What to Do if a Tree Falls on Your Home
If a tree comes crashing down on your home, it’s of course scary. In addition to having the fallen tree removed, you may need to contend with structural damage to your home, potential downed power lines and other damage to your house and personal property.
Knowing what to do afterward with emergency personnel and your homeowners insurance will help you handle tree damage safely.
Immediate actions to take after a tree falls
If a tree comes down on your house, safety should be your first order of business. Don't try to assess the damage or start removing debris until you've confirmed it's safe to get close. If there's a risk of downed power lines, an impacted gas line or possible structural damage to your home, get you and your family a safe distance away.
Call 9-1-1 or your local utility company if live wires are involved or if you suspect a gas leak. Then notify your insurance company. They often have contacts with professionals who can remove the tree and secure your home. Only after professionals have confirmed your home is safe should you approach the area.
Once you're sure the area is secure you can take the following steps:
Document the damage
Take pictures and videos of the affected area. Take wide shots of the entire scene, and close-ups of the damaged areas. For example, get a photo of the smashed bay window, damaged gutters, wrecked furniture or damaged flooring planks.
Err on the side of too many images so your photos and videos help to give the full story.
Prevent further harm
The next step is to limit additional damage. Your insurance provider may be able to help you find a professional to make temporary repairs to prevent water or wildlife from worsening things. Tarps or boards can be used as temporary measures to prevent further damage.
You may need to remove some debris, such as smashed glass or branches, to complete emergency safeguards. Make sure you’ve taken photos of the damage before you start moving anything, and don't try to haul away large tree limbs on your own; rather, wait until you can get professional help.
Filing an insurance claim
You can typically file a claim over the phone, by contacting your agent or through an online claims form. In general, you'll need to have your policy number in hand and be ready to give a basic overview of what happened. If the representative is ready, you can submit your photos and videos at this time.
Work with an adjuster
After filing your claim, the insurance company will assign a claims adjuster to your case. The adjuster will schedule a time to inspect the damage. They may visit the property, ask questions and ask for any documentation, such as estimates from contractors for repairs.
Based on their inspection and your photos, they will determine what repairs need to be made, what the cost will be and what coverages apply. The claims adjuster will make a recommendation to your insurance carrier about what your claim payout should be based on your policy terms.
Review your home insurance policy
In most cases, trees fall due to weather, like high winds or lightning strikes. Under a standard homeowners insurance policy, these events are typically covered perils. With most policies, your homeowners insurance covers the cost of moving the tree from a structure (such as your home or a detached garage) to the ground and damage to the structure it may have caused.
However, policies may not cover removing the fallen tree or tree branches from your yard. If your policy will cover the cost of removal, there's usually a cap, such as $500 per tree removal, up to a maximum of $1,000.
Policies and insurance coverage limits for tree-related property damage may vary, so contact your insurance company about your specific situation.
When your neighbor’s tree falls on your property
When it comes to insurance and trees, it can get complicated. If your neighbor's tree fell into your home, many people believe your neighbor's property insurance should cover the cost of repairs. But that's not usually the case. If the tree was healthy, and there were no known issues, you typically have to work with your own insurance for the claim rather than go through your neighbor's policy.
Only if the tree was known to be an issue — for example, if it had signs of disease or was previously reported as a potential hazard — could your neighbor's insurance policy come into play.
When a tree falls onto your car
If a tree fell onto your car, damaging the body or smashing the windshield, you typically need to contact your auto insurance company. If you have comprehensive coverage, your auto policy will typically cover damage to your vehicle.
Handling cleanup and repairs
Once the claims process is underway and the claims adjuster has finished their review, you can begin the repair process. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need the following professionals:
- Roofers
- General contractors
- Certified arborists
- Debris removal or tree removal specialists
Look for companies that are licensed, bonded and insured. And be wary of people who show up offering their services on the spot; be sure to check online resources like the Better Business Bureau or your local licensing department to ensure your working with a reputable company.
It's a good idea to get multiple quotes, and keep copies of all estimates and receipts.
Preventive measures and future protection
You can't prevent every tree from falling, but a little maintenance and preventive measures can go a long way. Regular pruning, especially for trees near your home's structure, can minimize the risk of falling trees or branches. For large trees, consulting an arborist about a tree that seems to be diseased or dying can help prevent bigger issues from developing.
It's a good idea to review your coverage at least once a year to make sure you have adequate protection. Review your policy to ensure you have the right coverage limits to protect your home, to rebuild it as it is, and to protect other structures on your property – and their contents. Finally, make sure the deductible fits comfortably within your budget and savings.
This story was created in partnership with Money.com.
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