If a Tree Falls on Your House, Are You Covered?

Have you ever wondered whether your homeowners insurance covers you if a tree falls on your house? The answer is quite straightforward. If a tree hits a home or other insured structure such as a detached garage, standard homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for the damage the tree does to the structure and the contents within it. This includes trees felled by a windstorm, hail, weight of ice, snow or sleet.

Furthermore, it does not matter whether or not a tree was actually growing on your property. If it lands on your home, you should file a claim with your insurance company.

In some situations where the felled tree was located on a neighbor′s property, the policyholder′s insurance company may try to collect from a neighbor′s insurance company in a process called subrogation. This sometimes occurs if the tree was in poor health or not properly maintained. If the insurer is successful, you may be reimbursed for the deductible.

If a tree hits an insured structure, there is also coverage for the cost of removing the tree, generally up to about $500 to $1,000, depending on the insurer and the type of policy purchased. If the fallen tree did not hit an insured structure, there is generally no coverage for debris removal. Cars damaged or destroyed by falling trees are covered under the comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy.

Coverage may vary from company to company, and not all policies are the same so read your policy carefully. Your local AAA Insurance Professional can assist you with any other questions you might have about homeowners insurance. Call 1-866-AAA-QUOTE or stop by your local AAA Service Center for a no-obligation insurance review. Click here to find a AAA Insurance Professional near you.

AAA Oregon/Idaho is not an insurance company and offers insurance solely as an agent for other companies through its subsidiary, Automobile Association Agency. Further information as to those insurance companies will be provided upon request or when receiving an insurance quote. Discounts are subject to qualification and may vary by insurance company and type of insurance coverage. Call 1-866-AAA-QUOTE (1-866-222-7868) for a quote.