When tree damage is clearly covered
- Wind-blown tree during storm
- Lightning-struck tree falling
- Tornado-related tree damage
- Healthy tree toppling in hurricane winds
When coverage gets contested
Dead or diseased tree
- Carrier argues pre-existing condition
- Maintenance negligence potential
- "You should have removed it"
- Arborist assessment often needed
No storm event
- Tree falls on a calm day
- Root failure without wind
- Carrier argues wear-and-tear
- Coverage depends on policy language
Neighbor's tree
- Your damage, their tree
- Your HO-3 covers your damage regardless
- Subrogation against neighbor's liability policy possible (not always pursued)
Tree removal cost
- Most HO-3 policies cover tree removal only if the tree damages insured property
- Sublimits typically apply ($500-$1,000 per tree)
- Downed trees not touching the house often aren't covered
Coverage limits for tree-related damage
Coverage A (dwelling)
- Structural damage from tree impact: covered
- Typically no sublimit beyond policy limits
Coverage B (other structures)
- Garage, shed, fence damaged by tree: covered
- Subject to Coverage B limit (10% of A typically)
Coverage C (contents)
- Contents damaged by tree-through-roof water or structural failure: covered
- Subject to Coverage C limit
Tree removal (limited)
- Typically $500-$1,000 per tree
- Only when tree damages covered structure
- Multiple-tree loss can aggregate
Documenting causation
- Photo of tree at point of impact: showing wind direction
- Arborist report on tree health
- Weather data for the event
- Tree history: prior trimming, any known issues
- Neighbor testimony on pre-loss condition