GOING OUT ON A LIMB

            If a tree on your neighbor’s property were to fall and damage your home or automobile, who would pay for the damage? Many home and car owners assume that their neighbor’s policy would cover the costs. However, the fact of the matter is that the neighbor’s policy would only pay for the damage caused by a fallen tree if it were obviously rotted or dead before it fell. If so, that would make it a “neglected hazard.” Otherwise, your homeowners policy would take care of the damage sustained by your home, and your automobile policy would cover your vehicle whether or not the tree that caused the damage was your neighbor’s or your own.

NOTE: It pays to have trees on your property inspected by an experienced arborist, who can also give a visually based assessment of your neighbors’ trees.