Insurance Details

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 Homeowners insurance usually covers damage to your fence. The other structures coverage in a home insurance policy typically covers things like a fence, shed or detached garage on your property if it's damaged by a covered peril, such as a fallen tree.
 

Q: How much does homeowners insurance cover for tree damage to the home?
 

A. The coverage limits you've set on your homeowners insurance policy determine how much your insurer may pay for tree damage.
A limit is the maximum amount your policy will pay for a covered claim. You'll likely have separate coverage limits for dwelling coverage and other structures coverage.
Dwelling coverage helps pay to repair the structure of your home if it's damaged by a covered peril. Other structures coverage helps pay to repair other structures on your property, such as a shed or a fence, if they are damaged by a covered peril.
Suppose you set a dwelling coverage limit of $350,000 when you purchased your homeowners insurance policy. If a tree damages your home, your policy may help pay up to $350,000 to repair or rebuild your home. Keep in mind that you'll have to pay your deductible, which is your share of the covered claim. You typically select the deductible amount when you purchase coverage.
 

Q: What if the tree doesn't damage anything?
 

A: If a tree falls down and causes no structural damage, meaning your house doesn't need any repairs, your homeowners insurance policy typically will not cover tree debris removal. However, sometimes insurance companies may help cover the cost of removal if the fallen tree becomes an obstacle for drivers like blocking a driveway.
 

Q: What happens if the tree was on my neighbor's property?
 

A: If your home is damaged by your neighbor's tree because of wind, homeowners insurance will pay to repair the damage to your house (or other structure, if the tree falls on your fence, for example).
 

Q: Am I responsible if a tree from my property damages my neighbor's property?
 

A: You're typically only considered responsible if neglect on your part was a contributing factor to the tree's demise. If not — say a storm knocked your healthy tree onto your neighbor's house —your neighbor will have to file a claim through his or her own insurance.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Fallen Trees?

Roots usually keep trees firmly in the ground and standing upright. But sometimes — such as when high winds, lightning strikes or if a tree isn’t properly taken care of — those roots aren’t strong enough to hold the tree, which means it could potentially topple over and cause damage to your home. Depending on what caused the tree to fall, your homeowners insurance policy can help cover the disaster.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tree Damage?

If a tree falls on your home, your first step is to get you and your family to safety. Calling your insurance company should also be on the top of your to-do list. They’ll determine if your home insurance will help cover the damage. Usually, your homeowners insurance policy covers damage if a tree on your or someone else's property falls on your home.

Is Tree Damage From A Neighbor Covered By Insurance?

During storms, trees and tree branches can cause significant damage to your home. If your neighbor’s tree fell on your house, you might be left wondering who’s responsible to pay the damages. It may not seem fair, but if your neighbor’s tree falls onto your property after a wind storm (or other covered peril) and causes damage, it’s your responsibility to file a claim with your insurance company.

And, if your neighbor’s rotting tree fell on your property, you’ll still be the one to file a claim with your insurance company. Your insurance company will investigate, and if they believe the neighbor was negligent and legally liable for the tree falling, the neighbor and their insurance company may have to pay for the damages, rather than you and your insurance company.

If the situation is reversed and a tree on your property damages your neighbor’s property, it works the same way: Your neighbor may want to consider filing a claim with their insurance company. If their insurance company finds that the tree fell because you didn’t maintain it, you and your insurance company may be responsible for the covering those damages.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tree Removal?

If a tree fell because of something like lightning, fire or damage from a vehicle, we’ll pay a limited amount to have the trees removed.

Your responsibilities will differ depending on the type of claim, but there are two things that you should always do:

 Report your claim to us as soon as possible
Protect your property from further loss or damage 

Does Amica homeowners insurance cover tree damage?
Damage caused by trees falling due to wind is covered as part of a standard Amica homeowners policy.
 

Hurricane damage for homeowners

The damages that result from a hurricane — mostly as a result of the intensely strong winds and rains — are typically covered under your home insurance policy. However, any flood damage wouldn’t be covered by your standard homeowners policy. For total peace of mind, consider purchasing a separate flood insurance policy to keep you better protected.
 

