How much tree removal coverage is on home insurance?
Short answer. Many homeowners policies written on standard forms pay for tree removal only when a tree felled by wind, hail or the weight of ice or snow damages a covered structure or blocks your driveway or a disability ramp, and they often cap that removal at about $1,000 per loss and $500 per tree. Cutting the tree off the house is usually handled with the roof repair, while trees that fall without hitting anything are generally your cost.
When removal is covered
- The tree hit the house, garage, shed or fence. Removing it from the structure is part of the claim, and hauling it away falls under the tree removal provision.
- The tree blocks the driveway so you cannot get a vehicle in or out, or blocks a ramp for a person with a disability.
- A neighbor's tree falls onto your property and damages your structure. Your own policy handles it.
When it is not
- A tree falls in the yard and hits nothing.
- You want a dead or leaning tree taken down before it falls.
- Trimming limbs that hang over the roof.
- Stump grinding and replanting, which are usually excluded or very limited.
Replacing the tree itself
Standard forms cover trees and shrubs for only a short list of causes, such as fire, lightning, vehicles and vandalism, with a low limit per tree. Wind is usually not on that list, so a tree blown over is generally not replaced.
Practical steps after a tree hits the roof
- Photograph the tree on the house before anything is cut.
- Have a tree service remove the weight from the roof carefully, then tarp the opening.
- Keep separate invoices for removal from the house and for hauling, since the insurer may pay them under different provisions.
- Have the roof, framing and gutters inspected for hidden damage.
Your limits may differ from the standard form, so check your policy. See emergency tarping, how to file and Georgia Roof Guide on trees and your roof.