In Hershey, PA, when it comes to insurance and fallen trees, it can get a little tricky.

You’ll want to read your policy and call your agent to be sure, but it generally breaks down like this:

• If the tree falls on an insured structure, like a fence, a shed, a dog house, or the home itself, you can file a claim and, assuming there are no other exclusions in play, your insurance company will pay for the removal, and any repairs.
• If the tree simply falls on flat ground and doesn’t damage anything, you’ll have to pay for the removal yourself.

It is possible to buy an insurance policy that covers landscaping concerns, but most homeowners find this not to be worth the extra expense.

If you have a fallen tree that needs to be removed, you’ll generally want to follow this simple rule: Don’t do things you don’t know how to do.

The job may seem easy enough, chainsawing the tree into sections and then hauling it off in a truck, but if you don’t have any experience with chainsaws, this job can be incredibly dangerous. If you’re not a pro at tree removal, hire a pro.

Note that the tree may have caused some underground damage such as a broken pipe or a fractured septic tank, in which case you may be covered, so check the damages before you call your agent. In a classic good news/bad news scenario, you may find that you need more repairs than you thought, but that your insurer can possibly cover them.

If you’re shopping for home insurance in Hershey, PA, get in touch with Options Insurance Agency by visiting our office or by phone. Options Insurance Agency can connect you with the policy that you need.