Consumer Connection: Tree damage and insurance

By Sonya Sellmeyer

Consumer Advocacy Officer for the Iowa Insurance Division

Severe weather, high winds or old age can cause trees or large branches to fall, sometimes causing damage to your home, garage, fence or vehicle. In the aftermath, many homeowners wonder if insurance will cover the damage and what steps to take next.

In most cases, standard homeowners insurance does cover damage caused by a fallen tree or large branch if the fall is sudden and accidental and caused by a covered peril such as wind, hail, lightning or the weight of ice or snow. If a tree falls on your house, shed or fence and causes damage, your policy may pay for:

Structural repairs to your home or other covered buildings

Removal of the tree, typically up to a certain dollar amount as defined by your policy

Temporary living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable

However, if the tree fell without causing damage, your insurance may not cover removal. If a tree falls due to neglect, disease, or rot, and the risk was known beforehand the claim may be denied.

If a tree or branch falls on your vehicle, the damage is not covered by homeowners insurance. Instead, review your auto insurance for the comprehensive coverage benefits. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage caused by non-collision events, including falling trees, theft, vandalism and weather.

If you only carry liability auto insurance, which is the minimum requirement in Iowa, you will be responsible for the repair or replacement costs.

If your neighbor's tree falls onto your property and damages your home, your own homeowners insurance may cover it, but you will have to pay your deductible. If the tree was dead or poorly maintained, and your neighbor was negligent, your insurer may try to recover costs from their insurance through subrogation, which ensures the negligent party is responsible for the loss. In that case, your deductible may be returned.

If your tree damages a neighbor's property, they should file a claim with their insurance, but you could be liable if your neglect or poor maintenance contributed to the fall.

If a tree falls on your property, ensure safety first. Stay away from downed power lines and damaged structures. Call emergency services if there's a safety risk. Document the damage with clear photos and videos before making any changes or repairs. Mitigate against further damage by covering holes or broken windows with tarps or boards. Contact your insurance company if it appears the damage is over your deductible, and file a claim promptly and provide documentation. Only hire registered contractors and tree removal services. Don't sign service company contracts with any blanks, and know how much of the clean up cost you will be responsible for. Keep receipts for reimbursement.

Homeowners insurance may cover damage from fallen trees if caused by storms or other covered perils as defined by the policy. Car damage is only covered under comprehensive auto insurance. Understanding your policies and acting quickly can help minimize stress and out-of-pocket expenses in these unexpected events.

Always review your insurance coverage and speak with your agent regularly to ensure your home and autos have the proper protection. The Iowa Insurance Division is here to assist at 515-654-6600.