How does my homeowner insurance cover damage from falling trees?
Have you ever wondered what happens when a tree falls on your property? How about when one of your trees falls on your neighbor’s property?? How does your homeowner insurance apply? Does YOUR insurance pay or does THEIR insurance pay? That’s a good question, and one that could have a few different answers.
If a “live” tree that is in good condition falls on your property and causes damage to one of your insured “structures” such as your home, a fence, an outbuilding, etc., your homeowners policy will take care of the damages (less the deductible). Your policy will even pay a portion of the cost to remove the tree (as long as the tree damages something when it falls). This would apply to a tree from your own yard or from the neighbor’s yard, as long as the tree was in good condition. If a “live” tree from your yard falls into your neighbor’s yard and causes damage, then their homeowner insurance policy will pay for their damages.
What happens if the tree was old or rotten or even dead? If you knew the tree was in poor condition and did not have it removed or taken down, then your home insurance company won’t pay out if it falls and causes damage to your property. Likewise, if that tree falls on and damages a neighbor’s property, don’t look for your insurer to help. This would be considered negligence, and you would be responsible for your neighbor’s damages.
The best way to avoid damage caused by trees is to inspect your trees often. If you have any that look “sick”, have them treated, taken down, or at least trimmed so that if they do fall the damage is minimal.
Whether you are in Eden, Madison, Reidsville, Mayodan, Summerfield, Kernersville or the surrounding Triad Area, remember to Call Rockingham Insurance Agency.
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