Will homeowners insurance cover tree removal?

Home insurance covers tree removal if it has caused covered damage. For example, if a tree falls on your home and damages your roof, your insurance will pay to remove the tree so that repairs can begin. Home insurance for fallen tree removal will also pay if the tree blocks your driveway or a ramp for disabled residents.

However, your insurance won’t pay for removal if a tree falls in your yard or if the tree fell from negligence. For example, if you know a tree is rotten and you fail to remove it, and it falls on your house, your insurance company has the right to deny the claim.

"If there is a dead or unhealthy tree on your property and it comes down and damages your house, your insurance company may deny coverage because the tree needed to be removed prior to the loss and you (the insured) failed to do so," says Katha Treanor, communications director for the Virginia State Corporation Commission, which includes the state's Bureau of Insurance.

Furthermore, if you leave a dangerous tree on your property, the insurance company may decide to nonrenew your policy because of the risk and your failure to remove it.

Will my homeowners insurance cover preventative tree removal?

Tree removal home insurance coverage is limited to trees that have fallen and caused damage; there’s no coverage for preventative maintenance. As a homeowner, you are responsible for removing trees or pruning limbs that may cause damage.

While removing trees or limbs before they fall may be costly, it is less expensive than paying your homeowners insurance deductible or making the repairs yourself. Remember, if you knew about problems with a tree and did nothing, your homeowners insurance may not cover damages.

How can a tree cause damage to your home?

A tree can damage your home by falling on the roof or damaging the siding. In turn, these damages can lead to water damage, especially if the tree falls during a storm.

In addition, trees can block driveways, damage sheds or garages, and damage utilities such as power or phone lines.

When does homeowners insurance not cover tree removal?

Your homeowners insurance doesn’t cover tree removal in certain circumstances, such as:

The tree falls from negligence. If you know a tree is rotten, diseased, or leaning dangerously and fail to have it removed, your insurance may not pay for damages or tree removal.
The tree is dead or at risk of falling. Your insurance won’t pay to remove a tree if it hasn’t caused covered damage but is dead or diseased, or otherwise at risk of falling.
The tree doesn’t cause damage. If it falls in your yard and doesn’t cause damage, it’s your responsibility to dispose of the tree.
The cause of the damage is excluded from the policy. If the tree falls due to an earthquake, flood, or other peril excluded from your policy, your insurance won’t cover removal or damages. You need additional coverage for floods, earthquakes, and, in some areas, windstorms.

Does homeowners insurance cover tree damage?

Homeowners insurance will cover any damage caused by a fallen tree or branch, as long as a covered peril caused it and there was no negligence involved.

For example, if a storm causes a healthy tree to fall on your roof, your homeowners insurance will cover the roof repair or replacement up to the limits of your policy. If a tree falls on your car, however, car insurance will cover the damage, not home insurance.

Your home insurance also covers a tree damaged by a covered peril. Home insurance typically has specific limits for damage to trees, shrubs, and other plants. This coverage is for the tree's replacement.
Typical limits are $500 to $1,000 per tree, up to 5% of the dwelling coverage. Check your policy for details.

Does homeowners insurance cover storm damage tree removal?

Your homeowners insurance only covers tree removal after a storm if it damages covered structures or blocks your driveway. You'll be responsible for removal if a storm blows a tree down in your yard without damaging anything.

"Keep in mind that even healthy trees can come down or lose limbs and cause damage in a severe storm. In those instances, there will not be an at fault party, however, the homeowner’s insurance policy is available to assist," Treanor says.

Does homeowners insurance cover damaged tree removal?

Regardless of the cause of the damage, insurance only covers damaged tree removal if the tree has caused damage to your home or other structures. Removal is generally not covered if a tree is struck by lightning but doesn’t cause damage, even if it has fallen.

How much does it cost to remove a tree?

According to JL Tree Services, a Fairfax, Virginia-based tree removal company, rates range widely, from $500 for a smaller tree up to $15,000 for a big tree. That’s based on diameter at breast height (DBH), but the tree's height can also impact cost. In addition, the location of the tree makes a difference. Trees that have fallen on a roof or power line will be more costly to remove. You may also be charged for cleanup, disposal, stump removal and roots, and other related charges.

However, failing to remove a damaged tree may result in paying for more costly repairs yourself if your insurance doesn’t cover damages. Additionally, preemptively removing a tree may be cheaper than paying your homeowners insurance deductible if it causes damage.

"Maintain trees near your home and assess their health regularly. Consult an arborist as needed. Look at all trees that are close to the house and have overhanging limbs removed now before they damage the house, roof, etc.," Treanor says.