Does home insurance cover downed trees?
The memory of late March’s ice storm in Eastern Canada is still fresh — and so are the scars it left behind.
The storm swept through Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes, leaving behind snapped trees 🌳, downed power lines 🛠️, and extensive damage to homes, vehicles, and properties. At its peak, hundreds of thousands of people were left without power 🌬️⚡— some for as long as a week!
With spring and summer storm seasons ahead, many homeowners are wondering: Does my home insurance cover damage from fallen trees?
We’ve got the answers you need! 🎉
🏡 Does Home Insurance Cover Damage from Fallen Trees?
Yes! In most cases, your homeowner's insurance policy will cover damage caused by fallen trees. This includes: ✅ Repairs to your home ✅ Additional living expenses (e.g., hotel stays, restaurant meals, and laundry fees)
💡 Keep in Mind: Your insurer may ask about the tree’s condition, but if a healthy tree falls as a result of a weather-related event your insurer should cover it.
🌳 Does Home Insurance Cover Tree Removal?
It depends! If a tree falls and damages your home or blocks your driveway, your insurer may cover removal costs.
However, if a tree falls in your yard without damaging anything, you’ll likely have to pay for its removal. This applies to dead trees or large branches, as well. Home insurance is meant to help in unexpected, unpredictable emergencies. It’s not a replacement for home maintenance.
If it falls on public property or power lines, call your municipality 📱— they will step in!
🏰 What If My Neighbour’s Tree Falls on My Property?
Good news! Your home insurance covers your home, no matter whose tree caused the damage. If the tree fell due to weather-related events (high winds, lightning, ice, etc.), your insurer should cover the repairs.
💡 Exceptions: If the tree was dead or rotting, your insurer may deny the claim and suggest you file a liability claim against your neighbour’s home insurance.
Who Pays If My Tree Falls on My Neighbour's Property?
You’re off the hook! If your tree falls on your neighbour’s property but doesn’t cause damage, you’re not legally responsible. However, as a good neighbour, you may want to split the removal cost.
💡 Tree Removal Costs: Tree removal can be expensive, ranging from $200 to as high as $10,000+ depending on the tree's size and accessibility.
🚗 What If a Tree Falls on My Car or My Neighbour’s Vehicle?
This falls under auto insurance! If you have comprehensive coverage, your auto insurance will cover damage from fallen trees. That’s because it’s protected while parked against such things as vandalism, theft, flooding or theft.
If your tree falls on your neighbour's car, they can file under their comprehensive policy. If they don't have that coverage, they might ask you to claim it under the third-party liability on your home insurance (which could increase your premiums!) They may also choose to sue you and that could result in a liability claim to settle the dispute.
📍 A Final Word
When deciding whether to file a claim, weigh the cost of repairs against your deductible and potential premium increase. If for example, a tree destroys your roof, it’s time for a claim. If a fallen tree breaks a window it’s probably wiser in most cases to pay the repair out of pocket.
📍 Pro Tip: The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) urges homeowners to start claims with their insurer as soon as possible after a storm. Gather photos, videos, and necessary documentation to support your claim.
📞 For general insurance questions, contact IBC’s Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC.
Stay prepared, stay safe, and stay covered! 🏡
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