homeowner’s insurance will cover your tree removal. Depending on the damages caused, the health of the tree prior to the fall, and what your insurance policy covers, you may not receive coverage for your services. It’s important to understand exactly what your policy covers, so you can be prepared. In addition, you will want to schedule routine maintenance for your trees, so you can prevent potential damage.
Need Assistance with Your Insurance Claim? Leveled Up Tree & Crane is Here to Help!
If you need insurance claim assistance, reach out to our trusted Team at Leveled Up Tree & Crane! Our team is dedicated to delivering excellence at every step, and we’re ready to take your call. Our team will help you find the best solution for your property. We use the best equipment, safest techniques, and dependable practices, so you don’t have to worry. We always start with a free, no-obligation estimate, so you know what to expect from the beginning. We’ll also provide swift insurance claim assistance, working directly with your insurance so you can rest easily.
Call us today to book your tree removal and insurance claim assistance with our trusted team at Leveled Up Tree & Crane. We’re here for you.
