Sometimes it only takes one serious storm to topple a tree right over. Then, once the storm has passed, you may be wondering what to do. Will your homeowners insurance help pay for the cost? Will removing the branches and repairing the damage be expensive? Whether your homeowners insurance policy includes coverage for fallen trees typically depends on a number of factors, such as what caused the tree to fall and what kind of damage resulted. Let’s look at the whole situation a little more in-depth:
#1 Your homeowner’s policy may or may not cover it. Of course, if a tree falls and causes property damage, the first thing on anyone’s mind is whether it will be covered by insurance. The answer is “it depends!” A homeowners insurance policy typically protects your home and other structures, such as your back porch or shed, against specific causes of loss, known as “perils.” Covered perils typically include damage caused by wind. So, exactly why the tree fell is what is important here. If the tree was otherwise healthy and toppled due to strong winds, like a hurricane, your homeowners insurance policy may help pay to repair damage to your home. However, homeowners insurance usually won’t cover a loss caused by negligence or a maintenance-related issue. If you’ve let a dead tree stay rotting and knew it posed a threat, your claim may be denied.
#2 If it was your tree that fell on someone else’s property, you could still have to pay. Let’s say while smashing down your shed, the tree also took out a portion of your neighbor’s fence. Again, it matters why the tree fell. You’re typically only considered responsible if neglect on your part was a contributing factor to the tree’s demise. Like before, if a storm knocked your healthy tree onto your neighbor’s fence, you are not to blame and your neighbor will likely have to file a claim through his or her own insurance. On the other hand, if your unmaintained tree breaks off easily in a little rainstorm, their homeowner’s insurance will probably make you cover the costs.
#3 Calling for a tree removal service in Arlington, VA now removes the threat. Why wait until something bad happens to deal with it? If you know you have one or several trees on your property that pose a risk, deal with the situation now. There are companies that offer tree removal service in Arlington, VA who will come out and trim your trees back as far as necessary so you feel more at ease. If a tree is dead, dying, or simply in a very unsafe place, they can remove it all together.
Don’t wait until you’re stuck paying a large bill for damage to your home before you call for tree cutting services in Arlington, VA. Do it today!
