How Insurance Helps Recover Damages From a Fallen Tree and Storm

Though the date on our calendars does not seem to coincide with all the wintery weather the eastern part of the country has been experiencing of late, take note, folks: the official timing of springs arrival is set to occur on March 20th.

While the promise of spring may have us dreaming of blooming flowers and fresh greenery, homeowners, as well as vehicle owners have yet to get over the exposure to recent storm exposure to tree falls and related damages.

The insurance professionals bring some of the most frequently asked questions in regard to this - along with the sensible answers.

The What, Why and How of Home and Vehicle Fallen Tree Damage

Question: Does my auto insurance policy cover any vehicular damages related to wind or tree damage?

Answer: Of all the related types of auto insurance coverage - liability, collision and comprehensive - it is exclusively the optional comprehensive type of coverage that will cover damages occurring as a result of a tree or tree limbs falling on top of a vehicle.

Question: Will my homeowners insurance cover the damages suffered on my house that are caused by a tree fall?

Answer: In general, a standard home insurance plan will pay for resulting home damage AND costs to remove the fallen tree.

Question: Take the example of my tree falling onto my neighbor's home or property. Will my homeowners insurance take care of the reimbursements for related damages?

Answer: This answer may surprise you. Thought it is your tree that caused the damage, it is your neighbor's homeowners insurance that will cover the damages.

Question: What if the downed tree was not in the best condition before it was knocked over in a wind or other type of storm?

Answer: In the event, you did not take care of a rotting or otherwise damaged tree and it fell over, the insurance companies will not cover resulting damages from a fall. The responsibility lies with you entirely.

Question: Does my standard homeowners insurance cover the cost of tree removal in the case where my tree falls on my property but does no damage?

Answer: In a typical case like this, your home insurance would not pay for the tree's removal.

Question: And if I have a roof collapse as a result of a tree fall?

Answer: Then your homeowners insurance will cover it.

Question: What is the insurance protocol in relation to wind storm damage?

Answer: In general, your standard home policy will cover the damage incurred by winds. For example, if your roof, your belongings inside of your premises, and any other structure on your property incurs wind damages, the repairs and replacement costs are the insurance company's responsibility.

PRIME Insurance is a three-generation family-run independent agency. We're proud partners with many of the leading companies in the industry - big names such as ACE, ASI, ASSURANT, CHUBB, FOREMOST, Liberty Mutual, MetLife, PROGRESSIVE, Safeco, StillWater, Travelers, USLI, ZURICH and more. We can provide all forms of NJ, NY, PA, MD and other state coverage, including travelers, cheap auto, low quote commercial umbrella, flood, renters, property, homeowners, bonds, workers comp, life insurance and more. We invite you to experience the PRIME difference and HAVE A PRIME DAY™!