Whether it's typical seasonal conditions or a freak windstorm, trees and branches fall. The expenses to a homeowner can be quite massive when these fall and do damage to one's property or home. Factor in the cost of paying a contractor to remove the tree, and you could be shelling out some serious cash. What if any of the cost of this will be paid by an insurance company for a homeowner?
Fallen trees are a bit of an insurance grey area, but generally speaking insurers will deal with a claim as follows.
Damage to home gardens - Will the insurance company provide the fees for removing and repairing damaged caused?
Damage to your home and its contents, and other structures on the property, is covered. That's true regardless of whether the tree was growing on your property or your neighbour's. There's generally a cap on coverage for structures other than your home, such as a detached garage, so be aware of that detail and how it may impact your property in case of a disaster.
How about property insurance abroad, are people covered?
The particular country with the policy and the insurance company matter in these cases. For example, in France, insurance companies each have their own definition of what they consider to be a storm, based on wind speed readings taken at a nearby weather station. If the winds don't reach a certain speed, the massive damage caused by falling branches or trees is sometimes not covered by certain definitions of storm damage. Coverage would not be provided in this case.
Would I be covered for damages caused when cutting a tree in my own yard?
Typically, damages that happen in this way are not covered by the insurer. Ideally you should employ a qualified tree surgeon who has their own insurance that covers damage.
A falling tree caused damage but came from the yard next door. How are the costs of the damages decided, and the tree removal costs?
Claims can not usually be made on a neighbor's insurance policy when damage is done by a tree falling on either side of the fence, and causing damage. Neighbor's property is covered by their own policy, and has nothing to do with yours. In some cases of negligence, damages can be awarded if this can be proven. A good neighbor may try to help with costs, but we can't count on it, so we must take responsibility to repair damage and have dangerous trees removed by professionals.
Different policies deal with fallen trees in a variety of ways. If you have trees that could potentially cause damage you should get clarification from your insurer on what's covered.
What About the Cost of the Tree, Will Insurance Pay?
This is a concern to many since it costs a lot to maintain certain types of trees, and they are important to people. Usually trees, shrubs, and plants are covered up to 5% of a policy dwelling limit, which is your actual home insurance limit. A limit is usually placed on the amount that can be paid out per individual plant, tree, or shrub. This coverage will only apply if the tree, shrub or plant is damaged by one of the covered perils. It's important to speak with an insurance representative soon in order to find out how your policy works in this area.
Fallen trees are a bit of an insurance grey area, but generally speaking insurers will deal with a claim as follows.
Damage to home gardens - Will the insurance company provide the fees for removing and repairing damaged caused?
Damage to your home and its contents, and other structures on the property, is covered. That's true regardless of whether the tree was growing on your property or your neighbour's. There's generally a cap on coverage for structures other than your home, such as a detached garage, so be aware of that detail and how it may impact your property in case of a disaster.
How about property insurance abroad, are people covered?
The particular country with the policy and the insurance company matter in these cases. For example, in France, insurance companies each have their own definition of what they consider to be a storm, based on wind speed readings taken at a nearby weather station. If the winds don't reach a certain speed, the massive damage caused by falling branches or trees is sometimes not covered by certain definitions of storm damage. Coverage would not be provided in this case.
Would I be covered for damages caused when cutting a tree in my own yard?
Typically, damages that happen in this way are not covered by the insurer. Ideally you should employ a qualified tree surgeon who has their own insurance that covers damage.
A falling tree caused damage but came from the yard next door. How are the costs of the damages decided, and the tree removal costs?
Claims can not usually be made on a neighbor's insurance policy when damage is done by a tree falling on either side of the fence, and causing damage. Neighbor's property is covered by their own policy, and has nothing to do with yours. In some cases of negligence, damages can be awarded if this can be proven. A good neighbor may try to help with costs, but we can't count on it, so we must take responsibility to repair damage and have dangerous trees removed by professionals.
Different policies deal with fallen trees in a variety of ways. If you have trees that could potentially cause damage you should get clarification from your insurer on what's covered.
What About the Cost of the Tree, Will Insurance Pay?
This is a concern to many since it costs a lot to maintain certain types of trees, and they are important to people. Usually trees, shrubs, and plants are covered up to 5% of a policy dwelling limit, which is your actual home insurance limit. A limit is usually placed on the amount that can be paid out per individual plant, tree, or shrub. This coverage will only apply if the tree, shrub or plant is damaged by one of the covered perils. It's important to speak with an insurance representative soon in order to find out how your policy works in this area.
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