Homeowners Insurance and Fallen Tree Damage
Homeowners insurance typically covers tree removal if a tree damages your home or other structures, or if it blocks a driveway or mobility ramp. Coverage often extends up to $1,000, subject to your policy's terms.
Does homeowners insurance cover tree damage?
In most cases, yes, homeowners insurance covers tree damage and removal if a fallen tree damages your home or another insured structure. This typically falls under debris removal coverage, with most insurers paying up to $1,000 toward cleanup.
Damage caused by a covered peril (like a windstorm)is usually included, extending protection to your home, attached structures (such as garages or fences), and other buildings like sheds. Even if a tree doesn’t cause damage, removal may still be covered if it blocks a driveway or mobility ramp.
Your deductible will apply to any covered damage.
When is tree removal not covered by home insurance?
If a fallen tree doesn’t damage your home or other structures, your insurance likely won’t cover the cost to remove it, unless it’s blocking a driveway or accessibility ramp. Here are a few other situations where tree removal usually isn’t covered.
Home insurance generally doesn’t cover the removal of diseased or dying trees, or the damage they cause. Since maintaining your yard and trees is part of regular home upkeep, any problems caused by neglect are usually your responsibility.
If a flood knocks down a tree and it damages your home, your homeowners insurance won’t cover the repairs or removal. That’s because flood damage requires a separate flood insurance policy, often available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Damage caused by earthquakes (including fallen trees) is typically not covered by standard home insurance. Homeowners in earthquake-prone areas can buy separate earthquake insurance for this kind of protection.
Does Home Insurance Cover Natural Disasters? | The Zebra
Your home insurance coverage after a natural disaster depends on your location. Most natural disasters, hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes are not covered by homeowners insurance.
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Will insurance pay for property damaged by a neighbor's tree?
If a neighbor’s tree falls and damages your property, both your damages and the removal of the tree are likely covered.[1] If you file with your own company, your insurer will likely try to collect damages from your neighbor’s insurer. This is typically done through a process called subrogation, in which insurance companies investigate the situation and reach an agreement on who is responsible. If your neighbor is deemed responsible, you will likely have your deductible refunded.Â
Situations with adjoining properties and responsibility can be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by an insurance company, though. If the damage is fairly simple and the cost will be similar to your (or your neighbor's) deductible, consider paying out of pocket to avoid a rate increase.Â
"I had a tree fall across my driveway and onto my neighbor’s new Mazda. Since my home wasn’t damaged, my insurance wouldn’t cover the cleanup or her car. She filed a comprehensive claim with her auto insurer, and I offered to pay half her deductible and to cover the cost of tree removal. Filing a home claim would’ve likely raised my rates more than splitting the cleanup costs, and it kept things friendly between neighbors."
-Beth Swanson, Insurance Analyst at The Zebra
Will home insurance cover damage to landscaping?
If a fallen tree damages your decorative landscaping—like flower beds, shrubs, or ornamental trees—your homeowners insurance may cover it, but only if a covered peril, such as wind, lightning caused the fall.
Even when it’s covered, payouts are limited. Most policies cover up to 5% of your home’s dwelling coverage, with a per-item limit (often around $500 per tree or shrub). Damage from flooding, disease, or neglect isn’t covered.
When to File a Homeowners Insurance Claim
Knowing when to file and when not to file a homeowners insurance claim can save you money in the long run. Don't put your home insurance coverage at risk by filing claims when you shouldn't!
Considerations
Trees can add beauty to your yard, but they can also cause expensive damage. Before filing a claim, make sure you understand what your homeowners insurance covers and check your policy limits and covered perils. If anything’s unclear, reach out to your insurance agent for guidance.
If your home insurance rates feel high, it may be time to compare homeowners insurance quotes. The Zebra makes it easy to review top home insurance companies and see rates side by side: just enter your ZIP code below to get started.
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Fallen tree damage and homeowners insurance FAQs:
If a tree falls on your house. III
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
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