Is tree damage covered by home insurance?
Short answer. Usually yes when a sudden event such as wind, ice or lightning causes a tree to damage your house or other structures, regardless of whose tree it was. It is usually not covered when the damage comes from slow causes like roots and rubbing branches, from a tree the insurer can show was obviously dead and neglected, or when the tree simply falls in the yard.
Scenario by scenario
- Healthy tree blown onto the house in a storm: covered.
- Dead tree blown onto the house: often still paid, but the insurer may argue neglect if the tree was visibly dead for a long time.
- Lightning splits a tree onto the garage: covered, and the tree itself may get limited coverage because lightning is a listed peril for trees.
- A driver hits your tree and it falls on the house: covered, and your insurer may pursue the driver.
- A tree being cut down lands on the house: a hired tree service's liability insurance should pay first, so check its certificate before work begins; your own policy may also respond to an accident.
- Roots crack the foundation, driveway or sewer line: usually excluded as gradual damage.
- Branches wear through shingles over time: excluded as wear and maintenance.
- Tree falls in the yard without hitting anything: generally not covered, except limited removal when it blocks a driveway.
Getting a covered tree claim paid fully
Photograph the tree before it is moved, keep the tree service invoice itemized, and have the roof and gutters inspected for damage away from the main impact. Broken limbs often crack shingles and dent gutters several feet away. See wind damage claims and emergency protection.