A storm blows through town and suddenly your beloved 80-foot maple tree is in your attic. Or on your fence. Or your car. Or your neighbour’s property. Now you’re wondering: What does my insurance cover? Who’s responsible?
Most people think about buildings and cars when they think about insurance – not trees. But when the unexpected happens and things go wrong, unexpected questions come up quickly.
Rather than waiting until something bad happens, read on to find out what you need to know about trees and insurance.
Does insurance cover damage caused by a fallen tree?
Generally, yes. Home insurance policies usually cover damage caused by wind or lightning, which are the most common reasons trees fall. Coverage typically applies to physical damage to your home and other structures on your property such as a garage, shed, fence or deck. The same is true for branches – the rules apply whether the whole tree fell or just part of it.
Does it matter why the tree fell?
Usually, no. Whether a tree falls because of a storm, lightning or poor health, insurance will generally cover the costs associated with the damage and debris removal. However, if the tree was dead or poorly maintained, a neighbour may try to recover costs from the tree owner by alleging negligence.
If my tree falls on my neighbour’s property, who pays?
Your neighbour would contact their insurer to repair the damage, regardless of where the tree came from. If you were negligent (e.g., if the tree had been dead for a while and you did nothing about it), their insurer may try to recover costs from you. As long as you are insured, this dispute would be between insurers. It’s best to avoid such situations by taking care of your trees.
What if a city-owned tree falls on my property?
The process is the same as when the tree is privately owned: contact your insurer to repair the damage. Ownership of the tree doesn’t change how the claim is handled. If you don’t have coverage, you could try to pursue a claim with the municipality, but it would only succeed if the city was negligent, which. If you’re worried about a city-owned tree near your property, it is best to document and report your concerns proactively.
If tree roots break into the foundation of my house, is the damage covered?
No. Damage caused by tree roots happens gradually over time, and insurance is meant for sudden and accidental events. Most policies exclude damage like cracking, shifting or settling of a foundation. Root-related damage usually falls under those exclusions.
That said, you may be able to purchase “service line coverage,” which is an optional add-on to a policy. This covers you if tree roots damage any of the various supply lines that may be running underground on your property (water, sewer, electrical, etc.)
If a tree lands on a car, is that a home insurance claim or auto insurance claim?
It’s an auto insurance claim. And damage to the vehicle is only covered if you purchased optional comprehensive or all-perils coverage.
Does insurance pay to replace trees after a disaster?
Generally, no. Trees, plants and shrubs are only covered for specific risks like fire, lightning or vandalism, and even then, coverage is limited. If a tree falls in a windstorm and damages your home, insurance will pay to repair the damage and remove the tree – but not to replace the tree.
If I hire a professional to remove a tree and the tree falls on my house, who pays?
The tree removal company would generally be responsible if the damage resulted from their work. In practice, you would likely go through your own insurer first to repair the damage, and they would then try to recover the costs from the company that negligently caused the damage. Reputable tree service companies carry liability insurance, so it’s important to confirm coverage before hiring someone.
The root of the issue
Many tree-related incidents are covered by insurance, but it’s better to avoid them altogether if possible.
Have a qualified professional regularly inspect your trees, especially if they show signs of damage or illness. Address issues early, and remove trees that pose a risk.
If you’re concerned about a neighbour’s tree or a city-owned tree, raise your concerns with the owner or municipality and document your communication, including photos. It is also best to confirm your coverage directly by reviewing your insurance policy.
For any questions not answered here, contact IBC’s Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC (1-844-227-5422).
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