Texans know that significant chances of high winds or freezing precipitation beckon during winter. If this weather occurs, it often increases the risk of falling debris, trees and branches. We all like the foliage around our homes. However, despite its shade and beauty, it does create property damage risks. Does this impact your homeowners insurance rates? What can you do to prevent damage risks on your property?
Homeowners insurance and trees have complicated relationships. If you don't manage your foliage appropriately, you might face losses not covered by your policy.
How do trees cause property risks?
Trees are large, heavy objects. They might pose damage to your home in various ways.
- Improperly felled or uprooted trees might fall onto the house, causing structural damage.
- Trees uprooted by high winds might become projectiles.
- Tree roots growing close to the home can cause structural damage. They might cause foundation cracks or damage to underground pipes.
- If you remove trees, the removal (if done incorrectly) might pose property damage risks. It could cause foundation shifts, moisture intrusion or ground collapse.
In any of these scenarios structural damage might prove unsafe to home occupancy. The repairs might likewise prove costly. With attention to your insurance, however, you can ensure you have protection.
Insurance for Tree and Foliage Damage
Often, homeowners insurance will provide coverage for structural damage caused by trees.
- If one of your trees falls on the home, your policy will likely cover the damage. However, check your coverage, because some policies do exclude this protection.
- Should a neighbor's tree fall on your property, it is often the neighbor's responsibility for removal. Likewise, their liability insurance will often cover your losses.
- Damage from roots, ground displacement and other underground risks often has coverage also. Often, it is nearly impossible to prevent this damage, after all. Still, some policies will not cover these damages if you don't disclose that a risk exists in the first place. For example, if your insurer wants you to remove a tree from the property to reduce risks, it is pertinent to do so.
Generally, having trees near your home will not increase your home insurance rates. Yet, your rates often will increase if you make frequent claims for tree damage on the property. Therefore, look closely for hazards on your property. So, if you notice broken limbs, dead trees or signs of root damage, have the items repaired expediently.
Keep in mind, though your insurance won't likely pay for tree maintenance, keeping the property in good shape can make it safer. As a result, your homeowners insurance risks might drop.
For more information on homeowners insurance, let Altima Insurance answer your questions.Contact us today!