If you’ve got trees near your home, you may be worried about how they could affect your home insurance. In this post we’ll take a closer look at the relationship between trees and insurance. In particular, we’ll explore whether home insurance covers tree root damage.
If you have any questions about your home insurance needs, get in touch by calling 0208 290 9086 or emailing personal@anthonyjones.com.
What Damage Can Trees Cause To Property?
A falling branch from a nearby tree could damage your home in the event of a storm, and most insurance policies will cover you for storm damage. Yet beyond the branches, it’s also important to understand how a tree’s roots may affect your home.
What Damage Can Trees Roots Cause To Property?
As it grows, a tree will spread out its roots in search of a source of water, shifting the soil around it as it does so. This can lead to a number of problems for your home:
- Structural damage from subsidence, which is a particular risk if you’re home’s got shallow foundations, or if it’s built on clay soil which can dry up and shrink.
- Damage or blockage to your drains.
- Lifting and breaking through paving, roads, walkways, and other surfaces.
It’s pretty unlikely that any trees near your home will cause you any issues. But the good news is that, if trees do cause you any issues, your insurers will very likely be able to help you.
Does Home Insurance Cover Tree Root Damage?
Yes, most home insurance policies will cover you for tree root damage. But the policy wording might vary from insurer to insurer, and there may be some exceptions or limits to the cover.
Often, you’ll only be refused cover if the tree root damage was foreseeable or preventable. Here are some examples of situations where insurers may turn down your claim:
- If you plant a new tree in your garden, within 10 metres or so of your house. Unless you notify your insurer, and unless you consult a surveyor about possible root damage, you may not be covered for any subsequent issues.
- If you undertake any groundwork, such as laying foundations for new paving, or a new shed, summerhouse, or garden office. This could result in compacted soil, through which tree roots may struggle to grow. They may seek the path of least resistance, which might be towards your property.
What To Do If You’re Worried About Tree Root Damage?
As we said above, it’s unlikely that any trees near your home will cause you any problems. But if you’re worried about tree root damage, there are a few steps you can take to reduce the risks.
First, you can hire a surveyor or an arborist to check the trees, or to consult your planting plans. They can advise on the tree’s current condition, on its likely future growth, and on any potential issues the tree may cause in the surrounding area.
You can also install root barriers around the tree, which could prevent the tree’s roots from reaching your drains or foundations.
Finally, it’s important to look for the signs of potential root damage, including lifted paving, cracked walls, and evidence of sinking. As soon as you spot something amiss, contact a tree surgeon or your local council immediately. It will also help to notify your insurer, and to take photos should you ever need to provide evidence as part of a claim.
Get The Insurance Cover You Need For Your Home
Mark Stevenson from Anthony Jones says:
“Most home insurance policies will cover you for tree root damage, along with the other risks that trees might pose to your property. If you’re worried about potential damage from any trees near your home, a specialist arborist or tree surgeon could put your mind at ease.
“At Anthony Jones, we can help you understand your unique cover needs as a homeowner, and we can help you secure the tailored cover you need at the best price. So if there are any trees near your home, we can help you ensure that you’ll have the cover you need should you ever have to make a claim.”
If you have any questions about your home insurance needs, get in touch by calling 0208 290 9086 or emailing personal@anthonyjones.com.
