When severe weather rolls through Houston, strong winds and heavy rain can turn a healthy-looking tree into a serious threat to your home. One moment everything is fine, and the next, a large branch or entire tree has landed on your roof.
If this happens, knowing what to do next can help you protect your home, document the damage, and navigate the insurance claims process with greater confidence.
First: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Before worrying about the damage, make sure your family and pets are safe.
If a tree has fallen onto your home, avoid entering areas that appear unstable. A damaged roof can create additional hazards inside the house, including falling debris, electrical issues, water intrusion, or structural damage.
If there are downed power lines near the tree, stay away and contact the appropriate utility company.
Your safety comes first. The insurance claim can wait until you know everyone is safe.
Document the Damage
Once it is safe to do so, take photos and videos of the damage before moving the tree or beginning repairs.
Try to document:
Detailed documentation can be helpful when your insurance company evaluates the claim.
The Texas Department of Insurance recommends photographing damage before making repairs or taking steps to move a fallen tree.
Prevent Further Damage—But Don't Make Permanent Repairs Yet
If there is an opening in your roof, you may need to take reasonable temporary measures to prevent additional damage. For example, a tarp may help keep rain from entering the home until the roof can be properly repaired.
Keep receipts for reasonable emergency repairs and materials.
However, avoid making permanent repairs or replacing major portions of the roof before speaking with your insurance company or agent. Your insurance company may want to inspect the damage as part of the claims process.
Contact Your Insurance Agent or Company
After documenting the damage and taking reasonable steps to protect your home, contact your insurance agent or insurance company as soon as possible.
Many homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for damage caused by falling trees or other objects, but coverage depends on the specific policy, including its exclusions, limits, deductibles, and other terms.
This is one reason understanding your homeowners policy before a storm happens can make a big difference.
At Associated Insurance Managers, we believe insurance should be about more than simply having a policy. It should be about understanding how your coverage works and making sure it fits your needs.
What About Tree Removal?
A common question homeowners have after a tree falls is:
"Will my insurance pay to remove the tree?"
The answer depends on the circumstances and your policy.
Some homeowners policies provide limited coverage for removing a fallen tree or branches when the tree damages a covered structure or blocks certain areas, such as a driveway. A tree that simply falls in the yard without causing covered damage may not be covered for removal.
That's why it's important to check your policy rather than assume every fallen tree is covered.
What If Your Neighbor's Tree Fell on Your House?
It may seem logical that your neighbor's homeowners insurance should pay if their tree falls onto your property. However, that's not necessarily how insurance works.
If the tree fell because of a storm or another act of nature, your neighbor may not be considered responsible for the damage simply because the tree was on their property.
In many situations, your own homeowners policy may be the policy that responds to the damage. If your neighbor was negligent or otherwise responsible for the tree's condition, the circumstances could be different.
Don't Forget About Water Damage
A damaged roof can create a second problem: water getting inside your home.
If rain enters through a section of the roof that was damaged by the fallen tree, your homeownerspolicy may provide coverage for resulting damage, depending on the circumstances and your policy.
That makes it especially important to act quickly after a tree damages your roof. Temporary measures to keep additional rainwater out can help prevent the original damage from becoming a much larger problem.
Will Your Entire Roof Be Replaced?
Not necessarily.
If a tree damages part of your roof, the amount your insurance company pays can depend on the type of roof coverage you have, the extent of the damage, your deductible, and the terms of your policy.
Texas Department of Insurance guidance notes that some policies provide replacement cost coverage, while others may calculate payment based on the roof's age and condition.
Your insurance policy also may not pay to replace a roof simply because it is old or worn out. Insurance generally responds to covered damage—not ordinary deterioration.
Before Storm Season: Look Up
One of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of tree-related damage is to pay attention to the trees around your home before severe weather arrives.
Consider having potentially hazardous trees or branches evaluated, especially if they are:
Keeping gutters clear and regularly checking your roof can also help you identify problems before they become emergencies. The Texas Department of Insurance recommends removing tree limbs hanging over or near the roof and checking the roof for damage after storms.
Know Your Homeowners Coverage Before You Need It
A fallen tree is stressful enough without wondering whether your insurance will cover the damage.
Your homeowners policy can include important protections for your home, personal property, and certain additional expenses following a covered loss. But every policy is different.
At Associated Insurance Managers, we take a personalized approach to helping clients understand their insurance and identify potential gaps in coverage. As an independent insurance agency serving Houston and families throughout Texas, our team can help you review your homeowners coverage and better understand what your policy is designed to protect.
Have questions about your homeowners insurance? We're here to help.
Contact Associated Insurance Managers at (713) 365-8400 or visit our office at 11111 Katy Freeway, Suite 120, Houston, TX 77079 to discuss your coverage.
Insurance coverage varies by policy. This article is intended for general informational purposes and should not be considered a determination of coverage. Please refer to your individual policy or contact your insurance agent with questions about your specific coverage.