Does homeowners insurance cover trees?
Short answer. Partly. Homeowners insurance covers damage trees cause when they fall on your house or other structures, gives the trees themselves only a small amount of coverage for certain causes, and may cover your liability if your neglected tree damages a neighbor's property. Trimming, preventive removal and slow root or branch damage are not covered.
Trees in four roles
- As a cause of damage. When a tree or limb falls on the house, garage, fence or shed, the damage and removal from the structure are generally covered. This is the coverage most people need.
- As property. Trees, shrubs and plants usually have limited coverage, commonly around $500 per tree, and only for causes like fire, lightning, vandalism and vehicles. Wind is often excluded.
- As liability. If your tree falls on a neighbor's house, their policy pays first. If you knew or should have known it was dangerous, your liability coverage may have to respond.
- As maintenance. Trimming, removing dead trees before they fall, and damage from roots, rubbing limbs and debris are owner responsibilities.
Removal costs
Removing a tree that hit a structure is part of the claim. Removing one from the yard is usually covered only if a storm felled it across a driveway or accessibility ramp, and then only up to a small limit.
Your car
Tree damage to vehicles is handled by auto comprehensive coverage.
What to do now
- Look up your policy's "trees, shrubs and other plants" and "debris removal" provisions.
- Trim limbs away from the roof and remove dead trees near the house.
- Keep photos of your trees and roof in good condition.
If a tree does come down on the house, see emergency tarping and how to file a roof claim.