Falling Branches Can Cause Significant Damage

7/24/2010

One common source of home insurance claims can be damage from branches and trees that fall during storms and hurricanes.

Some recent weather events, particularly in the Northeast, will produce a number of insurance claims given the damage caused by falling branches.

"If a tree hits a home or other insured structure, such as a detached garage, standard homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for the damage the tree does to the structure and the contents in it. This includes trees felled by wind or hail," explained Jeanne Salvatore of the Insurance Information Institute.

The organization also advises property owners to file a claim with their home insurance company even if they do not own the tree that was the source of falling branches. Insurance companies can also apparently seek to recover payouts from a neighbor's insurer in occasional cases where a tree was not properly maintained.

In another pointer, the III added that home insurance policies will typically cover a variety of non-storm damages to trees and shrubs - typically no more than $500 per plant. These sources of damage usually include fire, vandalism and lightning.

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