Tree Damage After A Storm: What Is Covered And What Is Not
Storms and high winds can wreak havoc on any area of an insured property – especially trees. High-wind events are known to snap tree branches, uproot shrubs, and even topple trees in a matter of hours or even minutes. If a property owner is lucky, they are left with a messy yard to clean up and tree debris to remove. In other cases, limbs and trees can land on homes, garages, vehicles, and other property, leading to massive repairs, high costs, and time-consuming insurance claims.
Is Tree Damage Covered by Property Insurance After a Storm?
Whether tree damage is covered by your insurer depends on certain factors, based on the circumstances. Generally, if a tree or limb falls and damages a home, garage, or other insured structure, a policy will cover reasonable expenses to remove debris from the covered property so repairs can begin.
Debris removal is usually covered up to a limit, such as $500 or $1,000, depending on a policy’s terms. If wind knocks down a tree but that tree does not damage property, the homeowner is typically left fully responsible for the removal costs.
Other factors affecting insurance coverage of tree damage include:
- The condition of the tree prior to the storm. If a tree was weakened due to disease, an owner’s neglect, or pre-existing damage, an insurance company may be reluctant to pay out under the policy, citing a failure to mitigate damage by the insured.
- Whether any structural damage to covered property occurred. If a policy covers damage to a home or garage, structural damage due to fallen trees and limbs may be covered. Damage to a lawn or fencing may not be covered, however.
- The terms of your policy. Your homeowners’ insurance policy will review damage that is covered under your policy, including “covered perils”. Under most policies, tree damage is covered at least to some extent. You will want to review your coverage before and after a storm occurs so you know what will be covered in the event of tree debris affecting your property.
When to Call an Attorney After Tree Damage to Your Property
Sometimes, what seems like a straightforward insurance damage claim can turn complicated. Insurance companies perform an important service, but also have a bottom line that they keep in mind. Delays or denials of damage claims for tree damage after a storm are not uncommon. In these situations, an insured property owner may need extra help to make their voices heard and get a claim processed.
Contact a Daytona, Florida Property Damage Attorneys To Discuss Tree Damage and What You Are Entitled to Under Your Policy
The Daytona property damage attorneys at Bundza & Rodriguez, P.A., know the tricks and techniques that insurance companies will use to reduce payments or deny claims. Cleaning up after a storm can be stressful enough, without the frustration of dealing with insurance. If you believe your claim is being delayed or disregarded, we can help. Call our Daytona law offices today at 386-252-5170, or schedule a consultation with our Daytona Beach property damage attorneys online.
Source:
allstate.com/tr/home-insurance/home-insurance-tree-falls-on-house.aspx
