Trees enhance our lives by providing shade, oxygen, and beauty. However, when a tree falls on your property or house, especially during storms with high winds, it can create a stressful situation. What should you do next? Don't worry; we've got you covered! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about emergency tree service including; insurance, legal obligations and the payment process for tree services. Please note that everything on this page is based on our experience and is our opinion. This is not legal advice and we are not an insurance company.
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Types of Damages Covered by Insurance
Understanding insurance starts with knowing the types of damages caused by fallen trees: 'acts of God' and negligence. When a tree falls due to natural events beyond human control, such as storms or high winds, it’s considered an 'act of God,' and you’re generally not responsible for the damages. However, if the tree falls due to negligence—such as being dead, decaying, or diseased—the owner of the tree might be liable, as the damage could have been prevented with proper care.
Submitting a Tree Damage Claim
Once the damages are assessed, it’s time to contact your insurance company. Note that not all insurance policies cover tree damage. Before agreeing to any policy, thoroughly review the coverage and discuss it with your agent for clarity. If your policy includes tree damage coverage, you should be able to submit a claim.
The claim process typically involves an insurance adjuster assessing the damage, either by visiting your property or reviewing submitted photos. They may also request invoices from services you acquire, such as tree removal and repairs. Based on their assessment, they will provide a payout for the damages and expenses incurred.
In situations where an adjuster cannot visit promptly, such as after a large storm, you may need to take preventive measures to avoid further damage. Insurance companies generally reimburse reasonable preventive costs. Document damages extensively, take multiple photos, and get a quote from us immediately to avoid disputes with the insurance payout.
When we work with a customer on a job that might be an insurance claim we take specific steps to make sure that you have everything you need to approach your insurance company. We document with photos (before & after pics), show proof of equipment used for services and write up not only an invoice but an addendum that goes with the invoice to show what steps we took in order to perform the emergency service.
Legal Obligations of Insurance Companies
Homeowners insurance companies are generally legally obligated to cover damages from a tree falling on your house, though coverage extent varies by policy. Typically, homeowners insurance covers damage from falling trees due to natural occurrences like storms, wind, or ice buildup. This is known as “peril coverage.”
Besides structural damage repairs, insurance may cover the cost of removing the fallen tree and debris. We typically see $500 allocated by insurance for debris removal. For large trees with lots of damage this is often not enough to fully cover the entirety of the debris cleanup. Some policies also cover damaged personal belongings or temporary living expenses if you can’t stay in your home during repairs.
Insurance Payouts
Avoiding Predatory Tree Services
Beware of predatory tree services that exploit emergency situations by charging exorbitant rates. These unethical practices can lead to financial strain and frustration. Research and find reputable tree services offering fair rates, even during emergencies. Having a plan for emergency tree services before disaster strikes helps avoid pressure to hire untrustworthy companies.
Emergency tree services often involve high costs due to the job’s risk, urgent scheduling, hazard pay for workers, and specialized equipment. Emergencies typically require quick response, possibly during non-business hours, resulting in additional costs. Tree removal or trimming is dangerous, requiring skilled workers who may demand hazard pay.
We’ve worked hard throughout the years to ensure that our customers are treated fairly and always receive the same professional service all the way from the person that answers the phone to the person that pulls the tree off of your house. Rest assured that for emergency tree service situations there are no better hands to be in.
What to Do if Your Insurance Company Denies Payment
If your homeowners insurance company denies your claim, take the following steps:
Review Your Policy: Ensure the denial isn’t due to a specific exclusion in your policy.
Seek Legal Advice: Consult an experienced attorney to understand your rights and challenge the denial if necessary.
File a Complaint: In Pennsylvania, you can file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Insurance Department if you suspect illegal practices.
Consider Mediation: Some states offer mediation for insurance disputes, a less costly and time-consuming alternative to lawsuits.
File a Lawsuit: If all else fails, you may need to sue your insurance company. Your attorney can guide you through this process.
Document Everything: Keep records of all communication and documentation related to your claim and denial.
The Importance of Preventative Care
Prevention is better than relying on insurance after an incident. Have us out at least once a year to inspect your trees and take measures to ensure they’re healthy and not at risk of falling or dropping large branches. This includes trimming dead branches or removing trees too close to the house. Visit our pages on tree trimming, pruning, removal and plant health care to learn more about property maintenance.
Insurance can be daunting, but it’s essential for protection. If a tree falls on your property, don’t panic. The claim process is straightforward, and the payment to the tree service is generally pretty simple. Remember to read your policy carefully, document damages and call us immediately. Staying informed and acting promptly can make a significant difference in restoring your property without breaking the bank. Be prepared for emergencies and save our number: (484) 451-8900
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