Tree Removal - Insurance or other ideas for coverage?

Question

I have a rotting tree at one of my properties in Cleveland, OH and need to have it removed. Some of the branches got blown off during the last storm in December, but otherwise it is still upright. The neighbors have asked me to have it removed, as it looks like it's about to fall over any day onto their house/garage/boat. Has anyone had any luck with getting insurance to cover a preventative measure like this? It would be way more expensive and a headache to deal with the aftermath.

Any ideas are greatly appreciated!!

Jason Bott · Answer

Lesley, unfortunately there isn’t a policy tocover the removal of a tree. Your going to have to bite the bullet on this one.Any maintenance issue on a property will not be covered by a standard Property policy.Additionally, you could be held liable for damage to the neighbors house if they can argue that you knowingly neglected the trimming/removal of the tree.

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

@Lesley Ray Get that tree outta there ASAP.....now that you know that it's dangerous you would be 100% liable for all damages. Imagine if that tree goes through your neighbor's roof.....! Waaay more than $5500...by a factor of 10.

Thomas Heyde · Answer

The way I've had it explained to me is that if you know there is a hazard on your property and you don't remove it, you will be responsible for the damage caused. Your insurance may be different, best bet contact your agent.

Scott Crowley · Answer

Hey Lesley, the only way that I am aware of where you would have the option to cover things considered as "preventative" is to add-on other supplementary coverages that would fit this category. Even then, the insurance coverage options available are more so positioned for when a loss has occured, so, I'm not sure there's another option to be had here.As already stated by others, I would be taking swift action in removing the tree ASAP. Not sure how small/large your property is and I know the cost of removal isn't cheap. However, if the tree is an obvious liability and you've been made aware on top of that, it needs to go...even if that means it's a cash flow killer for the year. Be prompt in getting a few bids to remove it(unless you have PM that can accomplish for you), get it gone, write-off the expense as your consolation, and it is done forever.

Bob Stevens · Answer

Just cut it down, ins is not going to cover it,

Carlos Ptriawan · Answer

In my case they are tying off every single piece , it took 8 manpowers for straight 3 days in our case.but it is worthed it because those branch can kill people , it is still miracle that when the branch falls it doesn’t cause human damage

Jason Bott · Answer

@Lesley Ray If it is hanging over the building, they may need to bring a crane in or an arborist needs to tied off every single cut so it doesn't fall on the house. A legit tree company will take a lot of time to make sure it is safely down. The craigslist guy is going to cut it at the base and hope it falls in the right direction.

Kristi K. · Answer

I want to be your tree trimmer!

Alex L. · Answer

Like others have already said, you're going to have to pay out of pocket for this. As a former insurance adjuster, home insurance would only pay for removal of the tree after it's fallen... and even in that situation, there's often a limit on the amount paid for tree cleanup (at my previous company, that limit was $1,000 for every policy that came across my desk. Many policies don't even cover tree cleanup unless the tree caused damage to something else. In pretty much every situation, however, if you're aware that the tree is rotting and dead and the tree causes damage to a neighbor's property, you yourself can be held entirely liable for those damages. My best advice is to call the smallest licensed and insured tree company you can find... the more local, the more cost effective it'll likely be as well. I have a MASSIVE oak tree at one of my properties that is very much alive, but is damaging the driveway and sewer lines. I've had about 6 different estimates to take it down, ranging from a low of $2,450 to $6,800. The $2,450 estimate came from a local well-loved licensed and insured company that is based in town and has their main office about 5 minutes from the property, so I imagine that's part of the reason why it's so cheap compared to everyone else... nobody else came in under $4k.Good luck.

Rod Hanks · Answer

No, insurance won’t pay for preventative maintenance. But I would definitely get it removed asap because you said it was rotting and looks like it’s going to fall over. The neighbor put you on notice, so if it were to fall over you will be negligent and liable for damages. Also the insurance co could deny your claim for failing to take reasonable actions to remedy the situation before it fell over because you knew it was rotting and a hazard.