AboutDenise Expertise I am a licensed Property/Casualty agent in the state of Wisconsin, a Certified Insurance Counselor and a Certified Insurance Service Representive, with a 15+ year background in personal insurance underwriting. I am currently working in the Homeowners and Auto field, and was licensed in Life and Health insurance years ago. I can provide input if you will give me a "one paragraph what`s the story", however depending on the situation, do note that as policy forms and endorsements vary by the state, the information may be general and educational in nature.
Expert: Denise Date: 7/16/2008 Subject: cutting trees for insurance requirement
Question Our homeowners insurance is asking us to cut limbs that hang over the house. We have done this before and now the only limbs that hang over the house are 25 feet or so above the house, they are not horizontal but part of the vertical branching of the trees. These are healthy trees that are not on our property either. the upper part of the tree just slants in our direction. I can understand low lying or dead trees but we have already done that. This entire area is a wooded one.
What rights do I have?
Answer Hi Suzanne-
Your homeowners insurance does have the right to request you to do this, because if they feel they are an undue hazard to the house, cutting away the limbs will reduce losses. I would recommend complying with the request. The shade from the tree can also due damage to your roof by not letting it dry out- I know that from personal experience. Not having any overhanging limbs over your house is a reasonable request. If you don't want to comply, you should consider getting the opinion of an arborist, and look for insurance with another company, and ask if that will be a requirement. Tree limbs come down on healthy trees, and can do a lot of damage. Hope this helps. :) Denise
