Does homeowners insurance cover falling trees, and what if the tree was already dead?
Short answer. Homeowners insurance generally covers damage when a tree falls on your house or other structures. A tree you knew was dead or dying can complicate things: insurers may question neglect, and if it falls on a neighbor's property you may be liable. Insurance does not pay to remove a tree before it falls, so hazard trees are an owner expense.
Signs a tree is a hazard
- Dead or bare sections of canopy in the growing season
- Mushrooms or fungus at the base or on the trunk
- Cavities, cracks or peeling bark on the trunk
- A new or worsening lean, or soil heaving on one side
- Large dead limbs over the roof
- Pines killed by beetles, which turn brown and become brittle quickly
A certified arborist can assess a tree you are unsure about. Their written report is also useful if you need to show you acted responsibly.
How a known hazard changes the picture
- Your house: damage is usually still covered under your dwelling coverage, but expect questions if the tree was obviously dead and ignored.
- Your neighbor's house: their insurer pays first, but if you knew or should have known the tree was dangerous, they can come after you, and your liability coverage would respond.
- Insurer requests: if an insurer's inspection asked you to remove a tree and you did not, that can lead to nonrenewal.
What insurance will not pay for
Removing a tree that has not fallen, cabling, and routine trimming are maintenance. Budget for them; they cost far less than a deductible and a roof repair.
If it falls anyway
Photograph the break and stump, get the tree off the structure, tarp the roof, and report the claim with the date. See emergency tarping. For the roof side of prevention, Robust Roofing's guide on trees overhanging the roof covers what to trim.