If a Tree Falls in Your Backyard...Homeowner's Insurance

[Philip C.]

Hello Fellow BPers,

2 Questions for you:

(1) If a tree falls in the backyard and knocks over some electrical lines leading to the house, does homeowner's insurance cover that?

(2) Even if it does, would you recommend using homeowner's insurance to cover the cost of tree removal and rehanging the electrical?

Thank you,
Philip

[James Wise]

Originally posted by @Philip C.:

Hello Fellow BPers,

2 Questions for you:

(1) If a tree falls in the backyard and knocks over some electrical lines leading to the house, does homeowner's insurance cover that?

(2) Even if it does, would you recommend using homeowner's insurance to cover the cost of tree removal and rehanging the electrical?

Thank you,
Philip

 As a rule of thumb you don't want to make home insurance claims on minor things. Rental properties are one of the highest risk things that insurance companies insure. They can and will increase your premium or drop you altogether if it becomes unprofitable for them. You really just need it there to cover your butt in the event of a total loss. Everything else you need to prep yourself to cover the tab.