Reviewing Insurance Policies Before the Next Storm

A policyholder should understand what happens if a branch or entire tree falls due to a weather-related event. Now is the time to read your homeowner and automobile insurance policies and carefully review the sections related to damage that may result from a storm. What coverage is provided if a tree falls on your vehicle, or home? If coverage is provided, how much of the cost will you be responsible for? Who is responsible if your tree falls on your neighbor’s property? Property owners should have current photos of the house and other structures on the property that are covered by the insurance policy to document pre-storm conditions as well as an inventory of valuable possessions inside the structures, which should be kept in a secure place.

Policy holders are responsible for the deductible amount that is identified in the insurance policy. After the deductible is paid, most homeowner’s insurance policies will cover damage to roofed structures, and fences on the property, and for the removal of trees that block the entrance to the house. Insurance policy coverage should be based on the actual replacement value of the property. The policy coverage for tree removal is per event, not the actual number of trees removed. The insurance policy may indicate a set dollar amount for this type of tree debris cleanup work. Property owners are responsible for the removal of any fallen trees or branches that do not hit any insured structure on the property.

Comprehensive insurance is the coverage that is needed to pay for repairs from damage if a tree falls on a vehicle. The policy holder will be responsible for any deductible identified in the insurance policy. The state of Maryland required minimum automotive insurance coverage does not include comprehensive coverage for automotive repairs. This type of coverage must be selected by the policy holder.

Property owners are responsible for maintaining trees on their property. Insurance companies have an option to file a claim against a neighboring property owners’ insurance­-- for damages resulting from a tree that was either poorly maintained, or in poor condition that the property owner was aware of or should have been aware of-- which causes property damage. If a poorly maintained tree falls on another property and causes damage, the policy holders insurance company where the damage occurred could contact the insurance company of the responsible property owner of the tree to initiate a claim for debris removal, repairs, or replacement of the damaged property.

From the City's Tree and Landscape Board