Tree mortality has rapidly increased in Canada, and people often face a tree removal dilemma. Who will pay for the property damage? Will your insurance company take care of it?
Dealing with storm damaged or fallen tree and insurance can be stressful. Filing a claim involves handling the costs of removing the broken tree and full clean up of the residential property.
Every insurance provider offers different policies. Find out if your insurance policy covers the costs of tree removal and damage before filing a claim.
Don’t be intimidated by the process right away! Keep reading to know how to approach an insurance claim after an incident of fallen trees in London.
Does Home Insurance Cover Tree Removal and Property Damage?
If a tree falls, causing property damage, there are two kinds of costs involved:
- Cost of damage repair to the home
- Cost of removal of the fallen tree and tree branches
A standard homeowners insurance policy usually covers both. Further, the insurance company will likely pay for additional living expenses like hotel tariffs and restaurant bills during the renovation period if the tree has fallen into the house, making it unfit for living.
When Will Home Insurance Not Pay for Fallen Tree Expenses?
The insurance coverage limit for fallen trees depends on the policy’s terms and conditions. There are certain scenarios in which you may not get insurance coverage, such as the following:
- If the fallen tree doesn’t damage the insured structure, you may not be paid for the tree removal service.
- If a tree falls due to poor maintenance or health, it’s a preventable event. You’ll not get any payment.
- A tree may fall due to a bad storm, earthquake, flood, etc., causing damage. You’ll not get paid if you don’t have comprehensive coverage for all such natural disasters.
Making an Insurance Claim for Fallen Tree: Is It Worth It?
Making a claim can put you at risk of incurring an interest rate increase. Whether it’s worth making a claim or not depends on the extent of the damage.
Say you have a small damage to a window by a branch of a healthy tree. The repair cost is less than the deductible (the amount you’ll pay before the insurance kicks in.)
But let’s assume a massive tree has damaged the property, power lines, and more. Then, it’s a good idea to make a claim for tree damage.
Actions to Take Before Making A Home Insurance Claim for Fallen Tree Damage and Removal
Before you make an insurance claim, pay attention to the following factors and take necessary actions:
1. Tree Ownership
Determine the owner of the fallen tree. It can belong to you (the homeowner) or the municipality or be the shared responsibility in alleyways.
You can contact your local forestry department for clarification. Knowing about an unhealthy tree’s ownership will help you take an early step toward its maintenance.
2. Insurance Policy
Review your insurance policy and its terms properly to determine whether you’re entitled to comprehensive coverage. You must identify what is covered and under what conditions.
That will help you know whether you’ll get paid for property damage and tree removal due to natural phenomena and other events. You’ll also get to understand your claim’s impact on interest rates.
3. Deductible
The deductible is the amount you must pay before the insurance company starts paying for the claim. It usually ranges between $500 and $2000, though it may also be percentage-based.
Consider the extent of damage and your deductible to understand the cost-effectiveness of filing a claim. Also, be prepared to bear small expenses and repair costs related to fallen trees.
4. Documentation
* Document any tree concerns, regardless of ownership, with pictures and professional arborist reports. It will help prove responsible tree management to insurance providers.
Focus on broken branches, cavities, mushrooms, leaning, and other signs of stress and poor health. Accordingly, you can respond reasonably, proving that you’ve taken preventive steps.
Things to Do Before Insurance Claim if Tree Falls
If you experience a tree or branch failure on your property, follow the steps below:
1. Inform the Relevant Parties/Authorities
Notify the emergency services and hydro authority. Also, inform your neighbours whose property or trees might be involved, and put caution tape around the hazardous area.
2. Document the Condition
Immediately after the tree failure, collect sufficient evidence to present to the insurance company. Take clear photos and videos to document the tree, its surroundings, and the structural damage.
3. Contact a Reputable Tree Service Provider
Hire a qualified tree service company for a detailed assessment of the situation and tree removal. Share visual documentation, along with necessary details of the damage, tree location, and specific concerns. Inquire about their expertise, equipment, safety measures, etc., and ask for a removal cost estimate.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company
Inform your insurance company before the damage worsens or safety risks arise. Provide documentation, such as photos/videos and your tree service company’s contact details. Ask about their specific coverage, claim process, and requirement for multiple quotes for tree removal.
Contact Stumps ‘R’ Us for Fallen Trees London
Are you looking for a trusted tree service provider to remove a broken tree or dead branches from your property? Don’t let a dead or diseased tree become a safety hazard because Stumps ‘R’ Us is here.
Our services include removing entire trees and taking care of the residential home clean-up, as well as grinding tree stumps. We are the best at dealing with fallen trees in the London, and Greater Middlesex County, Ontario area.