INSURANCE AND FALLING TREES

Living in a state that has interesting storm seasons requires all of us to read and understand our insurance policies.  Most of our homeowners policies cover two types of damages associated with trees.  damage to your own property, which is considered casualty damage, and damage for which you are responsible, labeled liability. As an example, if a tree in your yard fell onto the roof of your home, your policy would pay to repair the damage and remove the tree.

If your neighbor's tree falls onto your home, your insurace policy would cover the loss.  If the tree that toppled over was diseased or tilting severely, and should have been removed or trimmed before the damage occured, the neighbor  could be held liable.  Your insurance company will generally pay for your damage, and then attempt to recover the money they paid from the owner of the tree.

If a tree falls in your yard but doesn't hit anything, there generally is no coverage.  Homeowners insuance policies cover real property.  This is why people are encouraged to inspect the trees on their property to be sure they are properly maintained and are healthy enough to stand up to strong winds.  If the tree hits a shed or fence, it is covered since both are considered real property.  Repairs to a shed of fence are covered up to the policy limit, but if the repairs and cost of getting the tree off the damaged structure exceed the limits, there is typically additional coverage available for removing the debris, usually with a 5 percent cap.

Insurance will not cover a tree that has not damaged insured property.  Your policy covers damage, not the treat of damage. Losses not covered by insurance or other means can be deducted as a casualty loss on your federal income taxes.