Last Updated on June 16, 2025 by The Insurance Pros
🌳 Is Tree Damage to Your Property Covered by Michigan Insurance?
In the event that a tree falls and causes damage to your property, your Michigan homeowners insurance may cover it. For the policy to be effective, the tree must strike your home or another insured structure, like a shed, fence, or detached garage.
✅ Which Tree Damage Types Are Covered?
Homeowners insurance typically covers tree damage caused by:
- Windstorms 🌬️
- Lightning ⚡
- Hailstorms 🌨️
The damage must affect an insured structure or its contents to trigger coverage.
🏠 Do you need to own the tree to apply for coverage??
No. The tree does not need to be on your property for your insurance to respond. In strong storms, fallen trees often come from neighboring lots or public areas.
In cases where a neighbor’s tree causes the damage, especially if that tree was diseased or improperly maintained, your insurance company may pursue subrogation. This legal process allows your insurer to recover damages (including your deductible) from your neighbor’s insurance company.
🪓 When Will Michigan Insurance Cover Tree Removal?
You’ll typically receive between $500 and $1,000 for tree removal—but only if the tree hits an insured structure. This applies to your
- Home
- Garage
- Shed
- Fence
If the fallen tree doesn’t damage an insured structure, you’re responsible for cleanup costs unless your policy includes enhanced debris coverage.
🌿 Are Trees and Shrubs Themselves Covered?
Yes, but coverage is limited.
Michigan homeowner policies typically reimburse up to $500 per tree or shrub for losses caused by:
- Fire
- Lightning
- Explosion
- Vandalism or theft
- Vehicle damage (if not caused by a resident)
Insurance policies do not cover business-grown plants. If you grow trees or plants for sale, you’ll need a separate commercial insurance policy.
🚫 When Tree Removal Is NOT Covered
Your insurance will not cover tree removal if:
- The tree didn’t hit an insured structure
- The fall was caused by owner negligence (e.g., ignoring signs of rot or disease)
- The damage was cosmetic (e.g., crushed landscaping without structural impact)
In such cases, you’re responsible for tree removal.
🛻 What If a Tree Hits Your Vehicle in Michigan?
Your auto insurance, not your homeowners policy, will handle this situation.
To be covered, you must have comprehensive coverage for your Michigan auto policy. This will pay for:
- Vehicle damage repair
- Removing the tree from your car (if applicable)
You can cover any falling tree, regardless of whether it’s from your own yard.
👉 Learn more: Understanding Michigan Auto Insurance
🏛️ What If a Tree Falls Into the Street?
You may not be responsible for tree limbs in the public right-of-way.
Contact your city or municipality to find out:
- Whether they remove street obstructions
- What part of the tree (if any) they will clear
- If you’re responsible for the remaining debris on your property
🧾 Need a Michigan Homeowners Insurance Quote?
Do you want to know if the tree damage is covered by your current policy?
👉 Get a Michigan homeowners quote to review your coverage options and ensure you’re protected before the next storm.
