Do you know what to do if something happens to a tree in your yard, causing it substantial damage? In some cases, you may be able to file a tree damage insurance claim with your homeowners’ insurance company to cover the cost of tree removal or storm damage repairs.
Unfortunately, not all situations will qualify for help through an insurance company. Our experts at Georgia Tree Company offer top-tier tree services in Johns Creek, GA, and have extensive experience with insurance claims for damaged trees. Here’s what you should know.
Can You File a Homeowners’ Insurance Claim for Tree Damage?
Tree damage insurance coverage within a homeowners’ insurance policy must fall under a covered peril, which is a situation beyond the policyholder’s control. Most insurance policies cover the damage that trees cause to structures like roofs or windows. Sometimes, policies include coverage for the trees themselves in whole or in part.
What Homeowners’ Insurance Will and Won’t Cover Regarding Tree Damage
Insurance agencies often include specific details about what their policies will cover, which typically include:
- Wind damage
- Lightning and subsequent fire damage
- Snow and ice damage
- Theft and vandalism
- Tree damage stemming from someone else’s vehicle
Despite these coverages, your homeowners’ insurance agency likely won’t cover damage from poor tree health or rot. Tree damage from flooding or an earthquake might also be exempt, even if your policy includes storm coverage since most insurance companies require separate policies to cover flooding and earthquakes.
Can You File a Fallen Tree Claim?
Your insurance policy might pay for removal if a tree falls on your property. Still, not all situations will garner a claims approval. The reason for the fall must be part of your policy’s covered perils. The toppled tree must also block an access point or hit an insured structure like your home, deck, or gazebo.
So what if a neighbor’s tree falls in your yard? Insurance companies usually approve claims for covered property, so you’ll likely need to file a claim with your agency. Due to property liability, your neighbor may be responsible if the fall occurs due to their negligence.
Steps To Take If a Tree Falls in Your Yard
Remember these steps in case a tree falls on your property:
- Ensure your household’s safety
- Contact emergency services if necessary
- Document by taking pictures of the damage
- Call your insurance provider
- Contact tree care professionals for an estimate
- Wait for an insurance adjuster to make a hazard assessment
Let Us Take Care of Your Damaged Tree Problems
If a tree falls on your property in Johns Creek, Georgia, and you need tree damage insurance assistance, count on our experts at Georgia Tree Company to help. Our licensed, insured, and certified tree care experts are available 24/7 to address storm-damaged trees and other emergencies. We also have years of experience helping clients navigate insurance claims for fallen or damaged trees.
From handling tree insurance claims to understanding the top benefits of using a crane for tree removal, we’ll help with everything — call (404) 990-0010 today for a free estimate with GTC in Johns Creek.