Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tree Removal in Texas?
Living in Tyler, TX means living with storms. Between the spring hail storms and the occasional tornado warning in Smith County, trees take a beating.
When a massive Oak crashes down, the first question homeowners ask is: "Will my insurance pay for this?"
The answer is usually Yes, BUT... it depends entirely on where the tree landed and why it fell.
Scenario A: The Tree Hit Your House (Covered)
If a healthy tree falls during a storm and damages a covered structure (your home, attached garage, and sometimes a fence), your homeowners insurance generally covers:
- The repairs to the structure (roof, siding, windows).
- The removal of the tree off the structure so repairs can be made.
The Catch: There is usually a cap on "debris removal." They might pay $1,000 to get the tree off the roof, but they might not pay to haul the wood away from the curb. You need to check your policy limits.
Scenario B: The Tree Fell in the Yard (Not Covered)
This surprises many people. If a 100ft Pine tree falls across your backyard but misses your house (and misses the fence/shed/driveway), insurance usually pays $0.
Why? Insurance covers damage to property. If the tree just hit the dirt, they consider that a landscaping issue, not a property damage claim. You are responsible for the cleanup cost.
Exceptions: Some premium policies have "debris removal" endorsements that might pay $500 or so to help clean up the mess, even if it didn't hit the house. Check with your agent.
Scenario C: The "Negligence" Loophole (Denied!)
This is the most important rule for East Texas homeowners.
Insurance covers "Acts of God" (wind, lightning). They do NOT cover negligence. If your tree was:
- Obviously dead.
- Rotting with visible Hypoxylon Canker.
- Leaning dangerously for months.
...and you did nothing about it? If it falls, the insurance company might deny your claim, arguing that you failed to maintain your property. They might say the damage was preventable.
This is why preventative trimming and deadwood removal is critical. If you have a dead tree, you are sitting on a liability time bomb.
What About Your Neighbor's Tree?
If your neighbor's tree falls on your house:
- You file the claim with your insurance company.
- Your insurance pays for the repairs.
- Your insurance might go after the neighbor (subrogation) if they can prove the neighbor knew the tree was dead and ignored it.
Steps to Take After Storm Damage
- Safety First: Stay away. Look for downed power lines (call Oncor immediately).
- Mitigate Damage: If the roof is punctured, you need to tarp it to prevent rain from ruining the interior. (We can help with emergency tarping).
- Take Photos: Document everything before we start cutting.
- Call a Pro: Do not let an uninsured "door knocker" on your roof.
Need an Emergency Assessment? We work with insurance adjusters all the time. We can provide the detailed invoices and photos they need to process your claim quickly.