I still don’t know if it makes a sound if I’m not there to hear it, but I do know who is responsible for the damage thanks to these great insurance tips:

1.  If a tree on your property falls on your home, you are of course responsible for any repairs to your home and tree removal. Your insurance policy will pay for damages after you pay the deductible.

2.  If a tree on your neighbor’s property is “dead or dying,” and you see a possible risk that this tree may fall in the future, you are responsible to notify your neighbor (GET IT IN WRITING!!) of this tree and its potential to fall or damage property. This will protect you if the tree does in fact fall and damages your property.  If you have proof that you notified the neighbor of this risk prior to any damage occurring, the neighbor’s insurance company will be responsible for any damage or tree removal.

3.  If a tree on your neighbor’s property is in “good condition” and it happens to fall onto your home/property due to weather, etc., it will be your responsibility to file a claim with your insurance company since the damage did not occur due to any negligence on your neighbor’s behalf.  You are responsible for your property in this case, just as you would if lightening were to strike your home, for instance.  Your neighbor can contact their insurance company to see if they are responsible for any of the damage to your property, but the best advice is to allow the claims adjusters from both sides to subrogate if necessary.

Thanks to Mike Oelz with Allen Tate Insurance for providing these great tips.   He can be reached at 704-909-2355, or on his website here.