Emergency tree removal and the insurance check

Emergency tree removal is paid only in some cases. Ask the insurer on your policy before anyone moves the tree.

The Alabama Department of Insurance says: "Typically, a policy will only pay for the removal of trees if the tree damaged covered property, blocks a driveway access onto the property, or blocks a handicapped ramp into the structure."

The Louisiana Department of Insurance says that when a tree falls on the house, "usually the company will pay for removal of the tree because it damaged your insured dwelling." For a tree that came down in the yard, it says: "You should contact your producer as this may or may not be covered under your particular policy. Some policies provide coverage to remove a fallen tree if it blocks the insured's driveway."

Florida's Department of Financial Services says: "Most homeowners insurance policies include a specific amount of coverage for tree and debris removal; however, it may not be sufficient to complete the entire clean up."

These are Alabama, Louisiana, and Florida pages. Your policy decides what is paid, so read it and call your insurer. A tree fell on the house. Here is the order to follow. is where the photos and the insurer call sit in the order.

A tree on a car is a different question. Does insurance cover a tree falling on my car? stays with the car. My neighbor's tree fell on my property. Who pays? quotes the Louisiana Department of Insurance.

In a storm city such as Pensacola, the insurance question and the heritage-tree permit are two different calls. The permit page does not decide the claim.