Why Your Insurance Might Deny Tree Damage Claims — Unless You Do This First
- Oliver Owens
- Jul 21
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 19
Let’s set the scene. The storm has passed. You step outside, expecting to breathe a sigh of relief — but instead, your heart sinks. There’s a giant limb across your yard. The tree in the back? Split in two. The roof? Dinged. The fence? Bent at a weird angle.
So, like anyone would, you call your insurance company… thinking this is exactly what your policy is there for.
But here’s what most homeowners don’t know until it’s too late.
Your tree damage claim can get denied — and often does.
Not because of the storm. But because of what you didn’t do before the wind picked up.
Let’s walk through why that happens, and what you can do now to protect your property, your wallet, and your peace of mind.
What Insurance Actually Covers — And What It Doesn’t
Most homeowners assume that once damage happens during a storm, their policy will take care of it. And in some cases, that’s true — especially if a healthy tree falls during a storm and damages your home, fence, or car.
But insurance adjusters aren’t just looking at the tree. They’re asking:
Was this preventable?
Was the tree dead, rotting, leaning, or dropping limbs long before the storm?
Was this a known issue?
If the answer to any of those is yes… your claim may get denied as “homeowner negligence.”
A True Story from Seffner
We once had a client whose towering pine fell during a tropical storm — right onto the edge of their roof. Sounds like a standard claim, right? Except… that tree had been visibly leaning for over a year. It had dropped limbs, the bark was splitting, and there were patches of dead needles everywhere.
The insurance company came out, snapped a few photos, and then promptly denied the claim.
“Failure to address known hazards.” That was the reason they gave.
Warning Signs Your Tree Is a Liability
You don’t have to be a certified arborist to notice when something’s off. Most risky trees show clear signs — if you know what to look for.
Here’s what should raise a red flag:
Large dead limbs
Fungus or mushrooms growing near the trunk
Peeling bark or cracks along the trunk
Trees leaning toward your home or power lines
Hollow-sounding wood
Insect infestations (e.g. sawdust piles, boreholes)
No new leaf growth in spring or summer
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to call in a pro — not after the storm, but before.
Why Insurance Companies Are Getting Stricter in Florida
Florida isn’t an easy place to insure. Between hurricane season, high winds, and heavy rain, property damage claims have surged. So insurance companies are tightening their guidelines and looking for any reason to deny a payout.
That means:
Outdated roofs, unmaintained trees, or previous warnings ignored? Higher risk.
No maintenance records or proof of inspections? Higher chance of denial.
Claiming damage from a tree that was already dead? Definitely denied.
In other words, they’re not just checking what happened — they’re checking what you did (or didn’t do) to prevent it.
How to Get Ahead of a Denial: Tree Health Assessments
Here’s the single smartest thing you can do today: Get a certified tree health assessment.
A proper assessment by an ISA Certified Arborist provides:
A full inspection of all trees on your property
Notes on tree species, condition, and risk level
Maintenance recommendations
Supporting documentation with photos
Written record showing due diligence
This isn’t just helpful for peace of mind — it’s proof that you acted responsibly.
Steps to Protect Your Property Before Hurricane Season
Don’t wait for a storm warning to take action. Here’s what you can do right now to minimize tree-related risk — and boost your chances of getting covered if something does go wrong.
1. Trim Overhanging Limbs
If a limb is within 8-10 feet of your roof, it needs a trim. High winds can snap it off like a twig — and your insurance won’t cover the damage if they determine it was preventable.
2. Remove Dead or Diseased Trees
If you already know a tree is dying, don’t delay. You’ll save yourself the risk — and the fight with your insurer — later.
3. Install Bracing or Cabling
In some cases, a tree doesn’t need to come down — it just needs a little support. A certified arborist can install structural cables to stabilize a tree against strong winds.
4. Keep All Maintenance Records
Take before/after photos, keep invoices, and save any tree reports. Having a paper trail of responsible care helps support your claim.
Free Resources to Learn More
Want to get more informed? Here are a few excellent, free resources tailored to Florida homeowners:
These resources offer guides, diagrams, and checklists to help you make better decisions about your landscape.
What It’s Like Working With All Your Way Tree Service
Here’s what happens when you call us:
We do a full walk-through of your property, looking for risk signs.
You’ll get honest recommendations: trim, treat, or remove.
We’ll provide written documentation, with no-pressure options.
If needed, we help you plan ahead for storm season or insurance documentation.
We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across Valrico, Seffner, and greater Hillsborough County take the right steps before storm season — and avoid major insurance headaches after.
Final Word: Don’t Let “Preventable Damage” Be Your Story
We’ve seen it happen too many times: someone skips their yearly tree trim, ignores a leaning trunk, or hopes that old maple will “make it through another season.”
Then a storm hits. And they’re left with a smashed fence, an angry insurance agent, and a whole lot of regret.
Being proactive isn’t about paranoia. It’s about protection.
Whether it’s a 40-foot oak or a decorative palm in your front yard, your trees are part of your home — and they deserve the same care and attention.
Let’s keep you covered.
Let’s Get Ahead of the Storm — Together
Ready to get a second opinion before hurricane season rolls in? Want a trusted arborist to check things out?
We’re ready when you are. Because when it comes to protecting your home, it’s not just about fixing what breaks — it’s about seeing what might break… and getting there first.
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