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Santa Clarita Farmer's insurance agent answers your questions

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Services for Real Estate Pros with Farmers Insurance/Blue Cross Insurance

If my neighbor's tree falls on my house and I sustain damage to my roof, whose fault is it? This is a common question I am asked. The answer is that the insurance company considers this to be an 'act of nature' - no one's fault.

You homeowner's insurance policy covers any damage to your roof done by wind, hail or ice - no matter whose tree it is. It is then your responsibility as a homeowner to avoid any further damage by having the tree removed and then covering your roof if it is exposed. Santa Clarita insurance

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Kenneth Cole
Weichert Realtors Appleseed Group, 2043 Richmond Ave. S.I.N.Y. 10314. office phone 718-698-9797, Appleseedhomes.com... - Staten Island, NY
NYS Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Suppose, I have a dead tree whose limbs are always falling down.  Don't I know I have a problem?

I'm surprised that the insurance company doesn't care.  If I have a tree that's a problem, I'm taking it down.  Ever hear of a widow maker?  That's a tree limb falling on a man.  Simple.  Widow maker.

Jan 24, 2008 10:37 AM
Dennis Volz
State Farm Insurance - San Diego, CA
Like a Good Neighbor

Ken....

Fortunately (or unfortunately) depending on your perspective, there's NOT an exclusion for policyholder inattention or flakyness or even stupidity!  The questions of negligence which is what you're bringing up only applies if damage happen to another party because of your "inattention."

 For example, if your tree if just fine, no warnings and it just falls on your neighbors house, likely it's not your fault and HIS insurance will pay the damage.  If you've had clues or especially if your neighbor has offered you written notice that he thinks your tree is in such sad shape it could damage his house and THEN it falls on his house, you'll probably be found negligent and YOUR policy will pay for his house.

All the best...Dennis Volz

Apr 28, 2008 05:40 AM