Severe storms and high winds can wreak havoc on properties, and one of the most common dangers is falling trees. If a tree has fallen on your property in Ireland, causing damage, you may be wondering if you can claim it on your insurance policy. Damage caused by a tree falling in a storm is often covered by home insurance, but it depends on the cause, the wording of your policy and any exclusions.
What to Do if a Tree Causes Damage to Your Property?
If a tree has fallen and caused damage to your home or other insured property, it’s crucial to take prompt action to mitigate further damage and begin the insurance claim process:
Step-by-Step Guide Upon Discovering Damage
- Ensure your safety and the safety of others by avoiding the damaged area until it has been secured.
- Take photos or videos of the damage to document the extent and cause.
- If the tree has fallen on your home, making it uninhabitable, your insurance policy may cover temporary accommodation expenses.
- Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the claim and provide them with the necessary details and documentation.
- Follow any specific instructions from your insurer regarding emergency repairs or securing the property to prevent further damage.
- Keep detailed records of any expenses incurred due to the damage, as these may be covered under your policy.
Will I Need to Pay an Excess on the Damage?
Most home insurance policies in Ireland have an excess or deductible, which is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. The excess amount can vary depending on your policy and the type of claim. In the case of fallen tree damage, you will likely need to pay the standard excess for your policy, unless stated otherwise in your terms and conditions.
Should I Contact a Loss Assessor?
Dealing with insurance claims, especially for significant damage, can be a complex and overwhelming process. In such cases, it may be beneficial to hire a loss assessor, sometimes called a public assessor or claims consultant. A loss assessor can act as your advocate, making sure the tree damage is fully recorded and that the claim includes everything your policy covers.
How Can I Prevent Trees from Falling on My Property?
While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk of falling trees, there are some proactive steps you can take to minimise the chances of damage:
- Regular tree maintenance: Have a certified arborist inspect and trim trees on your property regularly, removing any dead or hazardous branches.
- Remove hazardous trees: If a tree poses a significant risk due to its age, condition, or proximity to your property, consider having it removed by a professional tree service.
- Secure fences and structures: Ensure that any fences, sheds, or other structures on your property are securely anchored and able to withstand high winds.
- Keep gutters and drains clear: Blocked gutters and drains can cause water to accumulate around trees, weakening their stability during storms.
Loss Assessor Dublin: Insurance Claim Solutions
Insurance Claim Solutions is a loss assessor firm in Dublin that acts for homeowners and businesses on property insurance claims across Ireland. Its loss assessors know how Irish policies are worded and how claims are assessed, and they put that knowledge to work for the policyholder.
Insurance Claim Solutions handles fallen tree, fire, flood and other insured losses, supporting you from the first inspection to the final settlement. Its loss assessors record the damage, prepare the claim and deal with your insurer and its loss adjuster, keeping you up to date as the claim progresses.