Are Storm Damaged Trees Covered by Insurance?
A heavy storm just blew through, and now there’s a massive tree—or part of one—lying across your yard, your driveway, or even your roof. The first question many homeowners ask is:
“Will insurance cover this?”
The answer? It depends. Let’s walk through what most insurance policies do (and don’t) cover when it comes to storm-damaged trees.
When Does Insurance Cover Tree Damage?
In general, homeowners insurance does cover storm-damaged trees if they cause damage to a covered structure, such as your home, garage, fence, or shed.
✅ Examples of when it’s typically covered:
A tree falls on your house during high winds
A large limb crashes through your garage roof
The tree hits a fence or deck
Lightning strikes and splits the tree, causing property damage
ServiceMaster Restore confirms that insurance often helps pay for tree removal, structural repairs, and temporary lodging if your home is unlivable.
When Is Tree Damage Not Covered?
Not all storm damage qualifies. Farmers Insurance explains that if a tree falls but doesn't damage a structure, it usually isn’t covered.
🚫 Examples of when it’s usually not covered:
A tree falls in your yard but doesn’t damage anything
The tree was dead or rotting before the storm (considered neglect)
You want the tree removed before it causes damage (preventive work)
If your tree was clearly unhealthy before the storm, your insurance may deny the claim.
What About Neighbor’s Trees?
This can be tricky. Here’s the general rule, according to Progressive:
If your neighbor’s healthy tree falls onto your property during a storm, your insurance pays for the damage.
If the tree was clearly dead or neglected, you may be able to file a liability claim with their insurer—but only with proper documentation.
That’s why working with a professional tree service like ours to document the condition of the tree is so important.
How Much Will Insurance Pay?
According to ValuePenguin, most policies include:
$500–$1,000 for tree removal
Full repair costs for covered structures (like your home or garage)
You’ll still be responsible for your deductible, and your policy may limit how much is paid per tree or per event.
Steps to Take After Storm Tree Damage
If a storm has left your yard a mess, follow these steps:
Take photos of the damage before anything is moved
Prevent further damage (use tarps or plywood if needed)
Call your insurance provider to open a claim
Contact a certified tree service for emergency removal or professional assessment
Keep all receipts and documentation—Kiplinger notes these may be needed for reimbursement
We Can Help With Tree Assessments & Removal
At Flying Squirrel Tree Trimming, we specialize in fast, safe storm cleanup. We can:
Remove hazardous trees or limbs
Document the scene for your insurance claim
Advise you on what's likely covered
Grind stumps, haul debris, and restore your property
Need urgent help? We offer 24/7 emergency service in the Metro Detroit area.
Storm-damaged trees may be covered by insurance—especially if they cause property damage. But coverage varies, and not all removal is reimbursed. Acting fast, documenting everything, and working with professionals can save you time, money, and headaches.
Need help after a storm?
Flying Squirrel Tree Trimming offers emergency service, expert advice, and peace of mind.
📞 Call now or 📧 email us for a free consultation.
We’ll help you clean up safely—and deal with the insurance part, too.