Is Tree Removal Covered by Insurance?

Insurance Guide

The short answer

Tree removal is usually covered by homeowners insurance only when a tree falls on an insured structure - your house, garage, or fence - because of a covered peril like a storm or high wind. In that case the policy typically pays for the damage plus a capped amount (often $500 to $1,000) to remove the tree, minus your deductible. A tree that's merely dead, diseased, or fell without hitting anything is generally not covered - that's routine maintenance. After any storm, call (316) 330-9524 for fast emergency tree removal.

When it's typically covered

A tree or large limb falls on your house, garage, shed, or fence during a storm.
A fallen tree blocks your driveway or a handicap-access ramp (a common exception even with no structure damage).
The damage came from a covered peril - wind, hail, or the weight of ice or snow.

When it usually isn't

The tree was dead, diseased, or neglected - insurers may deny claims for hazards the owner ignored.
Preventive removal of a risky but standing tree - that's maintenance, on you.
A tree fell in the yard and didn't hit an insured structure.

What to do after a storm in Wichita

Tornado Alley wind and winter ice drop a lot of trees here, so know the drill: keep everyone away from downed lines and trees under tension, photograph the damage and the tree, note the date and the storm, and call your insurer to start a claim if a structure was hit. Then get a professional assessment - we document the damage in writing, can meet your adjuster, and clear the hazard safely. See our storm-damaged tree guide for the full steps.

Related Guides & Services

Storm damage now? Call (316) 330-9524 - we document for your claim and clear it fast.

Frequently Asked

Does homeowners insurance cover a tree that fell on my house?

Usually yes. If a tree falls on your house, garage, fence, or other insured structure because of a covered peril like wind or a storm, most homeowners policies cover the resulting damage and a portion of the removal - often with a cap around $500 to $1,000 for hauling the tree away, minus your deductible. Coverage and limits vary by policy, so read your declarations page. The key is that there is damage to a covered structure. Document everything with photos, note the storm date, and file promptly. We provide written documentation and can work with your adjuster.

Will insurance pay to remove a healthy or dead tree?

Generally no. If a tree is simply dead, diseased, or in the way and hasn't fallen on anything, removal is considered routine maintenance and is the homeowner's responsibility, not an insurance claim. Insurers also may deny a claim if a tree fell because it was obviously dead or neglected and the owner didn't address it - another reason not to sit on a hazard tree. Preventive removal is on you, but it's far cheaper than the damage a failing tree can cause. We offer honest pricing on removals that insurance won't cover.

What if the tree fell but didn't hit anything?

If a tree falls in your yard and doesn't damage a covered structure, most policies won't pay to remove it - there are usually exceptions if it blocks a driveway or a handicap-access ramp. That means a tree down across your lawn after a Kansas storm is typically an out-of-pocket removal. It's worth calling your insurer to check your specific policy, since limits and exceptions differ. Either way, a fallen tree can be under dangerous spring tension, so leave the cutting to a pro - call and we'll clear it safely.