Does Insurance Cover any Aspect of Tree Removal?
Spring is coming in with the rapid changes in our weather. As usual in Indiana, we are getting mornings cold and chilly and afternoons hot with high suns. These temperatures are normal to us, as is the storm season they bring with them. Strong, damaging winds and tornados come with these harsh fluctuations. And all of these things can be hard on your trees.
It can be difficult to decide if a tree or limb is sturdy on your own. It’s always good to call a trusted tree service or someone from your local arborist department to come to inspect any trees you’re concerned about. It can be very hard to identify a tree that is dead, as the body of the tree will continue to grow green limbs from the outer layers of the trunk. The inside of a tree could be completely hallowed and green can still be sprouting from it.
Dead or not, it can be upsetting when a tree comes down, cracks, or drops large limbs. And for trees that are on property lines, it can be difficult to decide who’s responsible for the fallen tree removal.
Who is responsible for tree removals?
In most cases, this question is seen for large, old trees that are on property lines, between houses, or have large limbs that hang into neighbors’ yards. Unfortunately, if it is your tree (all or most of the trunk sprouts from the ground of your property) it is considered your job to remove it. Because it is technically your property that has damaged someone else’s property, you will be in charge of finding a solution.
Thankfully, because we are talking about damages, this could be something your insurance will cover!
Does insurance cover any aspect of tree removal?
Firstly, if a tree comes down and has damaged your or your neighbors’ property (the ground, another tree, a vehicle, their house) don’t start up a chainsaw and walk over. Take pictures and file a claim first. Most insurance companies will handle the removal and clean up of a downed tree, if not reimburse you for it having been done. It’s very common, and should always be looked into first before you handle it or hire someone yourself.
If you speak with insurance, they may ask you questions regarding the state of the tree before it fell or dropped branches. This is not the time to tell them you’ve suspected it’s been dead for two years. Give information accurately and precisely, but don’t give them speculations.
If your tree has fallen or dropped a limb you believe you can and want to handle, speak to the property owners before going over. It is your tree, but still their property it’s sitting on. Try and speak with them and let them know you intend to handle the project.
What about Insurance covering tree removal before it falls?
This is a hard question that only your insurance can answer. Some insurances will down trees to help avoid higher costs later on, but you will most likely have to pay a portion of the service. If the tree is near a power line, always contact the power line provider to warn them. They routinely check these lines for branches for safety reasons, but we never want a storm to move a tree into the power lines. This can take out power, start fires, and create dangerous conditions for the linemen needing to fix it.
If you believe an old tree is starting to pose a threat to your neighbor or your home, don’t hesitate to call Cutrite and get a quote today! Cutrite can schedule a time to look over your property and assess any dangers.
