Whether your tree fell during a storm or unexpectedly, it’s important to understand how your homeowner’s insurance plays a role in your tree services. It’s vital to be prepared so you can ensure that you have the help you need for your tree care. While there are many instances when your insurance will cover your removal, there are also many times where you’ll be held liable for the costs.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the many factors that will influence your eligibility for your tree removal insurance coverage. Whether your tree fell suddenly or due to a severe storm, you’ll want to make sure you understand the influences that determine whether or not your insurance will cover your tree care. Let’s get started.
When Does Homeowner’s Insurance Pay For Tree Removal?
There are many instances where your tree removal may be covered by your insurance. This is true in cases where the damage was simply beyond your control. For example, if your tree damages your property, is blocking your driveway or access to your home, or your tree fell due to damages covered by your insurance, you may see coverage for your tree services. However, there are many other factors that will determine if your insurance company will cover the costs. Learn more about these factors below.
What Factors Play Into Insurance Coverage For Tree Removal?
When it comes to insurance coverage, your insurance company will examine the situation and determine if they are able to cover your tree removal. It’s important to understand the circumstances that will influence your tree care coverage, so you can be as prepared as possible. Below are some examples of what will determine if your insurance will help pay for your tree care services. Read through them, then read on to learn how you can handle this situation.
The Location of the Fall
The location of the fall is vital to receiving tree removal coverage. If your tree lands on an insured structure on your property, you’ll likely receive compensation for your services. However, if your tree fell without damaging your property, you will likely have to pay out-of-pocket for your tree care services. In extreme cases, such as your tree blocking your driveway or your accessibility ramp, you may be able to receive compensation for your services.
Damages Caused
Another important factor that will determine whether or not your tree removal will be covered will be the damages caused. Your tree must cause damage to an insured structure, such as your roof, garage, car, or another structure in order for you to get insurance coverage. If your tree doesn’t damage your property, you may not receive compensation for your tree services.
Condition of the Tree
If your tree was healthy and fell unexpectedly, it’s more likely that you’ll receive compensation for your tree services. However, if your tree was dead, sick, or dying before the fall, you may be held liable for your tree services. It’s important to understand that your tree’s health is vital to your insurance coverage.
Any Known Risk Factors
If your tree sustained previous damage such as storm damage, your tree removal may not be covered. If these known risk factors caused your tree to fall, your insurance provider may hold you liable for neglecting your tree’s maintenance and care.
What if My Neighbor’s Tree Fell on My Property?
Homeowners insurance often compensates for tree care if a neighbor’s tree has fallen on your home, fence, garage, or another insured structure on your property. Usually, the responsibility of the tree will fall onto whomever owns the tree (as in, whose property the tree trunk was on prior to the fall). This dispute is usually resolved through the insurance companies. You could file an insurance claim for your tree maintenance with your insurance provider, then contact your neighbor’s insurance company to receive compensation. Either way, you can rest assured that you’ll likely receive compensation for your tree removal if a neighbor’s tree falls on your property.
Here’s How to Handle Your Fallen Tree
If you have a tree fall on your property, it’s important to take immediate action. This way, you can ensure that you’ll have everything you need to handle the situation. We’ve compiled 5 easy steps that will help you tackle your tree troubles. Read through them below, and feel free to reach out to our trusted team at Beez Trees if you have any further questions or concerns.
1. Stay Away from the Damage
Whether your tree fell on your roof or your car, it’s crucial that you stay away from the damage. If necessary, you should stay with a friend or family member to ensure everyone’s safety. Once you can ensure that everyone is safe, you can start handling your fallen tree situation.
2. Document the Fall
Your insurance company will need to see the extent of your property damage. You will want to document the damage and take photos, so your insurance provider can examine what happened with ease.
3. Contact Your Local Tree Service
Once you have the proper documentation, you’ll want to contact your trusted local tree company. You will need to book an inspection and estimate, so you can find the best solutions for your property.
4. Get Insurance Claim Assistance
Many tree services, such as our team at Beez Trees, can help you file your insurance claim for tree removal. We’ll guide you through the process, and we’ll keep you informed at every step, so you don’t have to worry.
5. Book Your Tree Removal
You don’t have to wait for your insurance company to process your claim before you book your services. Your tree service company can have your services completed quickly, and you can keep your receipts for reimbursement if your tree service is covered.
Summary: Will Your Insurance Cover Your Tree Services Cost?
In short, there is a possibility that your tree removal service will be covered by your insurance provider. However, there are many variables that will impact your chances for compensation. Coverage will depend on the location of the fall, the damages caused, the condition of your tree, and any known risk factors of your tree prior to the fall. It’s vital to understand what may hinder your chances of receiving compensation for your tree services.
In addition, if you’re dealing with a fallen tree, you’ll want to take quick action. First, you will want to stay away from the damage. Then, you’ll need to document the damage of your fallen tree, so your insurance can determine exactly what happened. Next, you’ll want to call your local tree service, so you can get your services quickly. Many tree companies can offer insurance claim assistance, so you can have peace of mind. Finally, you’ll want to book your services, so you can handle your emergency tree situation. If your tree removal ends up being covered, you can keep your receipt from your service and receive reimbursement.
Need Insurance Claim Assistance? Call Beez Trees Today!
If you need assistance with your insurance claim for tree removal, you’re in the right place. Our trusted team at Beez Trees is ready to help you find the best solutions for your home. Whether your tree fell onto your roof or your garage, you can rely on our team for quick and dependable service. We’ll start with a FREE estimate, so we can fully assess your property and provide you with our recommendations. Then, we’ll help you with your insurance claim, walking you through the entire process and keeping you updated as we work with your insurance provider. Finally, we will remove your tree swiftly, so you don’t have to worry.
Ready to get started? Call our dedicated team at Beez Trees today to book your FREE estimate and inspection. We’re here to help.