How Do I File a Homeowners Insurance Claim with Amica?

You can file a homeowners insurance claim on Amica’s website via online chat, the mobile app, or by phone. Follow these steps when filing a claim:

 - If your claim involves a crime like theft or vandalism, first contact the police and file a police report.

  - Contact Amica as soon as you can. File your claim either online using the chat function, on the mobile app, or by calling and speaking to a representative.
  - Document the incident with photos and video where possible.
  - Repair any damage that could cause more harm to your home and keep receipts for any work.
 - Amica will assign a claim handler to you and may send an adjuster to view the damage.

Common Coverages: Hurricane and Windstorm

Because most of Chubb's homeowner policies provide "all risk" coverage, physical damage to your home or other structures at the insured location caused by hurricane or windstorm are covered loss. However, a special deductible for Named Storms may apply in lieu of your standard deductible. With very limited exception, Chubb only covers damage caused by flood, surface water or ground water if you have purchased a Chubb Personal or Excess Flood Insurance policy

We may, however, pay the following extra coverages (the base deductible or a special deductible may apply) in connection with a covered loss depending upon the policy under which you are insured:

Additional Living Expenses or Loss of Use Coverage: If a covered loss to your house, other permanent structure or contents makes the dwelling(s) uninhabitable, we may provide coverage for a reasonable increase in your normal living expenses, which could include:

Temporary residence,

Hotels, meals, transportation, etc.

Pet kenneling,

Replacing lost fair rental value, or

Other increases to normal living expenses, as described in the policy.

However, power outages that do not result from a covered loss to your property will not trigger Additional Living Expenses.

Temporary Precautionary Repairs: After a covered loss, we may provide coverage for temporary precautionary repairs to protect the home, contents, or other structures from further damage.

Debris Removal: We may pay for the cost you incur that was made necessary by a covered loss to demolish damaged covered property and remove debris.

Forced Evacuation: If you are forced to evacuate your home or other permanent structure as a direct result of a covered loss or a reasonable threat of a loss covered under the policy, we may cover the reasonable increase in normal living expenses for up to 30 days. This might include hotel and meal expenses or kenneling for pets. Under some policies, this coverage only applies if a civil authority has forced you to evacuate your home.

Tree Removal: Unless covered elsewhere under the policy, we may pay the reasonable expenses you incur to remove trees fallen due to wind. Special coverage limits will apply.

If your neighbor’s tree falls during a storm and damages your house, you should still be covered by your homeowners insurance policy. However, if the tree fell because it was dead and rotting, you might possibly make a case that your neighbor is responsible for any damages due to negligent upkeep. Keep in mind, this is very difficult to prove and would require documented proof that you had asked the neighbor to remove the dead tree before it eventually fell.

On the other side of the coin, if your tree falls and damages your neighbor’s house, their homeowners insurance would cover the damage. But again, if your neighbor can prove you were negligent in not removing the tree, you could be determined to be liable for the damage yourself.

What happens if a tree on my property falls on my car? Does my homeowners insurance cover that damage? 

No, your homeowners policy wouldn’t cover the damage to your automobile. In this case, you’d need to file a claim with your auto insurance. Whether that is covered would depend on if you have purchased comprehensive coverage on your auto policy, subject to policy terms and exclusions. 

One of the most important elements of a strong roof may not be as easy to see, Giammanco says. It’s the adhesive that holds down the visible part of the shingles — the tabs, in roofer speak. When a roof is installed, the adhesive needs to reach 140 degrees to activate — and that depends on heat from the sun, he explains. Once that adhesive sets, the shingle becomes rigid and working or walking on the roof fractures that stiffness.
 

A shingle that’s loose or lifting in the wind means the adhesive isn’t doing its job anymore. And that means trouble, he says.
“It’s progressive. Once one shingle starts lifting, others will too, and then those shingles will start to peel off,” says Giammanco. “That’s the main vulnerability from walking on the roof”.
 

Ian Giammanco, lead research meteorologist for the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) 

One of my trees fell during a storm. Do I have coverage to remove the tree?

