Is Tree damage covered by my insurance?
It can be common to claim for fallen trees and branches after a severe weather event, for the damage caused to houses and guttering, fences, cars and neighbouring properties.
In general, a home insurance policy doesn’t cover trees themselves; but you may be covered if a fallen tree has damaged your insured structures (cars, buildings, fences, special/recreational features) within the boundaries of your home. In these situations, we’ll cover the costs to remove the sections of the tree required to enable safe repairs – and you’ll need to arrange the tree’s disposal.
Some common examples;
- A tree has fallen and damaged your car or living room
If the fallen tree has damaged your insured property, we’ll cover the cost of repairing the damage as part of your claim, including removing specific sections of the tree required to enable safe repairs. The insured is responsible for arranging and paying for the tree’s disposal.
- A tree has fallen over on the lawn or driveway
If the tree has not caused damage, cover for the cost of cutting up or disposing of the tree does not apply.
- A tree has partly fallen against my house, but it hasn’t caused any damage – am I covered?
If there is no damage to the house, then the cost of removing the tree is not covered. You should take reasonable steps to remove the tree to protect your property and prevent future damage. If you discover damage after removing the tree, then please let us know.
4. My tree has fallen onto my neighbour’s property – am I liable?
A homeowner will generally not be held liable for damage that their trees cause to other people’s property in a severe weather event. However, if it can be proven that they were negligent in not removing rotten trees or had ignored requests for removal, then they may be held liable.
Tips for tree maintenance
Got a tree or two around your property? Taking care of them is one way to reduce the risks of damage when bad weather strikes. Here’s the lowdown on how you can keep them in tip-top shape:
- Give ‘Em a Good Look: Assess the trees around your place before and after severe weather. Spot anything weakened or damaged? They might need a trim or even removal.
- Chat with the Council: Check with your local council about the rules for chopping, pruning, or trimming a tree on your, your neighbour’s, or council land. And don’t forget to see if the tree has any special protection.
- Spotted Something? Speak Up! If you notice a problem with a tree on council property, don’t be shy. Report it to your council pronto.
- Know Your Limits: Trimming a branch is one thing; taking on a big project that could damage a house or hurt someone is another. For the bigger stuff, it might be best to bring in a professional arborist.
- Think Before You Plant: Before you get that tree in the ground, think about how it’ll grow. Steer clear of planting large-growing trees too close to your house or other property. Know how your trees will grow before you plant them and avoid placing ones that will grow large too close to your house and other property.
For more information, please refer to your full policy