Tree service insurance

Start with the contractor, because that is the risk you control. If an uninsured crew drops a limb through your roof, or through your neighbor's, you are the one holding the bill. If an uninsured worker is injured in your tree, that can land on your homeowners liability — and the Insurance Information Institute notes that homeowners liability limits "generally start at about $100,000," which does not go far against a serious injury claim. Ask for a certificate of insurance emailed by the company's insurance agent, showing general liability and workers' compensation, current dates, and your address.

On your own policy: the Insurance Information Institute's summary of standard homeowners coverage states that trees, shrubs and plants are covered "generally for about $500 per item," and that damage from disease or poor maintenance is excluded. That is coverage for the plant, not for the house. Whether the policy pays to remove a tree that fell — and whether it pays if the tree fell and hit nothing — varies by policy and by cause of loss. Read your declarations page and ask your agent in writing.

The "poor maintenance" exclusion is why documentation matters. If a visibly dead tree you were warned about falls on the garage, an insurer can reasonably argue neglect. Keep the arborist's written assessment, the date, and any quote you got. A paper trail showing you acted on advice is worth more than an argument later.

Neighbor tree disputes usually resolve on the same logic: was the tree's condition known and ignored? A healthy tree that comes down in a storm is generally treated as an act of nature and each owner's own policy handles their own damage. A tree the neighbor was formally notified about is a different conversation. Put concerns to a neighbor in writing so a record exists.

How to choose

Certificate of insurance, from the agent, before work starts

General liability and workers' compensation. Emailed by the insurer or agent. Photos of cards and PDFs forwarded by the contractor are trivially faked.

Check the policy dates on the certificate

Expired coverage is the most common problem you will find, and it is easy to miss.

Know your own liability limit

The Insurance Information Institute notes homeowners liability generally starts around $100,000. If you are hosting a crew of climbers, know what your number actually is.

Document every arborist warning you receive

Written assessments protect you against a "poor maintenance" denial later, and they establish notice if the tree is a neighbor's.

Call your adjuster before authorizing large cleanup

Stabilize immediately, but get the coverage position on record before you commit to a five-figure removal.