Does House Insurance Cover Fallen Trees UK

Fallen trees can cause unexpected damage to homes, fences, cars and outbuildings, particularly during storms or high winds. If a tree comes down on or near your property, one of the first concerns is whether your home insurance policy will cover the cost of damage and removal. In the UK, most standard buildings insurance policies do include cover for fallen trees, but the level of protection and conditions can vary.

When Are Fallen Trees Covered by Insurance

In most cases, UK home insurance policies will cover damage caused by a fallen tree if it results from an insured event such as a storm, lightning strike or high winds. If the tree damages your house, garage, shed or other insured structure, your buildings insurance should pay for the repair costs. If it falls onto a vehicle, that would be covered by your motor insurance, not your house insurance.

If the tree does not cause damage but is blocking access to your home or has fallen within your garden, your policy may still cover the cost of removal, particularly if it presents a hazard. However, some policies only cover tree removal if there is actual structural damage or if the tree was growing on your property. Trees on neighbouring land that fall onto your property may be a more complex case.

When Are Fallen Trees Not Covered

Home insurance will not usually cover damage or removal if the tree was already dead, diseased or poorly maintained before it fell. Insurers may argue that the fall was due to neglect rather than an insured event. For this reason, homeowners are expected to carry out reasonable maintenance and keep trees in a safe condition. If an insurer believes the tree posed an obvious risk and nothing was done about it, they may reject your claim.

Policies also tend not to cover the cost of removing a tree simply because it has fallen, unless it caused damage or obstruction. For example, if a healthy tree is blown over into your garden without causing harm or blocking access, the removal cost may be yours to bear.

Liability for Neighbouring Trees

If your neighbour’s tree falls onto your property and causes damage, your own buildings insurance will usually be your first line of defence. Your insurer may then seek to recover costs from your neighbour if there is evidence of negligence, such as a tree that was known to be dangerous. The same principle applies in reverse if your tree falls onto someone else’s home.

To avoid disputes, it is sensible to talk to neighbours about overhanging or damaged trees and address any safety concerns early. It is also a good idea to keep records of correspondence if there is an ongoing issue or you have warned a neighbour about a potentially unsafe tree.

Cover for Tree Removal

Not all policies include cover for removing fallen trees. Some offer a separate garden cover or debris removal clause, which can help pay for clearing the tree after a storm or other insured event. If you are concerned about this, check the wording of your policy or speak to your insurer. Some policies offer garden cover as standard, while others treat it as an optional add-on.

Professional tree removal can be expensive, particularly if machinery is required or the site is difficult to access. Always confirm with your insurer whether you need to obtain approval before starting any removal work.

What to Do If a Tree Falls

If a tree falls on your property, your first step is to make the area safe. Do not approach if there are downed power lines or signs of structural damage. Contact emergency services if necessary, then notify your insurer as soon as possible. They may arrange for a loss adjuster to assess the damage or give you instructions on next steps.

Take photographs of the tree and damage before any clearing begins, and keep any receipts for emergency work or temporary repairs. If you believe someone else is responsible for the fallen tree, notify them in writing but do not delay starting your claim.

Conclusion

In the UK, house insurance will usually cover damage caused by a fallen tree if it results from a storm or other insured event. Cover for tree removal depends on the specific terms of your policy, and claims may be denied if the tree was not properly maintained. Check your policy wording for any exclusions or limits, and keep your trees in good condition to avoid disputes. If in doubt, contact your insurer to clarify what is covered and what action to take if a tree falls on or near your home.