Contributed By: Jean Salvator, Insurance Information Institute
Submitted By: John Knott of State Farm Insurance
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One of the most frequent questions that we receive from consumers concerns fallen trees. Insurance coverage, however is simple and straightforward. Basically if a tree hits a home or other insured structure such as a detached garage, a standard homeowner's insurance policy provides coverage for the damage the tree does to the structure and contents in it. This includes trees felled by wind, hail, weight of ice, snow or sleet and other disasters listed in the policy.
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It doesn't matter whose property the tree was growing on, the homeowner with a tree on their house should file a claim with their insurance company. If the felled tree was on a neighbor's property, the policyholders insurance company may try to collect from the neighbors insurance company in a process called subrogation. This sometimes occurs if the tree was in poor health or not properly maintained. If the insurer is successful, the homeowner may be reimbursed for their deductible. There is also coverage for the cost of removing the tree, generally about $500 to a $1000 dollars if the tree hits an insured structure. If the tree did not hit an insured structure, it may not be covered for its removal. Insurers however will generally pay to remove a fallen tree if it blocks a driveway or a ramp designed to assist the handicapped.
Cars damaged by fallen trees are covered under the comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy. Standard home insurance policies also provide coverage for damage to trees and shrubs due to such things as fire, lightning and vandalism. Coverage for these disasters is generally limited to about five percent of the amount of insurance on the structure of the house. Generally, most insurers will pay for up to $500 for any one tree, shrub or plant. Trees and shrubs grown for business purposes require a separate business insurance policy. Additional insurance coverage for expensive landscaping is also available from specialty insurers in the form of an endorsement to a home insurance policy.