TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2010
Each week we field many calls and questions regarding how a policy will respond to different situations. This week’s question involved a neighbor’s tree that falls in your yard, whose insurance policy pays for this?
A good rule of thumb to remember is that you are responsible for what is in your yard.
So, if the neighbor’s tree lands on your property, it’s then considered in your yard. Your policy will help cover the removal of the tree and any damage it caused, after your deductible. The same holds true if your tree falls in your neighbor’s yard or home, they need to file a claim.
However, if the tree has been rotting or damaged, the insurance company may try attempt to settle the claim by requesting payment from the insurance company for the property of the rotting tree. This is called subrogation.
Be sure to keep trees pruned and remove problematic trees before they damage your property or someone else’s. For information on tree trimming check out this link from Disaster Safety. Before you hire a tree trimmer make sure you obtain a Certificate of Insurance from the business.