A fallen tree can cause damage to your property especially if it falls on your house. Your homeowners insurance coverage may cover the expenses of removing trees and the required repairs. Contact the insurance company immediately to enquire if your policy covers the situation. Some insurers cover the removal of trees in order to prevent damage in future while others cover the removal of trees that have fallen and caused damage. If the tree removal is covered, then you should start the claiming process. Make sure you note and take the contact of the agent you have talked to in relation to making your claim. The information could be useful in the future. This person should also let you know what to expect in your claiming process.
Have evidence of the fallen tree
Let the tree remain where it is. Only remove it if it is blocking the way or is in unavoidable situation. To have the evidence of the damage, take pictures showing the fallen tree and the damaged caused to the property. Make sure you have many pictures and from different angles. Chances are that the insurance company will send someone to take their own pictures showing the damage. However, having your documentation can come in handy especially if the insurance company pays less in relation to the damage caused by the tree. Get an independent estimation of the repair costs. You can use the services of a contractor. If possible, look for someone trustworthy and who is willing to provide you with a timely estimate for free or at a small fee. This will ensure that you have the correct estimate and you do not end up spending a lot of money on it. Keep the copy of estimates with your for the record. You might need them to justify your claim in case the insurer underpays you.
Let in the adjuster
Your insurer will send an adjuster to examine the damage caused by the fallen tree and to provide you with an estimate of the damage. If you are not in, make sure you schedule a particular time when the adjuster can come. If the damage can be accessed without getting in then there is no need to arrange for the time. Inform the adjuster that you have many pictures of the damage and you have an estimate of the damage. You can offer to share the information.
Follow up on the claim
After filing a claim and the adjuster comes to your home, it may take some time before the insurance company contacts you. This is due to the many claims the adjuster has to deal with and on the extent of the damage. It is therefore up to you to contact the insurer once every few weeks to check on the progress of the claim.
Your homeowners insurance coverage should pay for the removal of the tree and for repair of any damages that the tree may have caused.
Comments