When a Tree Falls, Who is Responsible for the Damage?

When a Tree Falls, Who is Responsible for the Damage?

When a tree falls and causes damage, who is responsible?

It depends. May sound unsatisfying, but it’s true.  Imagine one scenario. A storm hits, causing your neighbor’s tree to fall and damage your property.  Usually it’s your homeowner policy that will cover the costs.

And if your tree fell on your neighbor’s property, her insurance policy would cover the costs.

But consider this.

What if your neighbor knew her tree was old and weak, but failed to take care of it before it fell?  Then her insurance would respond.  That’s why your agent advises you to pay attention to maintenance on your property.

And a worse scenario, what if the tree fell on your property when your neighbor tried to cut it down himself?

The liability would be his. Good reason to hire a qualified arborist.

Don’t be in the dark when it comes to tree damage.  If you have questions about your insurance coverage, contact the Frost / Beck Insurance Agencies for more information.

For more information or quotes on your Auto insurance needs, contact Beck Insurance Agency in Archbold or Whitehouse, Ohio.  Or contact the Frost Insurance Agency in Napoleon or Holgate, Ohio today.  Call either at 419-446-2777, email us at help@beckinsurance.com or at frost@frostins.com.  Or, submit a request by clicking here.

Agent Tip:  Are you concerned about the condition of your neighbor’s tree and fear it may fall on your property?  Have your agent send the client a certified letter stating said concern, asking them to have it taken down or cleared by an arborist.  Should it fall later, you can then prove they were aware and took no action.  That inaction would be considered negligence putting the responsibility on their homeowners insurance, not yours.