You may never expect your backyard trees to damage your home, but the strong winds can uproot those old trees. In April 2023, about 920 reports of fallen trees and 4,560 fallen branches were recorded due to the ice storm in Montreal.
So, it’s important to know whether your home insurance policy covers the damage due to a fallen trees.
This comprehensive guide will help you understand what steps you should take if a tree falls on your house. What are the cases in which your claim will get approved? What about the damage done to your automobiles?
Step-by-Step Guide to Deal with a Fallen Tree
Step 1: Ensure Everyone’s Safety
If a tree has fallen inside your home, you must immediately check if everyone is safe. If the tree has hit your house, you must evacuate the place to move to a safe space. It’s better to shut down your house power source as the tree may have downed power lines. Although these power lines have come down, don’t assume there is no current. It may initiate a fire if your home power isn’t out.
Step 2: Call Emergency Services
If someone’s hurt or injured during an unforeseen event, call 911 for emergency care. If the fallen tree has blocked your driveway or you cannot exit the house or room, call the emergency helpline for immediate removal. However, it can take some time for the help to arrive as other trees must have fallen on the way due to the storm.
Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Broker or Company
Once the weather is clear, you should call the insurance broker to visit your location and pay for the damages. If they cannot see you, take photographs of the damage done to serve as evidence.
However, it would be better if the insurance broker or company representative visits and assess the situation. If a tree was dead but not removed by you, the insurance company may not cover the costs. If you were unaware of the hollow roots of the tree, you might get your claim accepted. It depends on your insurance broker, policies, and coverage options. However, if your car gets damaged, your car insurance will cover the damages.
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Step 4: Get the Fallen Tree Removed
Lastly, it is time to get the tree out of the way. If the tree has caused damage to your house or is stuck badly, it’s best to hire a certified arborist. They know the right techniques and equipment for tree removal so it wouldn’t cause further damage. If you have a couple of other hollow or dead trees that may cause damage in the future, it’s best to get them removed as well.
FAQs
Who to call when a tree falls in your yard?
You should call for emergency medical help, an insurance company, and a certified arborist based on your situation after the fallen tree.
What if the tree doesn’t damage anything?
If the tree has caused no damage but blocked your driveway or wheelchair ramp, there’s a chance that your tree removal costs will be covered by insurance. You need to check your policy to understand what you are covered for.
What happens if the tree falls on my neighbor’s property?
In case you made sure that there are no hollow or dead trees in your yard, but still, a storm knocks down a tree that lands in your neighbor’s house. Then, it is covered under a neighbor’s home insurance, so they must make a claim. However, if it’s proved that you failed to maintain the trees, you will have to cover the damages. The situation will be vice versa if a neighbor’s tree falls on your house.
Who bears the responsibility if a tree on my property causes damage to my neighbor’s property?
Home insurance generally covers the damage to your or your neighbor’s home caused by a fallen tree, given that it was not dead or unmaintained. To win the claim, you must prove that the tree fell due to the storm, not because it was quiet. How much damage is covered depends on your insurance policies.
Is the removal of tree debris covered by homeowners insurance?
Mostly home insurance covers the removal of the tree and debris if the tree fell due to the storm. However, you must prove that the tree was alive and well-maintained before the event.
How much of the cost of tree damage to a home is covered by homeowners insurance?
Home insurance will cover all damages to your home, fence, pools, garages, etc. You should contact your insurance broker to confirm how much you are covered.
