Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tree Removal?

In this article, we will highlight the rules for when homeowners insurance pays for tree removal.

Homeowners insurance covers tree removal in most cases, but not all. It all depends on the cause of the fall and the area where the tree falls. If the tree fell due to something that is covered by your homeowners insurance, the insurer can pay for its removal. For example, if the tree fell due to a storm, hail, ice, fire, or lightning and it landed on an insured structure, insurance will cover the cost of removal. 

Let’s say a violent storm causes one of the trees in your yard to fall on your roof. Your homeowners insurance should cover the cost of the repairs to the roof and the removal of the trees. However, if the tree falls on your yard and doesn't cause damage to anything, then your insurance won't cover the cost of tree removal.

When Isn’t Tree Removal Covered by Home Insurance?

• Earthquakes or flooding—If a tree falls as a result of an earthquake or flooding, your insurer won’t cover the cost of tree removal.
• Rot, age, or pest infestation—Homeowners insurance won’t cover tree removal cost if the tree falls due to rot, old age, pest infestation, or fungi growth.
• If you simply want to remove a tree from your property due to old age, diseases, or landscaping purposes, your homeowners insurance won’t cover the costs of tree removal.

Special Situations

If a neighbor’s tree falls on your property and causes damage, your homeowners insurance should provide coverage. But if a tree falls on your car, your homeowners insurance won't cover this damage because cars are typically excluded from homeowners policies. However, you may be able to file an auto insurance claim if you have comprehensive coverage.

Conclusion

Whether tree removal is covered by your homeowners insurance cover depends on how the tree fell and where it fell. If a tree falls on a covered structure and causes damage, your homeowners insurance will cover the cost of tree removal. However, there are exceptions in which your tree removal would be excluded.

Are You in Need of Stump Grinding or Stump Removal? Contact Southern Star Stump

When you have a stump in your property that needs to be removed, it’s best to work with a reliable and experienced stump grinder company. Whatever you do, you should never attempt to remove a tree stump by yourself. DIY stump removal is a dangerous job as it involves using various tools such as stump grinders that can threaten your personal safety if handled incorrectly. Moreover, you’ll need specialty equipment which can be expensive to rent. It's often more cost-effective to hire a stump grinding service than to rent equipment and do the job by yourself.

At Southern Star Stump, we are equipped with specialty equipment to get the job done safely.