ST. LOUIS — Strong winds, heavy rain, lightning, hail and snow can all wreak havoc on trees, leading to broken branches, split trunks and even their violent uprooting. All of this can cause further damage to your property.
Here’s what you should know if a tree falls on your home or car and how you can prevent future storm damage from happening.
What should I do if a tree falls on my home?
If a tree falls on your home, you should evacuate immediately, make sure everyone is safe and call 911, according to AAA. When it’s safe to do so, you should cover up any openings with a tarp or other covering to keep out water and prevent further damage.
Does insurance cover tree damage to my home or car?
A standard homeowners insurance policy covers damage caused by a tree to a home or other insured structures, such as a detached garage, and their contents, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Depending on the insurer and the policy, the cost of removing the tree is covered up to about $500 or $1,000.
If the fallen tree came from a neighbor’s property, your insurance company may try to collect it from the neighbor’s insurance company through a subrogation claim. If successful, you may be reimbursed for your deductible.
If the tree does not hit an insured structure, there is generally no coverage for debris removal, though some exceptions are made if the fallen tree is blocking a driveway or accessibility ramp, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
Poor tree maintenance will be considered when reviewing these claims. According to AAA, tree-related damage may not be covered if the insurance company determines it could have been avoided with proper upkeep.
When it comes to cars, you’re responsible if a tree falls on your car from your own yard, but those with comprehensive auto coverage will only have to pay the deductible, according to Progressive.
If the tree came from a neighbor’s yard, you will be responsible for repairs – only the deductible for those with comprehensive insurance coverage – unless you can prove negligence, like if the tree was clearly dead or rotting or if you previously asked the neighbor to have the tree removed upon recommendation of a tree specialist.
Colliding with a fallen tree on the road, however, is generally considered avoidable. Instead, it would likely be considered a collision claim, according to Progressive.
Dealing with storm-damaged trees
After a storm has passed, it’s important to safely assess and repair damage to your property. Ellisville-based Omni Tree Service Inc. offered the following steps to take in the aftermath:
- Look for any downed utility wires. You should never touch or go near them. Instead, contact your electricity provider to have them safely removed.
- Have a certified arborist remove trees or limbs that have fallen on your home or are blocking access.
- With the help of an arborist, assess which trees can be saved or should be removed. Trees with more than 50% of the crown intact can be saved. Remove diseased trees, trees with split trunks and trees tipped over by wind.
How to prevent future tree damage
Omni Tree Service Inc. also shared the following tips for protecting trees against future storm damage:
- Prune your trees early, and regularly trim dead or weakened limbs.
- Do not cut branches back to stubs. New branches will grow from the edges of the stub, forming a weakened connection that will likely be broken in a future storm.
- When a tree’s branches grow too closely together, neither branch has the space necessary to add wood for strength. Removing one or both branches can prevent issues further on.
- Avoid planting problematic trees that commonly cause damage in storms or remove them from your property. Problematic trees include Cottonwood, Leyland Cypress, Silver Maple, Bradford Pear and Empress.
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