Making sure that a tree removal service is covered by insurance.
A tree falling on your home during a storm can be a scary event. In addition, this type of property damage can be extremely expensive to repair. If a tree has landed on your home, you’ll probably worry about how much it will cost to clean up your property and repair the damage. So will your insurer pay for the cost of hiring a company that offers tree removal service to Long Island?
When Trees Cause Damage
In a strong windstorm, even healthy trees can be knocked over. If a tree falls directly on your home and causes damage, your insurance policy should cover tree removal services. Trees falling during a storm is an act of nature and no one’s fault. That means the cost of hiring a company offering tree service in Long Island won’t come out of your own pocket. Keep in mind that your deductible will factor into the total amount of compensation, however.
Homeowners insurance policies cover certain circumstances called perils. A peril is simply a type of risk. Common perils include fire, smoke, theft, and flooding. Damage caused by a downed tree is generally covered under the category of falling objects. Hail or wind damage are also perils commonly covered by insurance. If you’re uncertain which perils you’re insured against, look over your policy.
Along with paying for a company that offers tree removal in Long Island, your insurance provider should cover any repairs that are needed. If a fallen tree damaged your roof or broke a window, this repair work should be taken care of. Your insurer should also pay for any water damage repairs that are necessary because rain got into your home as a result.
In addition to your home itself, your insurance policy should cover other structures on your property. These structures might include a deck, shed, fence, gazebo, or detached garage. Should a falling tree damage any of these structures, hiring a tree service in Long Island will likely be taken care of. However, some policies may include a cap on other structures, so there might be a limit on the amount they’ll pay.
When a Neighbor’s Tree Falls on Your Property
If a neighbor’s tree falls on your property and causes damage, you should be covered when hiring a service that offers tree removal in Long Island. You’ll need to file a claim with your own insurer first. They can determine who is liable and make sure you’re compensated.
Insurers will usually view a tree falling during a windstorm as an unavoidable event caused by nature. In some cases, however, they may decide that a homeowner’s negligence caused the tree to fall. You’d then have to hire a company that offers tree removal to Long Island yourself and pay for any damage repairs as well. This could happen if they can prove the tree was dead or diseased and you knew about it. That’s one reason why it’s especially important to make sure your trees are properly maintained by hiring a tree service in Long Island.
When a Tree Doesn’t Cause Damage
If a tree falls on your property but doesn’t cause damage to your home or another structure, it’s unlikely that insurance will pay for its removal. In this case, you’ll have to hire a company that offers tree removal in Long Island and pay for it yourself.
There are a few exceptions to this rule, however. Some policies may cover tree removal if the tree is blocking your driveway. Insurance may also agree to take care of trees that are obstructing a wheelchair ramp. If this circumstances arise, you can be compensated for hiring a tree service in Long Island.