Yes, if a tree(s) damages your home or garage (or other ‘covered structure’), your homeowners policy covers you up to $500 to remove the tree(s) once it has been lifted off the structure, regardless of the number of fallen trees. The cost to cut and/or lift a fallen tree off of the “covered structure” and drop it to the ground will be calculated as part of the cost to repair that structure and will not be subject to the $500 limit. However, there is no coverage for trees that are leaning or for trees that fall onto plants or lawns. Tree removal coverage only applies if the tree damages a “covered structure.” 

CLAIMS: 800-243-5860

What Homeowners Insurance Coverage Protects Against

The unexpected can strike at any moment, but having homeowners insurance can help keep your most valued assets covered if it does. If a strong storm knocks a tree onto your house, causing extensive damage, your homeowners insurance coverage will help cover the cost of repairs.

Property Damage

Most home insurance companies offer policies to help protect your home and the structures directly attached to it. Dwelling coverage helps pay the costs to repair or rebuild your home and its attached structures if they’re damaged in a covered loss, like wind, fire, hail or lightning.

Other Structures

Homeowners insurance protects structures that are not directly attached to your home. For example, if your detached garage is damaged, other structures coverage can help with the repair costs.

 What should I do after a loss?

• Protecting yourself and others should be your first priority. Always be careful before entering a damaged building. If your property has sustained serious structural damage or if there are any doubts about its safety, contact local government officials to determine the status of your home before entering.
• If possible protect the property from further damage
 

What is tree removal coverage?

Your policy provides coverage for the removal of a fallen tree from a covered structure and for completing temporary repairs. Tree removal coverage does not include the removal of any tree still standing, whether dead or alive, or the removal of any branches that are hanging from the tree.
The policy also provides “Additional Coverage” up to $500 for the removal of tree debris if caused by a covered peril provided the tree(s) damages a covered structure. These perils include but are not limited to wind, weight of ice, snow and sleet. The $500 limit is the most we will pay in any one loss regardless of the number of fallen trees

 

1-800-421-3535

Does homeowners insurance cover preventative tree removal?

No matter how precarious the tree is, your homeowners insurance policy doesn’t cover its preventative removal. The costs associated with removing leaning, rotten, or otherwise dangerous trees fall to you. That said, the cost of removing a tree that seems to be in danger of falling is well worth it. Damage caused by fallen trees that were not removed due to property owner negligence may not be covered by your policy, and you could be on the hook to pay for any damages, injuries, and legal costs incurred. If you believe a tree on your property is looking hazardous, taking preventative action sooner than later could save you a lot of money and trouble.

Does homeowners insurance cover tree removal after a storm?

Storms can quickly turn healthy, safe trees into ticking time bombs. Particularly strong storms can even forgo the timer and hurl trees directly into your home or other property. But if this happens, are you covered? Does homeowners insurance cover tree removal after a hurricane, microburst, or other natural disasters?

The answer depends on where the tree landed, or if it was uprooted at all. Because homeowners insurance does not cover preventative tree removal, a tree that was merely damaged by a storm but not completely fallen will not be covered. It falls to you to remove that tree before gravity or another storm finishes what the first storm started. If the storm did completely uproot the tree, and it did not land on or damage any of your property, its removal is also not covered.

Yet it’s not uncommon for people to file claims for damage caused by wind or storms, so how does tree removal get included in that mix? For tree removal to be covered in the wake of a storm, the tree must have caused damage to a structure that is covered by your insurance. For example, damage to the roof of your home or your front porch will be covered in this instance. Your insurance may also pay for a tree’s removal if it is blocking a driveway or handicap assistance ramp. If a tree is simply harmless debris on your property, then you’ll likely be removing it on your own.

Does homeowners insurance cover damaged tree removal?

As much risk as a damaged tree can pose, your homeowners insurance does not cover its removal if it hasn’t fallen and damaged your insured property.

If your home is damaged by wind/hurricane

Call us at 1-800-421-3535 or file a wind damage claim online. Please have your policy number handy, as well as your telephone number and/or email address.

