Understanding Insurance Coverage for Tree Collisions
Hitting a tree while on the road is considered a collision, and would be treated like any other car accident, so you would file a claim with your insurance company to be compensated for the damages. However, this is subject to having included special perils (natural disaster) coverage as an additional protection in your comprehensive car insurance policy. This insurance claim needs to be made under the own damage section. However, it may have an impact on your car’s No Claims Discount (NCD) rate. This means that your car’s NCD will reset to zero, and the premium price for your car insurance is likely to be higher in the following year.
If a tree has fallen on the road and you hit it, you will need to have collision insurance coverage to be able to file a claim. The deductible you have selected will need to be paid before the insurance provider pays out on your policy. Some companies do offer a vanishing deductible option.
In general, insurance coverage plays a crucial role in helping alleviate your financial burden. However, if a tree has fallen on your car, you’ll need comprehensive auto insurance coverage to file a claim for Sandy – if you only have liability, it probably won’t cover the damage to your vehicle.
Fallen Tree Law in Georgia
What is the fallen tree law in Georgia?
If a neighbor’s negligent tree falls on your car, their homeowners insurance should cover your claim. You need proof they knew the tree was decaying or were warned about it.
In Georgia, if a tree falls within your boundary and damages your property, you are responsible. If the fallen tree injures someone, contact a lawyer to help you. Georgia’s fallen tree law is complex, especially regarding injury.
In Georgia, different laws apply to fallen trees in rural versus urban areas. In rural areas, owners are liable if they had prior knowledge a tree was diseased, decayed or dangerous. In urban areas, owners are liable if the tree had visible damage, decay or rot.
If a fallen tree sits on a property line, each homeowner cares for their side. They cannot permanently damage or injure the tree. If a healthy tree falls, the owner is typically not liable. If there was visible fungus growth or dead branches, the owner may be liable for negligence.
Who is liable in Texas?
Who is liable when a tree falls on a neighbor’s property in Texas?
Under Texas property laws, if a tree falls from natural causes (lightning, storms, water) the property owner where the tree has fallen is responsible for removing it.
However, a neighbor is liable for damages if their negligent tree or branches fall. Trees can be costly to replace or remove.
When a healthy tree falls onto a neighbor’s property, the neighbor should submit an insurance claim for property damage. Since the tree fell naturally, the neighbor’s insurance would cover it.
If a homeowner is liable for a fallen tree’s damage, their personal insurance pays. The insurer investigates and defends if sued. If the homeowner loses, their insurer pays damages up to the policy limit.
In rural Texas areas, owners are liable if aware trees were hazardous. In urban areas, liability applies to visibly decaying trees. Storm damage disputes require a lawyer.