If a neighbor’s tree falls on your house, who is responsible? This is a very interesting question and one that is often vaguely written in the law, although there are a few concrete facts that you need to know. The following is a compiling of the facts that you need to know when determining who is responsible if a neighbor’s tree falls on your house.
Most important tips before the storm hits
· Make sure that you take proper care of your trees. If a neighbor expresses concern about one of your trees, take the necessary steps and prune your tree and its branches.
· If your neighbor’s tree is giving you concern as a result of unkempt braches or leaves, politely ask them to trim their tree just to be on the safe side. This could be one of the best moves you make for both yourself and your neighbor to avoid the situation entirely.
When a neighbor’s tree falls on your house
· If you had not expressed concern about the neighbor’s tree beforehand, and they maintained their trees well, then you (or sometimes your city) are responsible for the resulting damage. If you are found responsible, check with your insurance company because many times they will help pay for some, if not all, of the expenses.
· If you are thinking about going through insurance, take into consideration the amount you will be filing to the insurance company. If it is a couple thousand dollars, it may be more beneficial to you to pay for it yourself to avoid having a non-renewal or an increased premium during the next year.
Figuring out who pays for the damage and who will repair the damage can be a complicated process. If you need help figuring out the legal side of the situation or need help with the tree removal, check out TalkLocal. They will connect you directly to a top-rated professional in your area within minutes. The service is free to use and extremely helpful – be sure to check it out!
