Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Fallen Tree Damage?

Homeowners insurance typically covers damage to your home, garage, or other structures when a tree falls due to a covered peril, such as wind, hail, or lightning. If the tree lands on your house, the cost to remove it is often included, up to your policy's limits.

Damage to your personal belongings inside the home, like furniture or electronics, is also usually covered under your contents coverage. However, if the tree falls in your yard and doesn't hit a structure, most policies do not pay for removal. You need to review your policy to see what perils are listed.

• Tree hits your house: removal and repairs often covered
• Tree hits a detached garage or fence: coverage varies
• Tree falls in yard with no damage: usually not covered
• Tree falls on your car: auto insurance may apply
• Tree falls on a neighbor's property: their insurance may handle it

First, take photos and videos of the damage from multiple angles before you move anything. Document the tree, where it fell, and any damage to your home or belongings. This evidence is crucial for your claim. Keep receipts for any temporary repairs you make, like tarping a roof.

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim. They will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage. While you wait, you can hire a local water damage pro to help with emergency mitigation, but keep records of all expenses. Act quickly to prevent further damage, like water intrusion.

• Document the scene with photos and videos
• Make temporary repairs to prevent more damage
• Save all receipts for expenses
• Contact your insurance company right away
• List all damaged items with estimated values

Regularly inspect trees on your property for signs of disease, rot, or weak branches. Prune dead limbs and remove hazardous trees before they become a problem. In Cypress, the humid subtropical climate and hurricane season mean strong winds are possible, so proactive care matters.

Consider having a professional arborist evaluate large trees near your home. Keep trees trimmed away from your roof and power lines. While you cannot prevent all storm damage, maintenance reduces the risk of a tree falling and causing costly damage.