Homeowners Insurance and Neighborly Tree Troubles
As a homeowner, you want to make sure that you’re protected in case of any unexpected events. One such event that can cause damage to your property is a falling tree. Unfortunately, trees don’t always fall in a way that’s convenient for you, and sometimes they fall on your property from your neighbor’s yard. So what happens when a tree from your neighbor’s property falls and damages your house?
The short answer is that your homeowners insurance would typically cover the damage. However, it would be considered a “third-party claim,” meaning that your insurance company would then seek reimbursement from your neighbor’s insurance company.
Take Action
When a tree from your neighbor’s property falls on your house, it’s important to act quickly. Here are the steps you should take:
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. They will want to see the damage and start the claims process.
- Document the damage. Take photos and videos of the damage to your property, including any damage to your fence, roof, or other structures.
- Get estimates for repairs. Your insurance company will want to know the cost of repairs, so it’s a good idea to get a few estimates from different contractors.
- Inform your neighbor of the incident. They may not have known that their tree was going to fall, and they’ll want to know what happened.
Negligence
It’s also worth noting that if you know your neighbor’s tree is a potential danger and they refuse to take action, your insurance might not cover the damages. If this is the case, notify them via certified letter and at that point if they did nothing and it falls you’d file a claim against their insurance for negligence. It is always better to be proactive and make sure your neighbor is aware of the dangers on their property.
Conclusion
In conclusion, homeowners insurance will typically cover damages from a tree falling from your neighbor’s property. However, it’s important to act quickly, document the damage, and inform your neighbor of the incident. Remember to be proactive and take steps to identify any potential hazards on your own property and your neighbor’s property to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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