Fallen Trees and Homeowners Insurance - What's Covered?
Winston-Salem, NC 11/3/2017
One of the most common types of homeowner's insurance claims involves trees damaging insured property. In the spring of 2017, the Triad witnessed multiple severe thunderstorms accompanied by unusually high wind gusts. Many local homeowners found themselves contacting their insurance agents for help handling fallen trees, property damage, and debris removal. The Insurance Information Institute (III), a trade group representing property and casualty insurers, offers the following information about such coverage from the typical homeowners insurance policy:
• Damage to your home and its contents, and other structures on the property, is covered. That's true regardless of whether the tree was growing on your property or your neighbor's. There's generally a cap of 10 percent on coverage for structures other than your home, such as a detached garage.
• You're responsible for the deductible. If the storm in question is classified as a named hurricane—the spring storms in the Triad were not—you could be responsible instead for the hurricane deductible, which often is much larger because it's calculated as a percentage of the home's insured value. Most homeowners in our local area - and most of our clients - are not subject to these higher, named-storm deductibles. We are usually able to eliminate these endorsements from coverage on inland properties. Many coastal properties do, however, contain these types of deductible provisions.
According to Loretta Worters, an III spokesperson, states have differing definitions of what would trigger a hurricane deductible. In Norht Carolina the definition includes hurricane watches or warnings from the National Weather Service, and winds of at least 74 miles per hour somewhere in the state.
• If the tree was the neighbor's, your insurer might go after the neighbor's insurer to cover its costs. In that case, you may be reimbursed for your deductible.
• Homeowners insurance typically covers the costs of removing the tree or shrub that fell on an insured structure. There is generally a cap of $500 or $1,000 per tree/shrub.
• The standard policy replaces trees and shrubs damaged by fire, vandalism, lightning and several other perils, but not water or wind. Again, there are generally limits to how much will be reimbursed dedpending of the policy forms used.
• If a fallen tree doesn't damage your home or other structures but blocks a driveway or ramp for the disabled, insurance may pay to have it removed. Otherwise, homeowners insurance won't cover tree removal, unless your policy has an endorsement specifying that coverage.
• Damage to your automobile is covered by the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance policy.
The III has a useful video on fallen trees, as well as more details on tree damage.
Please contact us to make sure that you know what your policy states with regard to these issues.
Wilson Insurance Services consistently responds to all of my insurance needs. They are real, caring people. Linda, Dee, Jennifer, Bobbi and Fletcher are experienced professionals. They are not just a voice on the other end of the phone somewhere. They are truly a fantastic, service-centered Insurance Agency.
Read what others have to say.
What's New
Why every Board of Directors should carry D&O Insurance
Directors & Officers Liability insurance provides coverage for your own “wrongful act” while performing duties as a Director of Officer of the insured entity, or the "wrongful acts" of other board members.
Why Do You Need Director’s & Officers Liability Insurance?
While an organization is legally permitted to cover the costs incurred as a result of personal liability stemming from the activities performed on behalf of the organization, this ability, called indemnification, may not apply to every situation. The director or officer may become personally liable in their duties performed for the organization.
What You Should Know About Rental Car Insurance
- Theft of the Vehicle
- Tolling, or Turning the Vehicle Over
- Lease Gap coverage
- Loss of Use
- Glass, Tire and Undercarriage Damage
- Animal Collision
- Flood and Hail Damage
- Damage above the Windshield
- Individuals who rent personal vehicles for extended periods and do not have a Personal Auto policy in force
- Drivers who rent, and do not own another vehicle insured elsewhere, need to be expecially careful here