Does Homeowners Insurance Cover a Fallen Tree?
It depends on what the tree hit
The Insurance Information Institute describes this general pattern:
- Hits your house or detached garage: damage to the structure and contents is generally covered.
- Hits nothing insured: debris removal is generally not covered, though some insurers pay if it blocks a driveway or accessibility ramp.
- Neighbor's tree hits your home: your own policy generally responds. Your insurer may seek reimbursement from the neighbor's insurer.
- Hits your car: North Carolina's regulator says the homeowners policy won't cover it, though auto comprehensive coverage may.
Removal limits
The figures vary. The Insurance Information Institute says generally about $500 to $1,000. The sample HO-3 form (ISO's October 2000 edition) sets $1,000 per loss and $500 per tree. North Carolina's regulator describes up to $500 per loss. Read your own policy's limit.
Replacing the tree itself
The Insurance Information Institute says your own trees and shrubs are covered only for listed causes, and wind isn't one of them. Coverage is generally capped at 5% of your structure coverage. Wisconsin's regulator says usually up to $500 per item.
Neglect can matter
The Insurance Information Institute says poor maintenance isn't covered, and suggests cutting down dead or dying trees near the house and pruning branches close to it.
Check your policy
Read your own policy, including any endorsements, and ask your agent or insurer how it applies to your situation. Your state insurance department can answer questions about coverage and take complaints. This page describes general patterns, not what your policy will pay.
Common questions
Who pays if my neighbor's tree falls on my house?
Does insurance pay to cut down a tree that hasn't fallen?
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Last verified 2026-11-03
- Insurance Information Institute: If a Tree Falls on Your House, Are You Covered? — Tree hitting house or detached garage covered; removal about $500 to $1,000; neighbor's tree and subrogation; no structure hit generally no debris coverage; 5% cap on trees and shrubs; listed causes.
- Insurance Information Institute: Sample Homeowners Policy Form HO 00 03 (ISO edition of October 2000) — Sample form: removal up to $1,000 per loss, $500 per tree, for trees felled by windstorm, hail or weight of ice, snow or sleet where they damage a covered structure or block access.
- North Carolina Department of Insurance: FAQs About Homeowners Insurance — Up to $500 per loss for tree removal when it damaged a structure or blocked the driveway; neighbor's tree on your home; car not covered by the homeowners policy (North Carolina).
- Insurance Information Institute: Am I Covered? — Roof damage from a fallen tree covered; tree falling without damaging property; cut down dead or dying trees.
- Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance: Consumer's Guide to Homeowners Insurance — Trees usually covered up to 5% of the house insurance, up to $500 per item; not for windstorm.
General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.