My Neighbors Tree Fell on My House: Whose Home Insurance Policy Should the Claim Be Filed With?

At Colling Insurance Services Inc. serving the greater Lakewood, CO area, we realize that there is a lot of confusion over filing certain types of homeowners insurance claims. One scenario is when a tree falls from one person’s property onto another person’s property and causes damage, such as hitting their home. The parties may be unsure as to whose homeowners insurance policy the claim should be filed with. 

Unfortunately, though, there is not a one size fits all answer to this question and the answer as to which insurance company the claim should be filed with varies. 

As a general rule of thumb, if the tree fell because of strong wind gusts or floods, the neighbor whose home was damaged would file a claim with their insurance company. Their insurance company covers random acts, such as wind gusts, and is designed to cover these events. On the other hand, if the tree toppled over because it was not properly cared for and maintained, and the tree owner was negligent, the claim should be filed with their homeowner’s insurance company. 

If your home was damaged due to a neighbor’s tree hitting it, you may be unsure as to which company to file a claim with. When in doubt, file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance. if the other party has liability for the damage, your insurance company can go after them or their insurance company to recoup the money. 

Having the right amount of homeowners insurance is key in the event something unexpected like this occurs. Do you have the right amount of coverage? Contact Colling Insurance Services Inc. serving the greater Lakewood, CO area today to discuss your insurance needs with us.