Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tree Removal in Missouri?
After a storm rolls through Jasper County, our phones light up. "A tree hit my garage! Will insurance pay for it?"
In Missouri, the answer depends on three things: Damage, Cause, and Prevention.
1. No Damage? No Money.
If a windstorm blows over a massive Oak tree and it lands in the middle of your yard without hitting anything, your insurance usually pays $0.
- Why: Insurance covers structures, not landscaping.
- Debris Removal: Some premium policies might have a "Debris Removal" clause that pays $500-$1,000 to help clean up, but this is rare. Check your policy.
2. It Hit the House (The Good News)
If the tree hits a covered structure (House, Garage, Fence):
- Structure Repair: Covered.
- Tree Removal: Covered (specifically the cost to lift the tree off the structure).
- Stump Grinding: Usually NOT covered.
3. The "Negligence" Trap (The Bad News)
Missouri law distinguishes between an "Act of God" and "Negligence."
- Act of God: A healthy tree is snapped by a tornado. Covered.
- Negligence: A dead tree that you ignored for 3 years finally falls. DENIED.
If the insurance adjuster sees that the tree was obviously dead (no bark, no leaves, rotten) before the storm, they can deny the claim, saying you failed to maintain your property.
4. Your Neighbor's Tree
What if your neighbor's tree falls on your house?
- You file the claim. Your insurance pays for your repairs.
- Subrogation: If your insurance can prove the neighbor knew the tree was dangerous (e.g., you sent them a certified letter asking them to remove it), they might sue the neighbor to recover costs.
How We Help
We work with insurance adjusters daily. We provide:
- Detailed Invoices: Breaking down "Emergency Service" vs. "Debris Haul Away."
- Photos: Documenting the damage before we cut.
- Tarping: Securing the roof immediately.
Don't wait. The longer water sits in your house, the worse the damage.