Does homeowners insurance cover roof damage from trees?

Homeowners and homebuyers tend to love trees. According to the National Gardening Association, a beautifully landscaped yard with mature trees can increase curb appeal, provide extra privacy and even boost property values by as much as 19%.

But those towering trees can also become hazards. High winds, lightning strikes, sleet or fire can turn the most stunning shade tree into a thundering bulk capable of damaging your home.

When a big storm rolls around, trees on or near your property can mean broken windows and roof damage. Consider what your homeowners insurance policy will cover and how you can prevent unnecessary costs, repairs or claims.

Will my insurance cover tree damage?

Most weather-related events are covered by standard homeowners insurance. So damage to your home, fence or other insured structure from a falling tree should be covered.

But, as with other types of insurance, your coverage may depend on what caused the tree to fall and damage your property. Your policy will include a list of things that can happen to your policy, called perils. With a covered peril, you'll be able to make a claim to repair the structure of your home and replace any damaged personal belongings.

But if your insurance company determines that the tree was rotted or poorly maintained before falling, you may be out of luck.

Location can also impact your coverage. If you live in an area that's considered high risk for major storms like tornadoes and hurricanes, a standard policy may not offer the same level of coverage. To get better protection, you can purchase specialized windstorm insurance.

What if the fallen tree is from a neighbor's property?

You're covered no matter who owns the fallen tree, according to the Insurance Information Institute.^{See note1} In most cases, your insurance company won't analyze every piece of debris that causes damage, especially if your area was hit by a large storm.

That said, your insurance company may choose to contact your neighbor's insurer to collect for the claim in some situations. This could happen if your neighbor failed to maintain their trees properly, making them more susceptible to storm damage. In such a case, your insurer can opt to reimburse you for your deductible on the claim.

Does homeowners insurance cover tree removal?

When you make a claim for property damage caused by a fallen tree, your insurance company will likely cover the cost of removal as part of your claim. Of course, it's best to check with your insurer or claims adjuster to confirm what will be covered, so you can avoid unexpected charges.

If a tree falls without hitting an insured structure on your property, then the removal probably won't be covered. One possible exception is if the tree blocks a handicapped-accessible ramp or driveway, depending on the specifics of your policy.

Ways to protect your home against falling trees

Damage from fallen trees can be considerable. And while it may not be possible to avoid all incidents, there are several ways you can reduce the likelihood of a tree falling on your home or other property.

Properly care for your trees and recognize potential hazards.

When a big storm comes, healthy trees are less likely to sustain or cause major damage. It's important to take care of your trees by helping them develop strong root systems, pruning them appropriately and protecting them against disease. A trained arborist can help guide you to nurture your trees.

An arborist will also check your tree's root system, trunk and branches for stability and health. Annual checks will help avoid tree hazards that arise from overgrowth, sickness and age.

Remove dead or dying trees.

Sometimes even when you try your best to care for a tree in your yard, it might be too little too late. Signs that your tree is sick or unstable include:

• A splitting trunk.
• Peeling branches.
• The presence of a fungus.
• Rotten or rotting branches.
• Wounds to the trunk.

If you find that one of your trees is dead or an arborist declares it a lost cause, your best option is to have it removed.

If you fail to remove trees that are rotted or weakened, not only is it possible that they'll damage your property, but they could also damage your neighbor's property. In that case, you could be held financially responsible for any needed repairs or tree removal.

Strengthen your roof.

Ideally, you want to prevent trees from falling in the first place. But if you can't, you can minimize the damage by fortifying your house. For example, impact-resistant roofing materials and storm shutters may help you avoid big issues with roof damage, shattered windows and water leaks that could leave your home unlivable after a storm.

If you're unsure about the strength and condition of your roof, it may be wise to get it assessed before the next big storm season comes along. Plus, you can review your insurance coverage while you're at it.