Home Tips: What to Do if a Tree Falls on Your House

If a tree falls on a home, it is important to notify the power company and police if any electrical wires are down, says Eric Liskey, deputy garden editor for Better Homes and Gardens. The next step is calling the insurance company, taking pictures or videos of the damage if possible, and waiting for the officials involved to come, he says. Damage from a fallen tree to a home, garage, deck, or fence is usually covered under a homeowners’ policy, minus the deductible. The cost of removing the tree usually falls under the additional coverage section of many policies, and may be covered at a rate of $500 per tree or $1,000 per incident. Insurance companies can help affected homeowners find remediation contractors who can cover the roof to prevent additional water damage or who can board up broken windows. Turning to an insurance company also ensures that the selected company is reputable. Bryan Nowicki, owner of Select Restoration, says reputable remediation or restoration companies will not ask for any money out-of-pocket and will instead file everything through the insurance company. Mary Ann Cook at the American Institute for CPCU/Insurance Institute of America notes that the source of a fallen tree does not make a difference on who submits a clam. However, it may become an issue if the cost is less than the deductible. “It’s a matter of getting together over the fence — if it’s still standing — and working it out,” she says. | Read More