After storm damage to a garden tree can I expect the Insce Co to pay for total tree removal?

Question

A tree in my garden drops a large branch in a storm, which damages fences and the Insce Co agree to clean up the debris.

A second branch, still on the tree, is weakened & threatens my house which is underneath. The Insce Co agrees to cover removal of this branch but an arborists report says that the rest of the tree over a neighbours house will be unstable after cutting off the second branch. Can I expect the Insce Co to pay for total tree removal?

Answer 1

It's up to the insurance adjustor, but I would say that having paid already for some of the damage they should keep going.  If they have agreed to remove a branch that will cause the rest of the tree to become dangerous, then they should pay to remove the tree.  However, they could claim that if this is the case the tree was dangerous all along, as it could not be such a danger now unless it had been dead since - perhaps - before the policy was in effect.

It also occurs to me that your house is far too close to your neighbor and/or this is one ginormous tree.

Answer 2

No.  Trees are only covered for certain perils, including lightening  and fire.

The fence is covered for falling objects.

The insurance company will pay a limited amount for the debris removal - the debris being the fallen branch.  It's usually limited to $250.  

You're on your own for the rest of the tree.

Insurance companies don't do maintenance or preventative maintenance.  You're expected to do that yourself.  If you don't do that, expect your insurance company to cancel you, for not correcting a hazardous condition.