Tree damage is common, even without storms
It doesn’t always take extreme weather. A wet winter, soft ground, one strong gust and over it goes.
Fallen trees account for a steady number of home insurance claims, affecting roofs, walls, fences, garages and outbuildings.
What usually triggers a valid claim
Insurers focus on sudden events.
If a tree falls unexpectedly and causes immediate damage, that is usually treated as an insured event under buildings cover.
Storm conditions and fallen trees
Many tree claims are linked to storms, but the presence of a named storm is not always essential.
Insurers look at wind speed, rainfall and timing rather than headlines. A tree falling during unsettled weather can still qualify.
Your tree versus a neighbour’s tree
Ownership matters less than people think.
If your neighbour’s tree falls onto your house, you normally claim on your own policy. Insurers may later recover costs from the neighbour if negligence is proven.
When negligence becomes an issue
Negligence is not assumed.
For it to apply, there usually needs to be evidence that a tree was visibly dangerous and the owner ignored clear warnings or advice.
What parts of the damage are usually covered
Buildings insurance typically covers the resulting damage.
- Roofs, walls and structural elements
- Garages, sheds and fixed outbuildings
- Permanent fencing and gates
What is often excluded or limited
Tree-related exclusions are usually specific.
- Removal of the fallen tree itself beyond what is needed to access repairs
- Damage caused by gradual root movement
- Purely cosmetic garden damage
Tree removal and clearance costs
Insurers often cover reasonable removal costs where the tree must be cleared to repair insured damage.
They may not cover full garden clearance or replacement planting.
Damage to fences and garden structures
Fences sit in a grey area.
Some policies include them under buildings, others apply lower limits or exclude storm-related fence damage entirely.
Subsidence versus impact damage
A falling tree causing impact damage is treated differently from roots causing gradual movement.
Root-related cracking is often assessed under subsidence terms, with higher excesses and longer investigations.
Evidence insurers usually ask for
Tree claims tend to be evidence-heavy.
- Photos showing the fallen tree and point of impact
- Weather conditions at the time
- Confirmation of ownership if relevant
- Details of any prior concerns about the tree
Emergency repairs and safety work
Temporary repairs to make the property safe are normally encouraged.
Insurers expect reasonable steps to prevent further damage, not full reinstatement without approval.
Why tree claims can move quickly
Unlike many structural issues, impact damage from a fallen tree is usually clear-cut.
Cause, timing and responsibility are often easier to establish than with gradual damage.