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Default rule and exceptions
A healthy tree that falls in a storm is treated as an act of nature, so the damaged homeowner files with their own insurer. If the tree was dead, diseased or visibly leaning and the neighbor was aware of the risk but did not remove it, the neighbor is responsible for damages if negligence can be proven.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Homeowner (damaged property) | Files a claim with their own homeowners insurer when a healthy tree falls in a storm (act of nature) |
| Neighbor (tree owner) | Responsible for damages if the tree was dead, diseased or visibly leaning, they were aware of the risk and did not remove it, and negligence can be proven |
| Your insurer | May try to collect from the neighbor's insurer through subrogation; if it succeeds you may get your deductible back |
| Exceptions | A dead, diseased or visibly leaning tree the neighbor knew about can shift the damage to the neighbor, if negligence can be proven |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Oct 1, 2026.
Damage to your home caused by a healthy tree that falls during a storm is considered an act of nature in an insurance policy, and the homeowner with damage will need to file a claim with their insurance company
However, if the tree was unhealthy, it may be the neighbor’s responsibility to repair the damage.
If the tree was dead, diseased or visibly leaning, and the neighbor was aware of the risk but didn’t remove it, he or she is responsible for damages, if negligence can be proven.
In some situations where the felled tree was located on a neighbor’s property, your insurance company may try to collect from the neighbor’s insurance company in a process called subrogation. If this happens and your insurer is successful, you may be reimbursed for your deductible
Common questions
Who pays for liability: neighbor's tree fell on my house/roof in Nationwide, US?
It depends on the specific facts. Files a claim with their own homeowners insurer when a healthy tree falls in a storm (act of nature)
Are there exceptions in Nationwide, US?
A dead, diseased or visibly leaning tree the neighbor knew about can shift the damage to the neighbor, if negligence can be proven
What is this based on for Nationwide, US?
This verdict is sourced to Who is responsible when a neighbor's tree falls on my house? and 4 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Who is responsible when a neighbor's tree falls on my house?official-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-01
- Who is responsible when a neighbor's tree falls on my house?official-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-01
- Who is responsible when a neighbor's tree falls on my house?official-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-01
- If a tree falls on your house, are you covered? (archived)official-guide · verified-secondary · accessed 2026-10-01
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