Does homeowners insurance cover downed trees in the yard?
Short answer. Usually only in limited cases. If a tree knocked down by wind, hail or the weight of ice or snow does not hit a covered structure, standard policies generally pay to remove it only if it blocks your driveway or a ramp needed for a person with a disability, typically up to about $1,000 per storm and $500 per tree. A tree that falls harmlessly into the yard is otherwise your cost to clear.
When yard removal is covered
Standard homeowners forms include a tree removal additional coverage. It pays for removing your trees felled by windstorm, hail or the weight of ice, snow or sleet, and a neighbor's trees felled by a covered peril, when the tree:
- damages a covered structure, such as the house, garage, fence or shed; or
- blocks a driveway on your property so a registered vehicle cannot get in or out; or
- blocks a ramp or other fixture that helps a person with a disability enter or leave the home.
The common limits are $1,000 per loss and $500 for any one tree. Your insurer's form may differ, so read the additional coverages section.
When it is not covered
- A tree that falls across the back yard or into the woods without hitting anything.
- Storm-damaged trees that are still standing.
- Stump grinding and replanting.
- Trees in the street or right of way, which are usually the city's, county's or utility's responsibility.
Check whether it really hit nothing
A tree that seems to have missed the house may have clipped the gutter, fascia or roof edge on the way down, or dropped heavy limbs on the roof. If it touched a covered structure, removal and the damage it caused move into a much better position. Look closely, and photograph everything before the tree is cut up.
Practical steps
- Photograph the tree where it lies and anything it touched.
- Get an itemized invoice from the tree service.
- Ask your insurer whether the driveway or ramp allowance applies.
More: how to file a claim and your duty to mitigate.