TREE KINGTree care tips
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tree Removal in Texas?
Sometimes. It mostly depends on what the tree hit and why it fell. Here's how it typically works — always check your own policy.
Usually covered: a tree that damages a covered structure
When a tree falls on your house, garage, fence or other covered structure because of wind, lightning or another covered event, most policies help pay to repair the structure and to remove the tree from it — often with a per-tree limit.
Often not covered
A tree that falls without hitting anything — in the yard, across the lawn — is often not covered, though some policies pay for debris removal up to a small limit, especially if it blocks a driveway or ramp.
Removing a dead or dying tree before it falls is maintenance, which policies generally don’t cover.
Neglect. If a tree was obviously dead or dangerous and fell, an insurer may push back.
What about the neighbor's tree?
Generally, if a healthy tree from a neighbor’s yard falls on your house in a storm, your own policy handles your damage. If the neighbor knew the tree was dead or dangerous, their liability coverage may come into play. Rules and policies vary, so talk to your agent.
How to document damage for a claim
Take photos and video from several angles before anything is moved (only if it’s safe). Keep receipts for emergency work to prevent further damage, like tarping. Get a detailed written invoice from your tree company describing the tree, what it hit and the work done.
Tree King provides detailed invoices for insurance claims. For a tree on your home, see emergency tree removal or call 361-850-3643.
This article is general information, not insurance or legal advice. Your policy wording controls.
What Texas homeowners should check in the policy
- The wind and hail deductible. Many Texas policies have a separate deductible for wind and hail, often set as a percentage of the home’s insured value instead of a flat amount. On a small tree claim, the deductible can be larger than the bill.
- The debris removal limit. Policies often cap tree removal at a set amount per tree and per loss. Look for the numbers before you need them.
- Other structures. Fences, sheds and detached garages are usually covered under a separate limit from the house.
A tree fell on your car
Damage to a vehicle is normally handled by the comprehensive coverage on your auto policy, not by homeowners insurance, wherever the tree came from.
The first 24 hours
- Stay clear of downed lines and of anything still hanging in the tree.
- Take photos and video before anything is moved, if it is safe.
- Call your insurer and get a claim number.
- Prevent further damage. Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps, such as getting the tree off the roof and tarping the hole, and they generally reimburse that emergency work. Keep every receipt.
- Be careful with door-to-door crews after a storm. Do not sign anything that hands your claim over to a contractor without reading it.
When a tree is on a house, crane-assisted removal lifts it off in pieces without dragging it across the roof. We work storm damage across Weston Lakes, Fulshear and Katy.
Common questions
Does homeowners insurance pay to remove a tree that fell in my yard without hitting anything?
Often not. Some policies pay a limited amount for debris removal, especially if the tree blocks a driveway or an access ramp. Check your policy or ask your agent.
A tree fell on my car. Is that homeowners insurance?
No. Vehicle damage from a fallen tree is normally covered by the comprehensive coverage on your auto policy.
Will insurance pay to remove a dead tree before it falls?
Generally no. Removing a dead or dying tree is treated as home maintenance. It is still worth doing, because an insurer may dispute a claim for damage from a tree that was obviously dead.
Ready to get started?
Call Tree King for an upfront, on-site estimate. We’ll tell you exactly what your trees need — and what they don’t.