Does insurance cover fallen trees?
Short answer. It depends on what the tree landed on. Damage to your house, garage, fence or shed is generally covered by your homeowners policy; a tree on your car is a claim on your auto policy's comprehensive coverage; and a tree across a power line is the utility's to handle. Removing a tree that hit nothing is usually not covered except in limited cases like a blocked driveway.
By what the tree hit
- Your house: homeowners dwelling coverage pays for the roof, framing, siding and interior, plus removal within limits.
- Your fence, shed or detached garage: homeowners other structures coverage, under the same deductible if the house was hit in the same storm.
- Your car: auto comprehensive coverage, with its own deductible. Homeowners insurance does not cover vehicles.
- Your neighbor's house: their homeowners policy. You are usually responsible only if you knew the tree was dead or dangerous.
- Power lines: stay away and call the utility. Lines on your property up to the meter may be partly your responsibility; the utility handles its own lines.
- Nothing at all: removal is usually your cost, except a small allowance when it blocks your driveway or an accessibility ramp.
Trees in the street
A tree that falls into the road from the right of way is generally handled by the city, county or state. If it came from your yard, your homeowners policy generally will not pay to clear the road, but report it so it can be removed safely.
Keep claims straight
One fallen tree can create two or three claims with different insurers or coverages. Take photos showing everything the tree touched before it is cut, and tell each insurer about the others.
Check the roof even if the tree missed
Trees that fall near a house often scrape gutters, crack roof edges or drop limbs on the roof. That damage belongs on the homeowners claim.
More: wind damage claims and how to file a claim.