McClain Insurance<\/a> was featured nationally as a Fall expert on Angie’s List with an article written regarding what happens when a tree falls.<\/p>\nGiven Saturday’s wind storm we thought it may be a good idea to pass that information along to our readers once again. Here you go.<\/p>\n
The question remains:<\/p>\n
Is windstorm damage covered on a standard homeowner\u2019s policy?<\/p>\n
The quick answer is: Yes. Windstorm is a covered peril on a standard homeowner\u2019s insurance policy. The more interesting question, however, is often: WHOSE homeowner\u2019s insurance policy covers the loss?<\/p>\n
We love the example of the falling tree: It\u2019s relevant, it\u2019s one of the most frequent windstorm-related claims, and it\u2019s easy to imagine. Here are a few scenarios:<\/p>\n
Scenario #1: Your tree falls on your house<\/p>\n
If your tree falls on your house, your homeowner\u2019s policy will provide coverage for any damages up to your policy limits (after you pay your deductible.) This coverage extends to cover damage to your main home, garage, shed or other additional buildings, and structures such as a fence. If there is damage to a structure, debris removal is also covered, up to policy limits.<\/p>\n
However, if your tree comes down in your yard during a windstorm without causing any damage to your house or structures, your homeowner\u2019s policy will not pay for debris removal. You are responsible to take care of the removal of the tree.<\/p>\n
Scenario #2: Your tree falls on your neighbor\u2019s house<\/p>\n
If your tree falls on your neighbor\u2019s house, the basic (and almost always applied) rule is that the insurance policy of the property that was damaged pays for the loss. In other words, if your tree falls on your neighbor\u2019s house, your neighbor\u2019s homeowner\u2019s insurance covers the damage to your neighbor\u2019s house.<\/p>\n
Scenario #3: Your neighbor\u2019s tree falls on your house?<\/p>\n
As in Scenario #2, the policy of the damaged property pays. So, if your neighbor\u2019s tree falls on your house, your homeowner\u2019s insurance applies.<\/p>\n
Scenario #4: You are upset because your neighbor\u2019s tree that fell on your house was old and weak, and the damage could have been avoided (you think.)<\/p>\n
Allow us to start with a disclaimer. This scenario is extremely rare!! If your neighbor has a tree that seems diseased, express your concerns to your neighbor. Tell them that you feel that your home is in jeopardy of being damaged. But keep in mind that a person can\u2019t be forced to remove a tree.<\/p>\n
If you have serious concerns about your safety, you may wish to get the tree evaluated by a professional and then send a certified letter to your neighbor requesting the removal of the tree. This will put your insurance company in a stronger position to argue your neighbor\u2019s negligence in the event of a claim.<\/p>\n
Scenario #5: A tree falls on the car.<\/p>\n
If a tree falls on a car, the comprehensive coverage of the vehicle owner\u2019s auto policy will apply. As in the examples illustrated above, generally the owner of the tree is not responsible. If your tree falls on your neighbor\u2019s car, your neighbor\u2019s car insurance should pay the claim if your neighbor carries comprehensive coverage. If your neighbor\u2019s tree falls on your car, your comprehensive coverage applies.<\/p>\n
The problem is that comprehensive coverage on an auto insurance policy can be waived, and many drivers opt to decline this important protection in order to save money. So, if you have car insurance, but you don\u2019t buy comprehensive coverage as part of your policy, the damage from a falling tree or branch would not be covered.<\/p>\n
Sadly, many news stories revolve around the confusion on the matter of windstorm-related damage, and citizens find themselves in unfortunate situations of a claim not being covered.
\n<\/p>\nThanks to Claudia McClain and her staff for the great information and for your support of MyEverettNews.com.<\/em><\/p>\n
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