Does homeowners insurance cover tree removal?
No matter how precarious the tree is, your homeowners insurance policy probably 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?
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 may also not be covered.
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 may 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.
If you have questions about your property, you can always talk to your insurance agent to understand what exactly your policy covers.