Tree Fell After a Storm in Michigan? Here’s What Homeowners Insurance May Cover

Michigan storms can get serious fast. One minute you’re watching the wind pick up, and the next minute there’s a tree where your garage used to be.

So, who pays when a tree falls after a storm?

The answer depends on what caused the tree to fall, what it damaged, and the coverage included in your homeowners insurance policy.

Here’s what Michigan homeowners should know.

If a Tree Falls on Your House

If a healthy tree falls because of a covered event such as strong winds or a severe storm and damages your home, your homeowners insurance may cover the resulting damage, subject to your policy terms, exclusions, limits, and deductible.

For example, a storm comes through Metro Detroit and strong winds knock a tree onto your roof.

Your homeowners policy may help pay to repair covered damage to the roof and other parts of the home.

But remember: your deductible generally applies before your insurance company pays a covered claim.

What If My Neighbor’s Tree Falls on My House?

This one surprises people.

If your neighbor’s tree falls on your house during a storm, you may need to file the claim with your own homeowners insurance company, even though the tree belonged to your neighbor.

Why?

Simply owning the tree doesn’t automatically make your neighbor responsible for storm damage.

However, the situation can be different when negligence is involved. For example, if there was a known hazardous or dead tree and the property owner failed to address it, liability may become an issue.

Every situation is different, so don’t assume who’s responsible before speaking with your insurance agent or carrier.

What If My Tree Falls on My Neighbor’s House?

The same general concept can apply in reverse.

If a storm knocks your otherwise healthy tree onto your neighbor’s house, that doesn’t necessarily mean your homeowners insurance automatically pays for their damage.

Your neighbor may need to contact their own homeowners insurance company.

If they believe you were negligent—for example, you knew the tree was dangerous and ignored the problem—the insurance companies may investigate further.

What If the Tree Falls but Doesn’t Damage Anything?

Here’s where homeowners sometimes get another surprise.

A tree falling in your yard does not necessarily mean homeowners insurance will pay to remove it.

Tree and debris removal coverage can depend on what the tree damaged, where it landed, why it fell, and the specific provisions of your policy.

Before hiring someone and assuming insurance will reimburse you, contact your agent or insurance carrier.

What Should I Do After a Tree Falls?

First, make sure everyone is safe. Stay away from downed power lines, unstable trees, damaged structures, and other hazards.

Then:

Take photos and video. Document the tree and all visible damage before cleanup begins, when it is safe to do so.
Prevent additional damage. If it can be done safely, take reasonable temporary measures to prevent the damage from getting worse.
Save your receipts. Keep documentation for emergency repairs, tarps, temporary services, and other storm-related expenses.
Don’t immediately throw everything away. Your insurance company may need documentation of damaged property.
Contact your insurance agent or carrier. Ask about your deductible and coverage before assuming you should—or shouldn’t—file a claim.

What About Cars Damaged by Falling Trees?

This is important: your homeowners insurance generally isn’t the policy you would look to for damage to your vehicle.

Damage to a vehicle from a falling tree may be covered under comprehensive auto insurance, depending on the policy.

So if that giant branch lands on your car, you’ll generally want to review your auto coverage rather than your homeowners coverage.

And this is exactly why we tell customers to review their coverage before the storm shows up.

Insurance works much better when we discuss the “what ifs” before the “guess what happened.”

Don’t Wait Until the Tree Is in Your Living Room

Michigan weather isn’t exactly known for asking permission.

Windstorms, thunderstorms, hail, ice, heavy snow, and falling trees can cause thousands of dollars in property damage.

Take a few minutes to review your homeowners insurance before you need it.

Do you know:

Your homeowners deductible?
Your dwelling coverage limit?
Whether you have replacement cost coverage?
Your coverage for other structures such as detached garages and sheds?
Whether you have water backup or sump pump coverage?
What coverage you have for storm-related damage?

If you aren’t sure, that’s exactly what we’re here for.

Looking for Homeowners Insurance in Michigan?

Tracey Denson Scott Insurance Agency, Inc. is an independent Michigan insurance agency helping individuals, families, landlords, and business owners understand their coverage and compare insurance options.

We offer insurance options for:

Visit www.tddinsurance.com to explore our interactive insurance website and learn more about your coverage options.

Call or Text: 248-544-2542

Already insured with us? Contact our office if you’d like help reviewing your current coverage.

Not insured with us yet? We’d love the opportunity to earn your business.

Tracey Denson Scott Insurance Agency, Inc.
#TheInsuranceAgentWhoCares

Coverage varies by insurance carrier and policy. This article is for general educational purposes and does not modify, extend, or guarantee coverage. All claims are subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, deductibles, and limits of the applicable insurance policy.