Storm Prevention Tips - Pacific Arboriculture

When most homeowners think of insurance, they often focus on protecting their homes from common issues like theft or fires. However, many homeowners overlook one of their property's most important parts: trees. While healthy trees add value and beauty to your landscape, they can also pose unexpected risks. When there is a problem, many homeowners wonder how tree insurance policies work. In this blog post, we'll discuss tree coverage in home insurance policies and how to file tree damage insurance claims. What is Tree Coverage in Home Insurance? Many homeowners' policies include some tree coverage that addresses related damages to trees on or near the property. In most cases, homeowners insurance covers damages caused by specific perils, such as lightning, windstorms, fire, theft, aircraft, non-resident vehicles, malicious acts, and even vandalism. Ensuring you have coverage for your trees in the Puget Sound region is essential for several reasons. If you're a homeowner, you're likely familiar with the abundance of trees in this area. After all, Washington is known as the Evergreen State. The Puget Sound region experiences frequent storms and rainfall throughout the year, making the trees susceptible to falling branches. Because there are so many trees in a high-density area, there are potential risks if trees fall on your property or a neighbor's. Key Components of Tree Insurance Policies Near Seattle In a homeowners insurance policy, coverage generally refers to protection against the damage that trees can cause. Though each homeowners insurance policy differs, most cover the same tree-related incidents. For example, if your tree falls and damages your home or another structure on your property, a homeowners policy may cover the repair costs. In many circumstances, this also includes the cost to remove the falling tree and repair the damage it may have caused. One common question many homeowners ask is, will homeowners insurance cover tree removal? While homeowners insurance covers many issues caused by trees, it does not cover particular circumstances. For example, a homeowners policy might not cover damage if a tree falls because it is diseased or poorly maintained. Many homeowners' policies do not support tree root damage insurance claims. In addition, the removal of healthy trees or non-damaged related removal or control is not often covered. Homeowners in the Puget Sound region should ensure that their homeowners' policy has specific coverage relating to the particular environment in our area. Check for coverage relating to storm and wind damage and verify if your policy includes maintenance-related damage. Ensure that your insurance covers the cost of removing fallen trees, repairing potential damage to structures, and any liability for damage that can be caused by trees. Filing Tree Damage Insurance Claims in the Greater Seattle Area If your property has been damaged because of a fallen limb or tree, you'll want to begin documenting the incident and filing a claim with your insurance. Here are the steps you should take to file a claim: Document: Start by taking clear photos of the damaged areas, including the fallen limb or tree and any affected structures. Check coverage: Check your insurance coverage to ensure that the tree damage is covered by your insurance company, noting any limits or exclusions related to tree damage. Contact your insurance company and file a claim: Once you have documented the incident, contact your insurance company immediately to file a claim. Provide as much information as possible, such as photos, repair estimates, and other requested documentation. Schedule an inspection: Insurance companies require that an adjuster visit the property to assess the damage and determine the claim amount. Get a repair estimate: Obtain quotes from contractors and tree removal companies for the cost of repairs and removal. Follow up and review settlement offer: Keep in touch with your insurer to check on the status of your claim. Once it has been processed, ensure the settlement offer covers all damages. If anything seems inadequate, negotiate with your insurer for the appropriate amount. Complete all repairs and close the claim: When your claim has been settled, hire a contractor and perform the repairs. Document the entire process and keep copies of all documents for your records, just in case of a dispute. How Arborists Can Assist with Tree-Related Insurance Issues Should you help with the tree-related insurance claims process, the experts at Pacific Arboriculture can help. We can provide an expert damage assessment that includes a detailed inspection, identification of causes, and damage classification that helps with filing an insurance claim. Our experts know how to provide an accurate, fair market value of the tree and any association damages that are critical for the appropriate compensation for removal, repair, or replacement. By providing an objective, third-party assessment, we can help resolve disputes between homeowners and insurance companies. For exceptional residential tree services in the Greater Seattle area, you can count on Pacific Arboriculture. Schedule your free consultation today!

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