Springtime lends itself to appreciating all that nature has to offer. Celebrating Arbor Day is just one of the many ways we can do that.
As you sow, seed, plant and lift your eyes to enjoy the vibrant beauty of all things green, it would be ridiculous to ignore the other side to it: namely, the possibility of severe damages incurred to property as a result of weather induced tree-falling.
The other side of the story, in fact, is precisely where your standard homeowner’s insurance policy comes in. You see, home insurance is designed to include protection from trees that fall and hit your home or other structure included within your plan. This includes property such as:
• Your detached garage
• Your gazebo
• Your storage shed
Your home policy will come up to bat by providing coverage for losses incurred when a tree – even a tree that does not belong to you – strikes your home or property as a result of a:
• Hailstorm
• Thunderstorm
• Windstorm
• Hurricane
• Lightening
Bear in mind, however, that not all natural disasters and occurrences warrant protection under your standard house plan. For instance, if an earthquake or flood causes a tree to fall and wreak havoc on your home, you will not be covered unless you have separate coverage for the devastating event.
And while the weather may be directly responsible for a tree falling and subsequent damage, it is not necessarily always the case. Notwithstanding meteorological conditions, your standard policy should cover damage incurred from the following as well:
• A fire
• An explosion
• A burglary or theft
• Airplane or aircraft movement
• Car, truck, motorcycle, ATV, or any other motor vehicle that does not belong to you
• Vandalism or malicious mischief
• A riot and civil commotion
Policyholders must remember that coverage reflects the related limits and prerequisite deductibles. Nonetheless, should a neighbor’s tree fall and damage your property, the insurance company representing your interests may investigate to see if the tree was in poor health or in need of better maintenance. Should either of these conditions be met, your company is likely to try to collect compensation from the neighbor’s policy. In that case, your deductible costs may be reimbursed.
So much for the structure damage! Now, what about removal of the fallen tree? Does the typical home insurance policy cover this? If the tree removal is in regard to property damage, most insurance policies will include tree removal. Not so for a tree that has fallen without incurring damage. There are companies, though, that cover a scenario in which the tree blocks a driveway or ramp that is specifically created for handicapped access.
Of course, it’s best to review your homeowners or landlord’s policy with an experienced independent agency to ensure there is coverage for all your specific needs!