Home insurance and tree fall

In the event of a tree falling, what does home insurance cover? It all depends on the contract taken out, the owner of the tree and the origin of the loss.

While there is often a consensus on the aesthetics of trees in a garden, what happens when they cause significant damage in the event of falling branches, especially an entire tree? In such situations, what does home insurance cover if a tree causes material or bodily damage inside or outside the insured’s property?

Falling trees: what precautions should you take to be well protected by your home insurance?

A tree can fall on your home, that of your neighbor, cause damage to a passer-by or to material property (in particular a vehicle). In all cases, it is advisable to check that your home insurance covers this type of loss. Furthermore, even with a multi-risk home insurance policy, you will not be systematically covered.
If it turns out that the tree fall is due to partial or total negligence on your part, you may not be covered, and therefore have to financially cover the repairs for the damage caused. When the tree damages one of your properties, such as your home, you may not be compensated, or only partially.
Important: without insurance, you will have to financially assume the cost of repairing any damage caused.
The deadline for reporting a claim caused by a falling tree is 5 working days. Beyond this time, some insurers may minimise or exclude any compensation.

One of your trees falls during a storm

Let’s analyze the different possible scenarios.

• The tree falls on the roof of your house

If a tree falls on your house, your multi-risk home insurance policy includes protection in this situation. Thanks to the storm, hail and snow guarantee, you will then be compensated by your insurer. The tree will be cleared but only within the perimeter of the damage to the building, unless you have taken out an option for your garden.

• The tree falls on the roof of your neighbor’s house or on a passerby

Your neighbor’s home insurance’s storm, hail, and snow coverage covers him if a tree falls from your yard onto his roof (even if it’s caused by a natural disaster, such as a mudslide).

On the other hand, it is up to your neighbor to contact his insurer, who will take care of the repairs. Who will turn to your insurer to obtain compensation. If it is proven that there was negligence, compensation may be partially or totally refused.

• Tree falls on vehicle

When a tree falls on a vehicle, you have to distinguish whether or not it is your vehicle.

• • If the falling tree damaged your vehicle, it is theinsurance of your car which will cover repairs according to the guarantees subscribed to under the contract.
  • If the damaged vehicle is not yours, that person’s car insurance will cover the damage, provided the contract includes adequate coverage.

• Tree falls on swimming pool

In the event of a storm and a falling tree damaging a swimming pool, if the insured has not taken out swimming pool cover as part of their home insurance, the insurer will not provide compensation.

On the other hand, storms are exceptionally considered as a case of force majeure by insurers. It is therefore important to check that your contract contains storm, hail and snow cover.

Fallen tree: how does home insurance compensate?

To obtain compensation, several situations must be distinguished.

• You directly cause the tree to fall.

If you saw your tree and it falls and causes damage, depending on your contract, your home insurance covers this risk, under civil liability. So, in the event of damage caused to your neighbor or a third party (such as a passerby), you will then be protected.

On the other hand, you will not be systematically covered if the tree causes damage to your own home, depending on the guarantees taken out.

• The fall of a tree is due to your negligence

If the fall of the tree is the result of your negligence (failure to maintain the tree), your liability will be established.

In short, your home insurance may cover you depending on the guarantees subscribed. Otherwise, you will therefore have to assume the cost of repairs for damage caused to third parties or to yourself (for example if the tree falls on the roof of your house).

How to maintain a tree and prevent the risk of incidents?

Make sure to prune the trees in your garden regularly to reduce the risk of accidents.

Also remember to clear away dead branches that have fallen near a tree.

If a tree causes injury to a third party, you may be liable to repair the damage caused if your negligence is established.

Check that the tree is alive by breaking branches or making a cut into it to see if it is still green inside. If it is dead, cut it down.

Finally, keep in mind that large trees, or trees located close to a home, are more likely to cause damage.

It is also important to know that some species are more resistant than others to climatic events, or are less water-hungry.

Read also
What to do and what not to do if your neighbor’s branches are overhanging your property?