Trees Debris Removal Coverage

Why debris haul‑off is sometimes covered, sometimes capped
— and how the deductible can be “absorbed.”

Policy form used for this explainer: ISO Homeowners 3 — Special Form HO 00 03 10 00 (ed. 10/00). This is a very common baseline form and many companies use similar language, but endorsements and state variations matter. Always read your own policy.

Entertainment‑only notice: This page is for entertainment purposes only. Do not rely on anything on this page. Always read your own policy and consult with your own claims professional or attorney.

Large tree on a roof after windstorm
Cutting the tree off the dwelling (crane, rigging, crew) counts as Coverage A/B work — not subject to the small tree‑removal cap. Debris work on the ground is capped.

The issue in a nutshell

  • Two coverage categories. Debris of covered property (hauling away the damaged thing) sits inside that coverage’s limit. Tree‑removal is a separate additional coverage with its own trigger and dollar cap.
  • Tree‑removal triggers. Payable when the felled tree (i) damages a covered structure, or (ii) blocks a qualifying driveway/ramp; the fall must be due to a covered cause. Cap: $1,000 per loss, max $500 per tree.
  • No cap on lifting off the structure. Costs to get a tree off a covered building (cranes, rigging, crew time, roof protection) are Coverage A/B—up to the policy limit—less the deductible.
  • Caps apply after that. Once the tree is on the ground, the small tree‑removal cap applies to cutting/chipping/hauling.
  • Deductible absorption. Amounts above the tree‑removal cap don’t get paid, but they still count toward satisfying the policy deductible on the overall claim.

Why this matters in real claims

Wind/HailWeight of Ice/SnowNeighbor’s treeDriveway blockedRamp blockedNo structure damage

Adjusters typically pay in full to protect and repair the home (Coverage A/B), then apply the small tree‑removal cap only to debris work once the tree is down. Knowing which coverage category applies prevents underpayment and overbilling.

  • Split line items: “lift/rig off structure” vs “chip/haul debris.”
  • Document where the tree landed and what it blocked.
  • Excess debris cost over the cap can help absorb part of the deductible on the overall claim.

How to evaluate a tree/debris claim

  1. Document the event. Photos/video of where the tree landed and whether it damaged a covered structure or blocked a driveway/ramp.
  2. Identify the cause. Wind/hail/ice weight (or a neighbor’s tree under Coverage C) vs wear/disease. The fall must be from a covered cause.
  3. Check triggers. If no covered structure damage and no qualifying blockage, tree‑removal coverage is not triggered.
  4. Apply the tree‑removal cap. Cutting/chipping/hauling after the tree is grounded: up to $1,000 per loss, max $500 per tree.
  5. Apply the deductible. Section I uses one deductible per loss. Any debris amount above the cap still helps satisfy the deductible.
  6. Itemize invoices. Keep “off‑structure” work (crane/rigging, roof protection) separate from “debris” work (chip/haul/disposal).
  7. Settle per Loss Settlement. Dwelling repairs are paid at replacement cost when applicable.

Quick examples (using a $1,000 deductible)

1) Tree in yard only

Wind drops a tree in the yard. Nothing is blocked. No tree‑removal payment (trigger not met). Any haul‑off is out‑of‑pocket and does not absorb the deductible.

2) One tree blocks driveway

Invoice $650. Tree‑removal is triggered but capped at $500 for that tree. With a $1,000 deductible, insurer pays $0; the $150 excess counts toward your overall deductible if there are other covered repairs.

3) Two trees; shed dented + driveway blocked

Total haul‑off invoices: $1,400. Tree‑removal pays up to $1,000 per loss. With a $1,000 deductible, the $400 excess debris cost helps absorb the deductible when combined with covered repair costs.

4) Crane removes tree off roof

Crane removing tree sections from roof
Crane/rigging to lift off roof — Coverage A/B. Debris after it’s down — capped at $1,000 per loss, $500 per tree.

Why invoice itemization matters

Workers cutting a large fallen tree into sections and stacking logs
Separate “off‑structure” work (crane, rigging, roof protection) from “debris” work (chip, haul, disposal). Only debris work is subject to the small tree cap.

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