Does homeowners insurance cover fallen trees?

Does home insurance cover tree damage to your house, yard, or property?

Homeowners insurance may pay for damage to your belongings, home, or other structures on your property (garage, deck, shed, fence, etc.) minus your homeowners insurance deductible, if a tree falls on your house or other structure due to factors outside of your control. Your insurance may also pay for tree removal and cleanup.

However, if the tree falling was due to your negligence in removing a dead and rotting tree, the cost of damage and removal may be your responsibility. But regardless of how it happened, be sure to take pictures of the damage as soon as possible in the event you need to submit a property insurance claim.

Learn more about how homeowners insurance works and what homeowners insurance covers.

Does home insurance cover fallen trees from my neighbor's yard?

If a neighbor's tree falls in your yard due to a covered peril, the damages sustained to your home, property and/or surrounding structures may be covered by their homeowners insurance. But if a tree falls without damaging anything, removing the fallen tree becomes your responsibility, even if the tree was clearly dead or rotting. You can ask your neighbor to split the cost of removal, but if they're unwilling, the cost ultimately may fall on you.

However, if the tree didn’t damage anything but blocks the driveway to your residence or a ramp or fixture used to assist a handicapped person, this typically would be covered by your homeowners insurance, not theirs.

Does homeowners insurance cover a tree falling on a neighbor's house?

If your tree falls on your neighbor's house, your neighbor's home insurance may pay for it unless the tree was rotting or clearly damaged, in which case your neighbor could try to prove you were negligent by not removing it. In that case, your insurance company might have to pay if you were found liable. If your tree didn't hit anything and is simply blocking their driveway, the neighbor's home insurance may cover tree removal expenses unless they can clearly prove negligence.

Will homeowners insurance cover tree removal?

According to The Insurance Information Institute, "a homeowners policy covers the cost of removing the tree, generally up to about $500 to $1,000, depending on the insurer and the type of policy purchased." This may vary based on the terms and conditions of your policy. However, if a neighbor's tree falls in your yard without damaging anything, removing the fallen tree may become your responsibility, even if the tree was clearly dead or rotting.

Will insurance help me remove a dangerous tree?

No, insurance won’t help you remove a tree that could potentially damage your home or someone else's. Regular yard maintenance, including tree pruning and health check-ups, is part of the general upkeep of your property and is your assumed responsibility. In the event a dangerous tree causes damage, your homeowners insurance could deny your claim due to negligence.

If a tree falls on your house, your homeowners insurance may provide coverage. You can get a homeowners insurance quote online or by calling 1-866-749-7436.