Trees provide shade, lower your energy bills, and make your home cozier, but they can also cause thousands of dollars in damage during a storm. Fortunately, your home insurance policy will likely cover the cost of repairs if a tree punches a hole in your roof, so you won’t have to pay out of your own pocket. Below are a few questions homeowners often have about filing a claim for tree damage.

Answering Homeowners’ Common Questions About Fallen Trees

What types of damage do fallen trees cause?

Fallen trees usually affect the exterior of your home, tearing off roof shingles, breaking windows, and ripping away siding. However, in serious cases the tree can go through the roof, causing major structural damage and allowing water to pour into your home.

Does home insurance cover all the damages?

The standard home insurance policy will cover any type of tree damage, but it may depend on why the tree fell. If it was otherwise healthy and just couldn’t withstand high winds, your claim will likely be approved. However, if the tree was rotting and needed to come down, your insurer will likely decide that the damages were caused by neglect or poor maintenance.

Do I have to file a claim with my neighbor’s insurer if the tree was on their property?

Your home insurance policy protects your property regardless of where the tree that damaged your house was located. If a neighbor’s tree falls on your house, you’ll file a claim with your own insurer.

Will home insurance pay to remove a tree if nothing was damaged?

If the tree fell on your house, your policy will likely cover the cost of repairs and removing any debris. However, if the tree didn’t damage your house, shed, garage, fence, or any other structure, you’ll likely have to pay for removal yourself.
 

Home insurance protects your most valuable asset, so you deserve a policy tailored to meet your needs. With over 25 years of experience serving homeowners throughout the Hill Country of Texas, Michael E Glick Insurance is dedicated to ensuring you get sufficient coverage at the best possible rates. Visit their website to learn more about their products, get regular updates and tips on Facebook, or call (830) 816-9488 to schedule your free insurance policy review.