When the winds and Old Trees Collide: What does this mean for your insurance

When the winds and Old Trees Collide: What does this mean for your insurance -

There is an old rhyme that reminds us that the March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers. As said the unknown poet, in early spring can bring more than the beauty of blooming flowers. High winds and unpredictable weather are a feature of spring in the United States. If strong winds last weekend are any indication, spring can be ahead of schedule this year!
The greatest danger in high winds is the damage they can cause to trees. High winds costing millions of dollars each year, mainly through the branches and fallen trees. Even if a tree does not land on your house or car, cleaning can be expensive, which is another good reason to make sure you, the owner, have an adequate emergency fund. If a tree or branch falls on your house or car, what should you do? Call your independent insurance agent immediately.
Many people believe that if the tree in question was originally the property of their neighbors, the neighbor should be the one to call from their insurance will pay for it. This is not true. Your homeowners or auto insurance policy will cover the damage, no matter who belongs to the tree. The Insurance Information Institute says "In most cases, an insurance company will not spend time trying to figure out where a tree or other item come." Even if there is clear evidence, rather than accusing your neighbor, you can leave the bickering to insurance companies, who may try to collect from the insurance company of the neighbor in a process called subrogation.
However, while no one can guarantee that a bad storm will not cause damage, manicured healthy trees are much less likely to succumb to storms. What can you do to protect your property against trees and fallen branches? Keep an eye on every tree to ensure that the trees are healthy with this handy checklist. If you are unsure, it is always a good idea to have an expert opinion, so consider an inspection of the tree expert. If you're not sure who to call in your area, the International Society of Arborists maintain national lists of certified arborists. This initial consultation with an arborist, especially for first home buyers can save thousands later.
If the worst happens and your roof has a large branch or a tree on it, do not try to fix it yourself! Call your insurance agent immediately and then call in a professional. If the tree branch went through the ceiling, you'll want to make sure that the contents of the house are safe. Remove all of the affected part and seal the area out of reach of children and pets.

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