How does building insurance handle trees near your house?
Short answer. Building or dwelling coverage pays when a tree or limb falls on the house in a covered event. It does not pay for slow damage trees cause, such as roots cracking a foundation or branches scraping shingles away. Insurers may also ask you to remove dead or overhanging trees as a condition of keeping coverage.
When trees cause covered damage
A tree or limb that falls on the house in wind, lightning, ice or a similar event is a covered falling object loss. The dwelling coverage pays to repair the roof, framing and interior, and to remove the tree from the structure. Fences, sheds and detached garages fall under other structures coverage.
When trees cause excluded damage
- Roots. Foundation cracks, lifted slabs and broken sewer lines from root growth are usually excluded as settling, earth movement or wear.
- Abrasion. Limbs rubbing the roof wear away granules over months. That is maintenance, not a covered event.
- Leaves and needles. Clogged gutters and valleys that back water under shingles or rot fascia.
- Shade and moisture. Moss, algae and slower drying of shingles under heavy canopy shorten roof life.
Trees and underwriting
Insurers sometimes inspect properties and ask owners to remove dead trees or trim limbs that overhang the roof. Ignoring a written request can lead to a nonrenewal. If you get one, ask for the specific trees and a deadline, hire a licensed arborist or tree service, and send back photos and the invoice.
Practical steps
- Keep limbs trimmed back from the roof.
- Have large trees near the house checked by an arborist every few years.
- Photograph the trees and roof yearly to show their condition.
For the roof side, see wear and tear vs storm damage and emergency tarping.