What You MUST Do If a Tree Falls on Your House!
A fallen tree can cause significant damage to your home, leaving you wondering: Should I remove the tree immediately? What does my insurance policy cover? What steps should I take to ensure my claim is successful? At Panther Public Adjusting, we help homeowners navigate the complexities of insurance claims, ensuring they receive the full settlement they deserve.
Should You Remove the Tree Right Away?
When a tree falls on your house, you face two conflicting requirements in your insurance policy:
- Mitigation of Damage – Your policy requires you to take steps to prevent further damage to your home. Leaving the tree on your roof can lead to additional harm, such as water intrusion, structural instability, and increased repair costs.
- Preserving Evidence – Your insurance company has the right to investigate the cause of the tree fall. They may want to inspect the tree’s condition before its removal to determine coverage eligibility.
So, what should you do? You must balance these two obligations to avoid jeopardizing your claim.
The Best Course of Action: Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately
The safest approach is to document everything and email your insurance company. Here’s how:
✅ Send an Email: Notify your insurer in writing (never just call!) and ask: Do you want me to remove the tree or leave it until your adjuster inspects the damage? Having written proof protects you from disputes later.
✅ Take Photos and Videos: Capture clear images from multiple angles before touching anything. Show the tree, the damaged areas, and any debris.
✅ Prevent Further Damage: If it’s safe, place a tarp over any openings in the roof. While public adjusters do not perform tarping or mitigation, we can refer you to trusted professionals who specialize in damage prevention.
If you have a public adjuster, they will document the damage, communicate with your insurance company, and advocate for a fair settlement on your behalf. However, public adjusters do not hire mitigation companies for homeowners. If mitigation is needed, we can refer you to trusted professionals who specialize in those services.
Is This a Covered Loss?
Coverage depends on your policy and the cause of the tree fall. Common covered scenarios include:
✔️ Storm Damage – High winds, hurricanes, or heavy rain bringing down a tree are typically covered. ✔️ Neighbor’s Tree – If your neighbor’s tree falls on your property due to natural causes, your insurance usually covers the damage. ✔️ Diseased or Dead Trees – Even if the tree was diseased or dead, the event is still sudden and accidental. Therefore, it should be covered under most policies.
📌 Need help understanding your policy? Submit your policy for a free review and let our experts analyze your coverage.
What If Your Claim Is Denied or Underpaid?
Unfortunately, insurance companies often underpay or deny legitimate claims, arguing that the damage is pre-existing or not covered. If this happens, don’t accept their first offer!
💡 Hire a Public Adjuster – We fight on your behalf to maximize your settlement. Our team has recovered millions for homeowners facing denied or lowballed claims.
📞 Call us now at 833-726-8437 for a free consultation!
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make After a Tree Falls
🚫 Removing the Tree Too Soon – Always get written approval from your insurer first. 🚫 Making Permanent Repairs Immediately – Wait until your insurance company inspects the damage. 🚫 Accepting a Low Settlement – Many insurers lowball claims. Consult with a public adjuster to ensure you receive what you’re owed. 🚫 Not Documenting Damage – Photos, videos, and written communication are your best protection against disputes.
Protect your claim by following these steps and consulting a professional.
Why Choose Panther Public Adjusting?
🏠 We Maximize Your Settlement – Our expertise ensures you get every dollar you’re entitled to. 📋 We Handle the Entire Process – No stress, no hassle—just results. 🛠️ We Work for You, Not the Insurance Company – Unlike insurance adjusters, our goal is to serve your best interests.
🔗 Want to learn more about how claims work? Check out our guide: What Happens to My Policy When I File a Claim?
🔗 Understand depreciation and its impact on your claim: What is Depreciation?
🔗 Discover the hidden costs of insurance policies: The 100K Insurance Mistake You Can’t Afford to Make
Take Action Now
🏠 Don’t let your insurance company underpay your claim! Get expert help today:
📞 Call us at 833-726-8437 for a free consultation.
📩 Submit your policy for review at Claims@PantherPA.com.
📢 Visit PantherPA.com to learn more.
Your home deserves the best protection—make sure you get the settlement you deserve!