In the aftermath of a strong storm, an Ottawa homeowner may be left looking at damages caused by fallen trees or branches.
Here’s a quick guide to understanding what to expect from your insurance company once the cleanup begins.
What was the condition of the tree?
The first question will be about the state of the tree prior to the storm. If the tree was already in a state of decay then there are no guarantees that damages will be covered by insurance. This is because the expectation of the homeowner is that they will be proactive in removing any dangerous, dead, or rotting trees before they fall.
What was the extent of the damage?
In most cases, when a tree falls on a lawn area and does not cause any damage to the home or other property, it will not be covered by insurance and you are responsible for the removal costs.
However, if the tree falls in a way to block the driveway, then you will need to hear from your insurance broker whether the removal cost will be covered.
What happens in situations where the tree that fell was on my neighbour’s property?
Once again, the first point of concern will be about the state of the tree before the storm — was it decaying and already likely to fall? If this is found to be true, it may be possible to file a claim on your neighbour’s home insurance liability coverage.
There may be an impact on your own rates as a result of this, so the best bet is to talk with your insurance broker and get their advice.
Similarly, if a tree on your property falls and causes damages to your neighbour’s property, they will have the option to file a claim against your insurer.
How to avoid tree damages due to storms
The best way to avoid damages due to fallen trees is to be proactive in removing any trees or branches that are decaying or dying. In some cases, this can be done yourself — though when dealing with tricky or large jobs it is best to bring in a tree services company with experience and expertise to get the job done safely.
The cost of maintenance services will be considerably lower than the cost to repair damages that are determined to be the result of negligent care and maintenance.
Got any more questions?
If so, ask a tree services company like VS Tree any questions you may have. Or if you simply want to get started with a project, reach out to us today!
