Your homeowners' insurance can protect you from many different perils that you may not think of until an event occurs. When you think of storms, you probably are most concerned with wind, rain, and hail. Downed trees can pose a huge problem if you are unprepared. Your homeowners' insurance may be more of a help than you realize in this type of situation.
If your home hasn't been damaged, you will still have to deal with cleaning up the mess and having the fallen tree removed. Depending on what your policy says and where the tree landed, you may be able to have your insurance pay to have it removed. Be sure to let your agent know if the tree is blocking a wheelchair ramp or a portion of your driveway.
You need to be able to prove that the cause of the tree falling was a storm or other wind-related event. If the tree was dead and beginning to deteriorate, you might be responsible for all or at least part of the damages. You will need to know your coverage limits and the exact terms, especially when it comes to trees and whether or not they are properly maintained.
Even if you take care of your trees like a champ, accidents can still happen. If one of your trees falls on a neighbor's home, it will be up to them to file a claim under their own homeowners' insurance policy. If they don't have insurance on their home, you will need to talk to your insurance agent about what comes next.
In most situations, other structures on your property will also be covered to an extent. You will need to determine if your homeowners' insurance has a cap for this type of property. It normally includes sheds, garages, gazebos, swimming pools, and fences. Talk to your insurance agent if you have any questions.
If a tree falls on your property, the most important thing is to get everyone in a safe place and make sure all power lines are turned off. Once the scene is clear, you will need to take several clear pictures that show the full extent of the damage. Call your insurance agent and make sure they get copies of your pictures so that you can start to file your claim.
The best way to prevent future damage is to keep your trees in good condition. Hire a professional tree trimmer to trim your trees and check them for signs of damage. Making sure your trees are healthy and strong is the best way for you to prevent future damage. Have your trees checked once a year or so. The cost is well worth it.
When you have trees in your yard, taking care of them should always be part of your maintenance routine. Contact us today to learn more about how you can prevent damage from trees and other falling debris. At CF&P Insurance Broker, our agents are always available to help and answer any questions you may have on how you can protect your property from various types of damage in the future.
