Philosophers may ponder what happens when a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, but if a tree falls on your property, the consequences can be serious. When a strong storm comes blowing through Minnesota, even healthy, mature trees are at risk, and when they fall, they can cause significant damage to your home or even create a safety risk. When those trees are damaged and need to be removed, it can be costly if your insurance doesn’t cover tree removal services.
While most homeowners' policies will cover the damage if a tree takes out some of your property, many policies do not include tree removal services. In this post from Vital Tree Services, we’re covering everything you need to know about tree removal insurance to protect your home and family. To learn about tree removal services from Vital Tree, give our tree removal team a call today.
What Most Policies Cover
It might seem like a given that all homeowners insurance policies include tree removal services. But in reality, all insurance companies are looking for every reason they can not to pay out, which is why there are a number of limitations on tree removal payments with most policies.
Typically, homeowners insurance policies are intended to protect the main structures on your property and any additional sheds or detached garages. Most policies will pay for damage caused by strong weather or high winds, especially if the tree in question was a healthy tree to begin with. However, if the tree in question is deemed to be in poor health or at risk for falling, the policyholder may deem it the homeowners’ responsibility and refuse to pay out. This is because most insurance companies place the onus on the homeowner to maintain their own lawn and keep trees trimmed as needed.
Another example of tree damage that doesn’t typically fall under homeowners insurance policy coverage occurs when a tree falls without damaging anything. This can be frustrating for most homeowners since mature trees can weigh thousands of pounds and be extremely difficult to remove. The only exception occurs when trees fall in a way that presents an obstacle for vehicles to exit the driveway. Additionally, if a neighbor’s property becomes damaged due to a tree that falls on your property and you are deemed negligent, it could open you up to litigation.
What is Tree Removal Insurance?
Tree removal insurance is an insurance policy add-on that can be written into your homeowner's insurance policy. These riders may vary from one insurance company to the next but can help mitigate the expense when tree removal services are deemed necessary.
Protecting Your Home With Tree Removal
One of the smartest things you can do to protect your home and family is to invest in tree maintenance as soon as it’s needed. If you have a tree that is rotting or leaning, you are at risk of tree-related damage the next time a high wind blows through. To schedule your tree removal services or get a quote, call Vital Tree Service at 651-341-4021 or contact us online to learn more about tree services today.