Home insurance and tree damage

This is how home insurance covers tree damage

The way insurance covers tree damage varies between policies, but generally the following applies:

• You are covered for falling trees and branches: if a tree or branch falls on your property then you are covered for resulting damage under the "impact" insured event section of the policy. Depending on the policy, this might only be available as an optional extra, and might only cover the cost of removal of debris that actually damaged your home. It typically doesn't cover the costs of digging up and removing tree stumps that remain after a tree falls, or any related landscaping or gardening costs.
• You are covered for damage to pipes or drains: if tree roots are destroying or blocking them – the insured event is commonly known as 'Escape of liquid'.

• You are not covered for damage caused tree lopping or pruning: either by yourself or someone who was doing it with your approval.
• You are not covered for damage caused by tree roots if: tree roots cause damage to your home or its surroundings.

If my neighbour's tree falls on my property, who is responsible?

Bad weather and storms

These are 'acts of nature' where nobody is liable. This means that, should a storm bring down your neighbour's tree onto your home, you may have to cover the costs, unless you have home insurance.

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What happens if my tree roots are causing damage to my neighbour's property?

When dealing with issues with your neighbours, you should always do your best to keep things friendly and resolve things amicably. Ordinarily, damage as a result of tree roots either to you or your neighbour's home is not something that home insurance covers. If this is the case, it may be worth coming to a solution with your neighbour about removing the tree.

However, in some cases, if the tree roots are causing serious harm to your neighbour's home, you may be liable to pay. This can include things like structural damage to the property, such as crushed pipes, damaged roofs and walls or cracked foundations.

If you do have a large tree on your property, you may want to look into getting cover for damage to your home or other's property. Many policies will specifically exclude damage caused by roots so finding cover can be difficult.

What happens if your neighbour's tree roots are causing damage to your property?

If your neighbour's tree roots are damaging your property, it can be difficult to get cover. That's because it's common for insurers not to cover the cost of removing tree stumps and roots still in the ground. However, there are some things you can do:

Speak to your neighbour

If the tree roots are doing damage to your property, speak to your neighbour and try to come to an amicable agreement. You might be able to go through their insurance or split the costs 50/50.

Take note of the damage

If you can prove that their tree roots are causing serious damage to your home, they may be liable to pay. This can include things like structural damage to the property, such as crushed pipes, damaged roofs and walls or cracked foundations.

Go through your insurer

You may have to go through your insurer if your neighbour is refusing to pay. If this is the case, you'll need to make sure you are covered. While many insurers do not cover you for the roots of trees, you can find cover, for example, if your pipes or drains are destroyed or blocked by roots under the insured event commonly known as 'Escape of liquid'. This might be an easier option that taking the matter to court.

What are the general exclusions when it comes to tree damage?

General exclusions are restrictions that apply to all cover types, including the liability component.

For example, a common general exclusion is “movement of the earth”. If a tree’s roots undermine your neighbour’s property and end up causing the ground to collapse, you might not be covered by your policy.

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Expert insight

"With some insurance policies, you may need to add on more for the demolition, removal of debris and redesign costs. This component alone could cost tens of thousands of dollars."

Angelo Azar

Honey Insurance

FAQs about home insurance tree damage

• What do I do if I've got a problem tree?

  Check with your insurer to see if you can have the tree removed. It's often the case that you won't be covered if the tree hasn't done any damage to you or someone else's property. If this is the case, contact an arborist. If they recommend it should be removed as it's unsafe, you may be able to go through your home insurance to have it removed. Each policy is different, so remember to read the product disclosure statement before you commit to having the tree removed.

• Are fallen trees covered by insurance?

  Sometimes; it depends on where and how it fell. A policy that will most likely pay out for the removal of fallen trees is one that contains a "removal of debris" clause.

  Depending on the policy, this might only be available as an optional extra and only cover the cost of removal of debris that actually damaged your home. It typically doesn't cover the costs of digging up and removing tree stumps that remain after a tree falls, or any related landscaping costs.

• What if I'm pruning and something gets damaged?

  Your home insurance generally won't cover any damage caused by branches or trees that fell and caused damage as a result of trimming.

  If you were doing the trimming yourself, then you'd probably be fully responsible for any damage that was caused.

  If you hired a professional to do the job, they may be liable for the damage. You might be able to make a claim through their business insurance or other liability cover.

• Am I insured for tree lopping?

  No, if you were doing the lopping yourself, then you'd probably be fully responsible for any damage that was caused to your property.

  Your home insurance generally won't cover any damage caused by branches or trees that fell and caused damage as a result of trimming, pruning or tree lopping.

  If you hired a professional to do the job, they may be liable for the damage. You might be able to make a claim through their business insurance or other liability cover.

• Does home insurance cover tree damage to a car?

  If a tree on your property falls on someone else's car, you might be covered by liability insurance. However, if it lands on your own car, then it's unlikely that a home insurance policy will cover you.

  As it's not part of the building itself, it won't be covered by that section of the policy. However, if you have comprehensive car insurance, it will probably cover you for this event.

Written by

Gary Ross Hunter

Journalist

Gary Ross Hunter has over 6 years of expertise writing about insurance, including life, health, home, and car insurance. Having reviewed hundreds of product disclosure statements and published over 800 articles, he loves simplifying complex insurance topics for everyday readers. Gary has contributed to major outlets like Yahoo Finance, The Sydney Morning Herald, and news.com.au, and holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Literature from the University of Glasgow, along with a Tier 2 General Advice certification, ensuring his work adheres to ASIC’s RG146 standards. See full bio

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