What Happens If Your Neighbor's Tree Falls on Your House?

9/14/2017 (Permalink)

Straight-line winds are common during a thunderstorm and can cause considerable damage, even in the absence of a tornado.

Yes, windstorm damage is covered on a standard homeowner's insurance policy. But whose homeowner's insurance policy covers the loss?

First, it is important to understand what windstorm insurance policies cover. Windstorm insurance is a special type of property and casualty insurance designed to cover damages caused by high winds. Windstorm insurance may cover damages from hurricane-force winds, tornadoes, hail and other weather events that are accompanied by wind gusts that exceed 35 miles per hour.

A hypothetical tree falls on your house. 

• Scenario 1: Your tree falls on your house. Your homeowner's policy will provide coverage up to your policy limits, after you pay the deductible. The coverage extends to cover damage to your main home, garage, shed or other additional buildings and structures such as a fence. If there is damage to the structure of the house, debris removal is also covered, up to policy limits.
• Scenario 2: Your tree falls on your neighbor's house. The basic rule is that the insurance policy of the property that was damaged pays for the loss.
• Scenario 3: Your neighbor's tree fell on your house. Your homeowner's insurance policy should pay for any damage per the property claim.
• Scenario 4:  A tree falls on your car.  The comprehensive coverage of the vehicle owner’s auto policy will apply. As in the examples above, generally the owner of the tree is not responsible. 

Please note that homeowners insurance usually won't cover a loss caused by negligence or a maintenance-related issue. So if the tree was rotting and ready to fall down before the storm, homeowners insurance likely would not cover the damage the tree caused to your home.