* Wind damaged houses can let water inside. If windows, doors or skylights have been broken, and it is safe to do so cover them with tarps or plywood to prevent rain damage inside your home. Be sure to save all repair receipts.

* Don’t start permanent, major repairs or renovations until you have spoken with your Nationwide claims associate.

* Take inventory and retain any belongings that may have been destroyed or damaged, noting the brand, price and other details.

* If safe to do so, take pictures of any damage. However, let your claims associate or roofing professional photograph roof damage.

* If you have pictures of your home before the damage, include them with your insurance claim.

* If a contractor is needed, you're free to find your own contractor or select one from our On Your Side Property Repair Network®.

* Fallen trees or large branches are best removed by a professional tree service.This service may be covered odepending on your policy coverage and any applicable limits. Keep any invoices to be discussed with claims associate.

How Nationwide’s wind damage insurance claim process works

A Nationwide claims associate will contact you to:

* Review your insurance policy

* Determine damages that will be covered

* Help determine next steps in documenting damages to your property

Some claims may be settled over the phone.. Otherwise, a Nationwide claims associate may inspect your property and estimate the cost to repair the damage.

Any payment you receive is based on the coverage you’ve purchased and the severity of the damage, minus your applicable policy deductible.

Arranging for repairs:

* For repairs, you’re free to find your own contractor or select one from our On Your Side® Property Repair Network.

* If this loss causes your home to be unlivable, we may help cover your additional living expenses.

Homeowners Insurance Policy

The insurer sells home insurance policies for primary residences, second homes, and vacation homes. Basic coverage always includes standard protections for loss and damage caused by things like theft, liability lawsuits, and fire.

The Nationwide policy covers:

* House/Dwelling: Coverage for the structural parts of your home like the walls, roof, and permanent floor

* Personal property: Coverage for the contents of your home. That means coverage for personal belongings

* Other structures: Coverage for any outbuildings like detached garages, swimming pools, and sheds

* Liability: Coverage for accidents that happen to someone else while they’re at your residence

* Medical payments: Coverage for medical bills or funeral expenses of a guest on your property

* Loss of use: Coverage for when a policyholder must relocate temporarily — only applies in a covered loss event, like a fire

Homeowners pays for any damage to your belongings, home, or other structure on your property (garage, deck, shed, swing set, fence, etc.). Plus, it will pay for the tree removal and clean up. You just have to pay your deductible, and that's it. 

CLAIMS: 1-800-332-3226

1. Your homeowners insurance covers tree removal and damage repairs for your home and other insured structures, such as fences.

A tree falls on your property and damages one or more insured structures. What now? Your homeowners insurance will help with the cost of removing the tree and repairing the damage. That's once you pay your deductible, of course. Examples of covered incidents can include strong winds knocking a tree over onto your roof or lightning striking a tree, causing it to fall on your fence.

However, if a tree falls due to neglect, you may not receive any coverage. So keep your trees in good shape, and ask your neighbors to do the same.

2. If there's no damage, there's likely no insurance coverage.

You may assume your homeowners insurance will cover the removal costs of any fallen tree, but that isn't the case. If a tree falls on your property without damaging any insured structures, you will need to cover the costs of tree removal yourself.

3. Your city or municipality may clean up trees that fall into the street, but you may still have reason to file an insurance claim.

Check with your city or municipality to determine who's responsible for removing a tree that falls into the street. If your city takes responsibility, it may only be for the portion that's in the street. Any of the felled tree that's left on your property will be your responsibility. Your insurance will help if an insured structure was damaged in the incident.

4. You have coverage even if a tree falls from your neighbor's property.

When a fallen tree damages your property, your homeowners insurance is responsible no matter who owned the tree. Depending on the circumstances, your insurance carrier may attempt to recoup some of the costs, including your deductible, from your neighbor's insurance. This may occur, for example, if the neighbor was negligent in caring for a hazardous tree before it fell.

5. Your car insurance may cover damage to your vehicle from a fallen tree.

If a tree falls from your property onto your car, it's your car insurance and not your homeowners insurance that will help cover the cost of repairs. But, the tree doesn't have to be from your property. You likely have coverage if a tree falls on your car, no matter from where.

