How Much Does Insurance Pay For Tree Removal After a Storm?
Trees make a beautiful addition to any property, but they also can cause problems if they fall on your house or other structures. This is why homeowners insurance coverage will often pay for tree removal after a storm.
Whether your home insurance will cover a fallen tree depends on how it fell and where it landed. Most policies will also pay for the cleanup of debris after a tree falls.
If you have a standard homeowners policy, you should be able to get your home insured for the cost of tree removal if it has caused damage or if it is obstructing your driveway or disability entry. However, if the tree hasn't damaged anything and is merely obstructing your access to the home or its grounds, then it won't be covered.
Most insurers cap the amount of tree removal coverage based on a percentage of the policy limits, a set number, or a per-tree amount. For example, if your home is insured for $250,000, insurance companies will typically only spend 5% of the policy limits on tree removal.
You may need to obtain an extended replacement cost endorsement to cover the extra expense if your home has been damaged by a falling tree and needs to be repaired or replaced. Having that endorsement in place can save you money and time by reducing your insurance premiums at renewal.
A homeowner should consider removing a tree that is unhealthy or old, or is prone to falling due to storms. This is especially important if there is an expected storm coming in the near future.
The Insurance Information Institute says that most home insurance providers will pay for the removal of a tree if it causes damage to the structure of your home or other buildings on your property, such as a garage, shed, or fence. In addition, they usually cover the removal of debris if it is blocking your driveway or handicapped-accessible entrance.
Generally, a tree is not covered under most standard homeowners policies if it's due to an event that is considered a covered peril. This is because if a flood, earthquake, or landslide occurred and the tree fell on your home, you would not be covered by standard homeowners insurance.
Some insurers will not pay for tree removal if you have done anything to make the tree more likely to fall, such as allowing it to become decayed or having a negligent tree caretaker. The best way to avoid these issues is by keeping trees healthy and avoiding having them grow too tall, which can increase their likelihood of being hit by a storm or other peril.
In addition to the above, if you live in an area where a hurricane, flood, or earthquake is a regular threat, you should take out an additional policy for those events to ensure you're covered for the cost of tree removal if you need it. These policies are typically much cheaper than standard homeowner's insurance and can offer significant savings over the long term.
Tree Removal Chester County PA
Trees make a beautiful addition to any property, but they also can cause problems if they fall on your house or other structures. This is why homeowners insurance coverage will often pay for tree removal after a storm. Whether your home insurance will cover a fallen tree depends on how it fell and where it…