Does insurance pay for tree damage?
Short answer. Yes for most damage a tree causes in a storm: your homeowners policy pays for the house, other structures and belongings it damages, and your auto policy's comprehensive coverage pays for a car. Removing the tree is paid within set limits, while the value of the tree itself and general yard cleanup usually are not.
Which policy pays for what
- Your house: your homeowners dwelling coverage, minus the deductible, no matter whose tree it was.
- Fence, shed, detached garage: your other structures coverage.
- Furniture, electronics, clothing: your personal property coverage.
- Your car in the driveway: your auto policy's comprehensive coverage, not your homeowners policy.
- Your tree on the neighbor's house: the neighbor's own homeowners policy, unless your negligence caused it, in which case your liability coverage may respond.
- Hotel costs while the house is repaired: loss of use coverage.
- Tree removal: part of the repair when it is on the house; otherwise a limited debris removal benefit.
How much you actually receive
The approved repair cost minus your deductible. If the tree fell in a windstorm and your policy has a separate wind and hail deductible, that one may apply. On replacement cost policies, the first payment may be actual cash value, with the held back depreciation paid when repairs are finished; see ACV vs RCV.
When tree damage is not paid
- Damage that happened slowly: roots cracking a driveway or foundation, branches wearing through shingles.
- A dead tree you were warned about, if the insurer can show neglect.
- The value of the tree itself after wind or ice.
Making the claim easy to approve
Photograph the tree in place before removal, keep the tree service invoice itemized, and have the roof inspected even if the visible damage looks small. A falling crown often cracks shingles and dents gutters several feet from where the trunk landed. See how to file a roof claim.