A tree or large limb coming down on your house is scary, and it’s hard to think straight in the moment. Here is what to do, in order, to keep your family safe and protect your insurance claim.
1. Get everyone to safety
If the tree came through the roof, or you see cracked ceilings, sagging walls or doors that suddenly won’t close, get everyone out of that part of the house. If you smell gas or see structural damage, leave the house and call 911.
2. Stay away from downed power lines
Trees often bring power lines down with them. Assume every downed or sagging line is live. Keep people and pets far away, and call 911 and your electric company right away. Never try to move a limb that’s touching a wire.
3. Don’t climb on the roof or cut the tree yourself
A roof with a tree on it can shift or collapse without warning, and cutting a trunk that’s under tension is one of the most dangerous jobs there is. Removing a tree from a roof is work for a professional tree service.
4. Take photos and video
From a safe spot on the ground, photograph the tree, the roof, and any damage to gutters, siding, windows, cars or fences. Inside, photograph ceiling damage, water and anything that got wet. Do this before anything is moved if you can do it safely. Good photos make your insurance claim much easier.
5. Call your insurance company
Report the damage as soon as you can. In general, homeowners policies cover damage to your house when a tree falls because of a storm or wind. Coverage for removing the tree itself is often limited, and a tree that falls without damaging anything may not be covered at all. Every policy is different, so ask your agent exactly what yours includes.
6. Prevent more damage
Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to keep the damage from getting worse. After the tree is removed, that usually means getting the opening covered with a tarp as soon as possible to keep rain out. Keep receipts for any emergency work, since they’re often reimbursable.
7. Get a full roof inspection
Even when the visible hole is small, a falling tree can crack rafters, split decking, break flashing and tear gutters away in places you can’t see. Have the whole roof inspected before repairs start, so everything ends up in your claim.