Does insurance cover tree damage to a house?
Short answer. Yes, homeowners insurance generally covers damage a falling tree or limb causes to your house and other structures, whether the tree fell in a storm or on a calm day. The claim can include removing the tree from the structure, emergency tarping, structural repairs, roofing, siding, gutters, interior damage, and temporary housing if the home is unlivable.
What belongs in a tree damage claim
- Tree removal from the house, within the policy's removal provisions.
- Emergency tarping or board up.
- Rafters, trusses, ceiling joists and wall framing.
- Roof decking, underlayment, shingles, flashing and ridge.
- Gutters, fascia, soffit and siding.
- Windows and doors.
- Drywall, insulation, paint and flooring inside.
- Damaged belongings.
- Extra living expenses if you have to move out.
- Permits and engineering for structural repairs.
What gets missed
The visible hole gets estimated. The rest often does not, at least the first time:
- Cracked decking and popped nails beyond the impact zone.
- Ceiling cracks in rooms next to the impact, from framing movement.
- Air conditioning lines, vents and attic ductwork crushed under the strike.
- Bent drip edge and gutter runs where the trunk slid off.
- Ridge vents and roof vents knocked loose.
Documentation
- Photos and video of the tree on the house from several angles.
- Photos of the attic and every room below.
- The tree service invoice, itemized.
- A structural engineer's letter if framing was broken.
Not covered
The tree itself, in most cases; stump grinding; and taking down other trees as a precaution.
More: emergency tarping, supplements for missed damage and interior water damage.