Does insurance cover trees falling on a house?
If you cannot stay in the house
Loss of use coverage, often called additional living expenses, pays the increase in your costs while you are displaced: hotel or short-term rental, extra meals out, added mileage, laundry and pet boarding. It pays the difference above your normal costs, not your whole budget. Keep every receipt, and ask the insurer early what limit and time frame apply.
Structural repairs
A large tree can crack trusses, rafters and top plates. Expect:
- A structural engineer's evaluation if framing is broken.
- A building permit from your city or county for structural work.
- Code-required upgrades in the repaired area, paid under ordinance or law coverage within its limits.
The mortgage company on the check
Large claim checks are usually made out to you and your lender. The lender may hold the funds and release them in stages as repairs are inspected. Call its loss draft department early to learn its paperwork and inspection requirements, so payments to contractors are not delayed.
Typical order of events
- Safety and tree removal.
- Tarping and board up.
- Adjuster inspection and estimate.
- Engineering and permits, if needed.
- Framing, then roofing, then interior.
- Final inspection and release of held funds.
More: mortgage company on the insurance check, code upgrade coverage and emergency tarping.