This question is almost as mysterious as the one about whether the tree falling in the forest unheard makes a sound or not. Issues regarding neighbors, property damage, and insurance coverage may seem minor but sometimes cause serious disputes. You can trust the experienced professionals at Blue Lion Insurance Advisors in Red Bank, New Jersey to help you understand the complexities of such cases.
If you are dealing with an insurance issue of any kind or want to purchase Homeowners, Auto, Boat, or other Insurance that will provide you with the most comprehensive coverage for the lowest possible price, we can be reached at (732) 649-1600 or contacted online. Our knowledgeable insurance advisors are happy to help you make wise decisions. Because we do not represent any one insurance company, we can be objective about which policies will best suit your needs.
Much Depends on What Caused the Tree to Fall
In general, if the reason your neighbor’s tree fell on your property was weather-related, the ball is in your court. This means that if high winds, a blizzard, hurricane, or other “act of God” uprooted the tree or broke off one of its large branches, your neighbor cannot be held responsible. Any damage to your home, fence, or shed may, however, be covered by your own Homeowners Insurance. If the tree has fallen on your car, your Auto Insurance will likely cover the damage.
Still, it is important to remember that most Homeowners Insurance does not cover tree removal, which can be expensive, unless your neighbor’s tree has fallen on your fence, house, or garage and must be removed in order to repair the structures. Some Homeowners policies will also pay for tree removal if the fallen tree blocks your driveway or an essential entrance to your home, typically up to $1,000 per storm.
What if your neighbors’ negligence is the underlying cause of the damage?
If your neighbors have been negligent, not taking proper care of the tree that has fallen, the situation is altogether different. Say, for example, that your neighbors’ tree has many dead branches that you have brought to their attention as a potential hazard, and then one breaks off in a storm and damages your porch. In such a case, your neighbors are likely to be considered responsible for the damage to your property.
Since property owners owe the community a duty of care to keep their property safely maintained, failing to have dead branches trimmed may not only make them responsible for your repair costs but expose them to premises liability charges in civil court. Think what would happen if a visibly hanging dead branch went neglected for months or years and then hit a person walking by. While Homeowners Insurance should cover the owner for injury from a tree branch broken by lightning, many such policies exclude poor maintenance or negligence premises liability from coverage.
Variations in Coverage Mean Variations in Cost
Some Homeowners Insurance policies provide coverage for claims only if there is no negligence involved; others will cover claims whether or not the policyholder has been negligent. Many policies cover only damage to physical structures, but not to landscaping. Our insurance advisors know the right questions to ask you in order to help you decide which coverage you want and how much you are willing to pay for it.
How Blue Lion Insurance Advisors Can Protect Your Family’s Finances
Because our insurance advisors know the details of every insurance policy we offer for sale, we are in a position to provide you with a precise summary of each policy’s coverage. We are able to answer any questions you have so that you can make an informed decision about which policy is best in your particular case.
Unlike insurance agents who are just trying to push their products, we take the time to explain the differences between the policies of various companies and help you determine which are cost-effective for you and your loved ones. As soon as you contact us, we will make your insurance needs our priority and give you our undivided attention.
Contact Our Experienced Insurance Advisors to Get the Right Insurance Coverage, at the Right Price with Superior Client Service. That’s the heart of Blue Lion Strong™!