Are Trees Covered On A Homeowner's Insurance Policy?

Homeowners insurance policies usually have a bit of coverage for trees, shrubs, and other landscaping elements under certain conditions. However, the coverage is usually limited and specific to certain types of damage. Here's a general overview of how trees and shrubs might be covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy:

Before reading the four key points - know to consult an insurance agent before filing a claim. Coverage for fallen trees, shrubs, and damage to landscaping is very slim and specific. It is important to know the fine print before acting on your own. If your agent does not know the answer, ask him to find the answer and get back to you.

Okay, here we go:

1. Covered Perils: Trees, shrubs, and other landscaping features are usually covered if they are damaged by specific perils named in the policy. Commonly covered perils include fire, lightning, explosion, theft, vandalism, and damage caused by vehicles or aircraft. However, damage from certain events, like disease, pests, or routine maintenance issues, is typically not covered.

2. Dollar Limits: Most policies have a cap on the amount they will pay for damage to trees and shrubs. This is often expressed as a percentage of the dwelling coverage limit and may also have a per-item limit. For example, a policy might cover up to 5% of the dwelling coverage for all landscaping, with a maximum of $500 per tree or shrub. Example, if you have $100,000 of coverage on your home - the maximum amount of coverage you have for the fallen trees is $5,000 ($500 max per tree).

• It is important to note: Tree removal is only covered if the tree has fallen on a piece of covered property. Or if the tree has blocked a pathway (driveway, ramp, sidewalk, etc.) to the home.
  

3. Exclusions: Damage caused by certain events, such as wind, hail, or a disease, may not be covered. Additionally, if a tree falls but doesn't damage your home or any insured structure, the costs to remove it might not be covered unless your policy specifically includes coverage for tree removal in such cases.

• Note: Wind and Hail is excluded for a fallen tree. Obviously, a fallen tree results from a windstorm 99.9999% of the time.
  

4. Deductibles and Limits: Like any other claim, you will likely have a deductible that you'll need to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. The payout for damage to trees and shrubs is also subject to the specific limits mentioned in your policy.

It's important to read your specific policy or talk to your insurance agent to understand the exact coverage, limits, and exclusions that apply to trees and shrubs on your property. Insurance policies can vary widely, so the details of what is and isn't covered can differ from one policy to another.