AboutJay K. Williams, AAI, AIP, CIC, CRM Expertise I can answer questions relating to the following coverages: personal auto; homeowners; commercial auto; commercial liability; commercial property; business income and all other property and casualty coverages.
Experience I have been in the insurance industry in Florida since 1979. I am currently the president of a Florida domestic insurance company subsidiary. I've taught continuing education classes in Florida and across the country. I am quite familiar with all coverages including Florida Condominium master policies and unit owner policies. I also specialize in agent professional liability. I have been a professional educator since 2001.
Organizations I am a member of the Florida Associaion of Insurance Agents, the state affiliate of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America.
Education/Credentials I currently carry the following professional designations:
Accredited Advisor in Insurance (AAI)
Associate in Insurance Production (AIP)
Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)
Certified Risk Manager (CRM)
Question Our backyard backs up to a large treed lot, the owners of which we have never met. There has been a huge dead tree right on the property line that we have been worried about falling and damaging our home for quite sometime , but since we didn't know the owners or how to contact them we didn't do anything about it. Last night the tree fell and in the process took another 3 or 4 with it. All of the debris is now in our yard and we are going to have to pay a large sum to have the trees removed. There was no damage to our home or deck, we just have a huge mess to clean up. I called my insurance company and was told that I need to contact the owner of the property behind us because it was their tree and it did not fall due to a storm or "act of God". Is this my responsibility or theirs to have these trees removed? Thanks for your help!
Answer Hi Adrianne,
I hate to say this, but it would have been better if the tree had landed at least on the deck. If it had, your homeowner's insurance would have paid for it.
If you could prove that the owners of the lot knew the dead tree was there but neglected to do anything about it, they could be held responsible for the removal of the tree. That would probably take some sort of legal action in order to get it accomplished.
In the meantime, I think you're pretty much on your own.
I'm sorry I don't have any better news for you. Please let me know if you have any additional questions.
