When a Tree Falls, Who Pays?

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[When your neighbor's tree falls on your house in a storm, whose insurance pays?

According to State Farm, if your neighbor KNEW that he had a rotten tree and didn't do anything about it, his homeowner's insurance is probably responsible for the accident and the damage.

If the ground was soaken wet and high winds simply pulled your neighbor's tree up out of the ground onto your house, then it is what's known as an Act of God and your homeowner's insurance pays for the loss even though it was your neighbor's tree.

By the same token, if an otherwise strong limb from a live tree falls out of your neighbor's house and lands on your house or garage, your insurance pays even though it was not your fault.

Local insurance agents have been coming in early and leaving late, scheduling insurance adjusters to look at what will surely be hundreds of claims in the coming days.

Another storm is expected to move through the area tonight.

If you have specific questions, contact your insurance agent.