The beauty of nature is best appreciated in the springtime. Arbor Day celebrations are just one of the many ways we can achieve this.
It would be absurd to ignore the other side of the coin, namely the potential for serious property damages due to weather-induced tree-falling, as you sow, seed, plant, and lift your eyes to take in the vibrant beauty of all things green.
In actuality, the other side of the story is where your typical homeowner’s insurance policy enters the picture. As you can see, home insurance is made to cover damage caused by trees falling and colliding with your house or other covered structures. This includes property such as:
• Your detached garage
• Your gazebo
• Your storage shed
Your home policy will come up to bat by providing coverage for losses incurred when a tree – even a tree that does not belong to you – strikes your home or property as a result of a:
• Hailstorm
• Thunderstorm
• Windstorm
• Hurricane
• Lightening
Keep in mind, though, that not all natural calamities and occurrences call for protection under your typical house plan. For instance, unless you have separate coverage for the catastrophic event, you won’t be protected if a tree falls during an earthquake or flood and causes damage to your home.
And even though the weather might be directly to blame for a tree falling and the subsequent damage, this isn’t always the case. Notwithstanding meteorological conditions, your standard policy should cover damage incurred from the following as well:
• A fire
• An explosion
• A burglary or theft
• Airplane or aircraft movement
• Car, truck, motorcycle, ATV, or any other motor vehicle that does not belong to you
• Vandalism or malicious mischief
• A riot and civil commotion
Policyholders need to keep in mind that coverage reflects any applicable limits and pre-existing deductibles. However, if a neighbor’s tree were to fall and cause damage to your property, the insurance company that is looking out for your interests might look into whether the tree was unhealthy or in need of better care. Your business will probably attempt to seek compensation from the neighbor’s policy if either of these circumstances materializes. Then, you might be compensated for your deductible expenses.
The ruined structure is so passé! What about getting rid of the fallen tree? Is this covered by a typical homeowners insurance policy? Most insurance policies will cover tree removal if it is related to property damage. Not the case with a tree that fell harmlessly. However, there are businesses that offer coverage in the event that a tree blocks a ramp or driveway that was built especially for people with disabilities.
Of course, the best course of action is to have a knowledgeable independent agency review your homeowner’s or landlord’s policy to make sure that all of your unique needs are covered.