March 29, 2024

Bucks Blog: Hurricane Insurance Claims: All About Falling Trees

Hurricane Irene knocked a tree onto this house in Exeter, Penn.Associated PressHurricane Irene knocked a tree onto this house in Exeter, Pa.

Now that Hurricane Irene has passed, the thoughts of homeowners turn to filing claims for damage caused by the storm. Several Bucks readers had questions about damage caused by trees, so we spoke with representatives of the Insurance Information Institute for some answers.

For even more details about killer trees, the Institute has created an online video that covers the topic. For definitive answers about your own property, of course, you should check your policy and call your agent or the company that wrote the policy.

Q: Does insurance cover the cost of fallen tree removal, if it does not hit your home?

A. Generally, no. Homeowners insurance covers damage to insured structures, like your house or a detached garage. You’re also covered for resulting damage to any contents, and the cost of removing the tree if it falls on either structure. But, “If it just makes a mess in your backyard, it’s generally not covered,” says Jeanne Salvatore, a spokeswoman for the Institute.

That said, there are always exceptions — and some companies may cover removal of a fallen tree if it blocks, say, a driveway or ramp necessary for a handicapped person to access the property. The best way to find out is to call your agent, she says: “Don’t make an assumption that you’re not covered.”

Q: Does the insurance cover replacement of trees, as well as removal? And what about removal of a tree before the storm, to protect the house from the tree that might fall on it?

A: No and no. Standard homeowners insurance generally covers structures, says Ms. Salvatore. That means if a storm blows over a big oak and it smashes through your roof, the policy pays for a new roof — but not a new oak. (Oddly, though, there may be coverage for damage to trees and shrubs damaged by fire or vandalism, according to the Institute).

And, while taking pre-emptive action to remove a tree might seem prudent, it isn’t covered by your homeowner’s policy, says Michael Barry, an Institute spokesman. (The cost of removing a tree often falls within the typical $500 to $1,000 deductible anyway, he says.)

Q: If my neighbor’s tree falls on my property, who’s responsible?

A: If a tree falls on your house — regardless of where it was growing before the storm — you should file a claim with your own insurance company, Ms. Salvatore says. In some situations, though — if the tree was in poor health, say, or improperly maintained — your insurer may try to collect from your neighbor’s insurance company, through a process called subrogation. If the effort is successful, your company may reimburse you for your deductible, she explains.

Q: What if a tree falls on my car?

A: The comprehensive coverage on your auto policy should cover this, Mr. Barry says.

Article source: http://feeds.nytimes.com/click.phdo?i=1337c1af718488c10e8725168c211d0e