Can Tree Removal be Covered by Insurance?

Tree removal can be covered by insurance, but not always. There are certain circumstances that will allow for removal to be covered, but not all of them. So the simple answer to our question is “sometimes.”

How Can Tree Removal be Covered by Insurance?

If you need a tree removed, it is covered in a few cases. This can include damage to your home, car, or your neighbors yard.

Weather Damage to Home

Damage caused to your home (or any other structure covered by home insurance) by a fallen tree is typically covered by your home insurance. This is the case if there is a weather-related incident that causes the tree to fall. Additionally, natural disasters, such as earthquakes, are sometimes covered in weather related incidents.

Damage to Car

Typically, your auto insurance will cover damage to your automobile. Just like damage to your home, it must be caused by a weather-related incident. However, some auto insurances may become picky over applying the insurance. Make sure that your automobile insurance covers tree removal if damage occurs.

Damage to Neighbors Home

If a tree from your yard falls because of a storm, or other natural occurrence, then it is your neighbor’s responsibility. Luckily, this will be covered by the neighbor’s home insurance. However, we recommend that if there is a chance that your tree will fall in a storm, to get it removed. We want everyone to be great neighbors!

Why is My Tree Removal Not Covered by Insurance?

Not all tree damage is covered by your insurance. Here is a brief description of what incidents are typically not covered by your insurance.

Damage to Nothing Structural

If a tree falls in your yard and causes no damage, your insurance agency will not cover the tree removal costs. This can be changed if you have a “yard and garden endorsement.” If this is added to your insurance policy, then most likely this will be covered.

This also means that if a tree fell in your driveway, causing a blockage, this most likely will not be covered. For example, if your insurance covers all peril-related incidences, but the tree does not fall on anything structural, tree removal will not be covered.

Age and Deterioration

If a tree falls due to its aging and deterioration, then it will not be covered by your insurance agency. This is considered something that the owners of the tree should take care of. You bought the land with knowledge of the trees around it. Thus, if you need a tree removed for deteriorating, it will not be covered.

Fallen Debris

Fallen debris from a tree is not covered by your insurance, unless you have a ‘debris removal endorsement.’ This means that if you need to remove any debris from a storm, your insurance may cover it if you have the insurance addition. However, without an endorsement, tree removal falls on the homeowner to clean up. This is why our professionals believe that you should always keep up with tree pruning and trimming so that fallen debris is not an issue.

Before a Tree Falls

Insurance companies don’t like to be proactive. They would rather wait until the tree has fallen on something or nothing at all. Your insurance will not cover any routine tree removal or maintenance, meaning that job falls on the homeowner. Furthermore, if you know a tree is unhealthy or at risk of falling, you may become liable to get it removed. This could cause problems with trying to have your insurance cover the tree removal.

Need Help Removing a Tree?

Are you in need of a tree removal service? The professionals at LTRC Tree Specialists have got your back! Contact us at (404) 288-5872 or on our contact page today! We serve the Georgia area with industry leading tree-specialist services. The process of tree removal is our job so that you can focus on what matters most!