Questions & answers · Home insurance
In Maryland, my neighbor's tree fell on my house. Will my homeowners insurance pay, and who pays to remove the tree?
Home insuranceWho paysMarylandChecked Nov 5, 2026
From K.Actuary, founded by Sangmin Kwon, ASA · sources checked 2026-11-05 · Source: Maryland Insurance Administration · news release on trees falling on property (page NR=2017141) · consumer advisory text on trees View original ↗
In short
- The Maryland Insurance Administration says many homeowners policies cover damage when a tree, even a neighbor's tree, falls on your home.
- If the neighbor knew the tree was dead, your insurer may seek reimbursement from the neighbor.
- Many policies pay a limited amount, usually between $500 and $1,000, to remove the tree.
What this means
This answer uses a Maryland Insurance Administration news release, and it is about Maryland only. The terms of your own policy decide what is covered. The release says that generally many homeowners policies provide coverage for damage to your home and its contents if a tree, even a neighbor's tree, falls on it. If the neighbor's tree was dead and the neighbor knew it, your insurer may seek reimbursement from the neighbor. The release calls this subrogation.
Your policy may also pay a limited amount, usually between $500 and $1,000, to remove the tree. The release does not give a deadline for the claim.
Your next step
Read your policy's limits and deductible and report the loss to your insurer. Take photos of the damage and of the tree before it is removed. The release gives no deadline.
Check it yourself
Open the MIA page and find the paragraph that begins "Provide coverage for damage to your home."
Where this comes from (1)
[1] Maryland Insurance Administration · news release on trees falling on property (page NR=2017141) · consumer advisory text on trees · checked 2026-11-05
Provide coverage for damage to your home and the contents of your home if a tree (even if it is your neighbor’s tree) falls on your home or other insured structure, such as a fence or a detached garage. If your neighbor's tree was dead and the neighbor knew it was dead, then your homeowners insurance company may seek reimbursement from your neighbor for the claim. This is called, “subrogation.” Remember though, that …
How we found this
We matched your question to 1 official source, quoted the exact lines, and re-checked each quote against its source on 2026-11-05.
What we don’t know yet
Your own plan or notice may say something different. If your letter cites another rule, send it and we will look again.
Every answer is checked against the official rule it quotes.
Information only — not legal advice. Your plan, insurer or agency decides.
This answer quotes the official sources listed above, with the date we checked them. Your own policy, notice and state rules control. We are not your lawyer or your insurer. We don’t file, argue or negotiate claims for you — you send any letter or form yourself.
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Answer id CQ3055. Spotted an error? Tell us.