Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Dead Tree Removal?

Homeowners insurance coverage for dead tree removal service might be dealt with differently by various carriers. This part of your policy must be carefully read and understood with the aid of your insurance advisor. It can be complex. Though, the details of your homeowner’s insurance policy and your specific policy coverage limitations must be well spelled out.

If a dead tree falls on your residence because of an act of God and you had no notification, it will probably be covered. Benefits would start in after your policy deductible is fulfilled. Coverage should include removing the fallen tree from your property.  You should check and see if dead tree removal is covered.

However, some policies might include repairing the structure but might or might not pay for tree removal from your yard. A tree falls on your yard but creates no damage to a covered structure. Your homeowner’s insurance most likely won’t pay any benefits.

Maintenance Requirements

Removing a tree after a storm

Your insurance company will research the reason why a tree fell on your landscape. If they can show the cause was your negligence, the claim could be denied. Neglect is excluded in many homeowner’s policies; necessitating policyholders make an effort to stop a loss. If a tree is known to be dead or rotten, proper maintenance will require that it be removed.

Your insurance company will likely conclude the reason for the accident as failure to perform correct preventative efforts on your part. If the same tree falls and smashes up your neighbor’s house, though, the liability part of your homeowner’s insurance policy will cover the damage as well as lawyer fees and legal costs if your neighbor sues you.

A dead tree on your landscape could be hazardous. Rotting wood attracts certain pests such as carpenter ants and termites. One thing is for sure. If the tree is dead, at some point and time, it will fall. Then, you’ll be faced with not only cleaning it up and getting it taken away but also handling any damage.

If anyone is unfortunate enough to be nearby when the tree falls, they could get hurt or even die. The risk is not worth delaying in the handling of this ticking bomb. Call a tree contractor and schedule a comprehensive tree inspection. Another thing to consider: if your decaying tree falls on your car, it’s your vehicle’s comprehensive insurance that pays, not your homeowner’s insurance.