Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tree Removal after a Storm in New Jersey?

If you're a property owner, then you know what it takes to maintain a home. It takes being intentional to keep your house in working order. New Jersey homeowners insurance is a great place to start for coverage for tree removal after a storm and other catastrophes.

A New Jersey independent insurance agent works with several carriers so that you don't have to. They'll shop for free, saving you time and premium dollars. Get connected with a local expert to get started today.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, home insurance comes with common policy options that are foundational coverages. Each one can usually be adjusted to your specifications. The majority of homeowners policies will have the following limits included:

• Dwelling limit: Pays for the replacement or repair of your home itself when a covered claim occurs.
• Personal property: Pays for the replacement or repair of your personal belongings.
• Personal liability: Pays for bodily injury, property damage, or slander claims against a household member.
• Additional living expenses: Pays for your temporary stay at another property when a claim renders your home unlivable. 
• Medical payments: Pays for the first $1,000 - $10,000 of a medical expense when a third party gets injured on your property.

Does New Jersey Homeowners Insurance Cover Tree Removal after a Storm?

Your New Jersey homeowners policy will have coverage for most storm damage that comes your way. Unfortunately, coverage for tree removal is circumstantial and depends on where the tree falls.

How tree removals are covered under your home insurance:

• It covers the removal of a tree that falls onto a structure, like your home or shed, due to a covered loss.
• It covers the removal of a tree that falls onto your neighbor's structure.

Estimated overall losses due to natural disasters in the US

If debris from a tree falls on your land or your neighbor's, it's typically not covered under your home policy. Instead, you'd be responsible for the cleanup out of pocket.

Catastrophes That Could Cause a Tree to Fall in New Jersey

In New Jersey, 1,078,146,000  homeowners claims were paid last year alone. When a storm is brewing, it can cause trees to fall on your property. Some of the typical New Jersey catastrophes you'll want protection for are:

• Severe storms and lightning
• Hurricanes and tropical storms
• Flooding and water damage
• Heavy snow
• Burglary and other property crimes

Number of homeowner insurance claims paid due to lightning losses in the US

If lightning occurs, it can quickly strike a tree and create a disaster for your home or surrounding areas. It's best to know when you're responsible and when you're not. 

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tree Removal in New Jersey?

When a tree falls on your property, the question isn't if it's covered, but when. There is a general rule of thumb that usually applies to each home policy. If the tree doesn't actually fall on a structure and just land, then you'll be responsible for the expense. If the tree obstructs access to a driveway, the home or another structure, removal is covered.

Different types of property coverage when damage occurs:

• Replacement cost: Pays to replace your home or other structure to its like kind and quality when a claim arises, including storm damage.
• Actual cash value: Pays to replace or repair your property to the current market value. This typically only applies to roofs but can apply to the actual home itself if old enough.

How a New Jersey Independent Insurance Agent Can Help

There are multiple coverage options when you own a home in New Jersey. Instead of going it alone, consider using a licensed professional. They compare policies at no cost to you, making it super-simple to obtain the right insurance.

A New Jersey independent insurance agent will shop with their network of markets, giving you options. They'll review your coverage so that you don't have to. Connect with a local expert on trustedchoice.com in minutes to get protection for tree removal after a storm.