I help homeowners and contractors navigate insurance claims. I specialize in wri7ng repair es7mates in the Xac7mate so9ware program.

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Claims Delegates- When a Tree Hits your House

Its that (me of year again here in the Northwest. The weather is turning and the wipers need replacing. And, with the last storm system that blew through, a lot more than the leaves are falling. As I was driving into work I saw several large branches strewn on the roads and in the ditches. That reminded me that Fall is ocially Tree vs House Season. Ive handled many hundred insurance claims involving a tree falling from one yard and damaging (some(mes smashing) someone elses home. Almost without fail, I hear the same things from the vic(ms. There is a lot of misunderstanding out there when it comes to OPP (Other Peoples Property) and home insurance, so I thought I write this liJle public service message for you.

Neighbors Tree, Your House.

And your neighbor cant insure your house. That means that the only insurance that could cover damages to your house from a fallen tree, no maJer where said tree came from, is YOURs. Tree removal has limits. Most insurance policies contain maximum coverage amounts for tree

removal, usually $500. Depending on the size of the tree, you could spend $500 very quickly. Make sure that

whomever you get to remove the tree is aware of the limit.

Things to know when a tree hits your house: You cant insure OPP.

This means that you likely have coverage under your policy for things like board-up and tarping. If the same company

that removes the tree also places a tarp for weather protec(on, have them separate their bill for both ac(vi(es. When in doubt, leave the tree in the yard. Remove the tree from the house to prevent further damage, but leave the rest in the yard instead of racking up removal charges. You can

always come up with a solu(on down the road.

Shi> coverage when possible.

The likelihood of hidden damages is high when trees and roofs are involved. Ive seen well-built houses stand up to some big trees with liJle visible damage from the exterior. That does NOT mean that other things, like earthquake (e-downs and founda(ons, escaped unscathed.

DONT RUSH TO REPAIR OR SETTLE

Retain an insurance restora(on specialist. Preferably someone who understands structural damages and has the ability to refer a high quality structural engineer

RETAIN AN INSURANCE RESTORATION SPECIALIST

Call for your free consulta(on. Claims Delegates is always here to answer the tough ques(ons. Should I turn in a claim? Who should I call rst?

Who should I trust? Trust the Badge. 888.745.7568

Call for your Free ConsultaLon.