Of course, every insurance carrier handles fallen trees slightly differently. It all depends on the specifics of your policy and your coverage limits, as well as the specifics of your situation. If you need to file an insurance claim for a fallen tree, use the tips below.

Tips for Filing an Insurance Claim for a Fallen Tree

Take photos: Photos taken from many angles and vantage points help to establish the extent and cause of the damage. Be careful not to go near fallen trees that are entangled in power lines, however. And don't climb onto an unstable surface to get better photos.

Provide as many details as possible: If, for example, a neighbor's tree was neglected and fell onto your property, causing damage, be sure to tell your carrier. If a storm caused the tree to fall, be sure to provide details about the severity of the weather.

Be prepared to pay your deductible: If you experience a covered loss due to a fallen tree, you will be responsible for paying the appropriate deductible.

TREE WINDSTORM DAMAGE

800 732 5246

What are my first steps if I have damage?

* When it is safe to do so, make (or have a contractor make) temporary repairs to prevent further damage to your home or property.

* Save receipts if you purchase items such as tarps, plywood or other supplies to make repairs.

* Take photos/videos of damage for claim documentation.

* To get the claims process started, you can file your claim online, call 1-800-SFCLAIM (800-732-5246) or contact your State Farm agent.

Am I covered for tree debris removal?

* If a windstorm causes a tree to fall but it does not damage your covered real property (such as your house, fence, carport or garage), the homeowners policy does not cover tree debris removal.

* If a windstorm causes a tree to fall and it damages your covered real property, then coverage is provided to remove the tree from the house, fence, carport or garage in order to perform repairs to that property. State Farm will also provide up to $1,000 to haul away the tree debris from the residence

How do I File a Claim?

Report your claim as soon as possible.

* File online

* Use the State Farm mobile app

* Contact your State Farm agent

* Call 800-SF-CLAIM (800-732-5246 ) 24/7

Which Contractor Should I Choose?

* It is your choice as to who you select and hire to provide an estimate or complete repairs to your property.

* Select an established, licensed, or bonded contractor. Not all jurisdictions require licensing of contractors).

* Get references as well as certificates of insurance (both liability and workers compensation), and verify they are active when your work is scheduled.

* You may refer to the Contractor Locator page on statefarm.com® to see contact information for Roofing Network Service Providers (RNSPs) listed. You may contact any roofing network service provider whose information appears on the Contractor Locator page to get details and additional information regarding services they provide or to get assistance with identifying and selecting participating contractor(s) within their network who service the customer's geographic area who may be available to complete repairs to your property

Take steps to mitigate further damage, such as buying tarps to cover holes in your roof. Be sure to save your receipts. 

Will my insurance cover tree damage?

Good news: Standard homeowners insurance policies will cover most weather-related events. So damage from a tree falling on your dwelling (or on other insured structures such as a shed, detached garage or fencing) should be covered.

However, as with other types of insurance, your coverage may depend on what caused the tree to fall and damage your property. With a covered peril, you'll be able to make a claim to repair the structure of your home and replace any damaged personal belongings.

But if your insurance company determines that the tree was rotted or poorly maintained before falling, you may be out of luck.

Location can also impact your coverage. If you live in an area that's considered high risk for major storms like tornadoes and hurricanes, a standard policy may not offer the same level of coverage. To get better protection, you can purchase specialized windstorm insurance.
 

What if the fallen tree is from a neighbor's property?

According to the Insurance Information Institute, you're covered no matter who owns the fallen tree. Besides, in most cases, your insurance company won't analyze every piece of debris that causes damage — especially if your area was hit by a large storm.
 

Does homeowners insurance cover tree removal?

When you make a claim for property damage caused by a fallen tree, your insurance company will likely cover the cost of removal as part of your claim. Of course, it's best to check with your insurer or claims adjuster to confirm what will be covered so you can avoid unexpected charges.

 If a tree falls without hitting an insured structure on your property, then the removal probably won't be covered. One possible exception is if the tree blocks a necessary handicapped-accessible ramp or driveway. It depends on the specifics of your policy.