Name:   Malthus - Subject:   Nope Date:   5/13/2011 10:28:32 AM (updated 5/13/2011 10:37:02 AM)

If you'll check your Homeowner's policy there is a coverage amount usually called 'debris removal'. That will pay for (or help with) removing debris from your own property. As far as I know there is no coverage whatsoever for removing your debris from anyone else’s property (nor public property). The only exception here is if you are somehow responsible for the debris.

If you cut a tree (yourself) and it damages your neighbor’s property or spreads debris over their yard, there should be some coverage. Keep in mind that you are responsible for the damage that was done in that scenario. However if, during a storm, a tree from your yard falls on your neighbor’s house, you are not responsible/liable. The only exception would be cases of negligence where you knew the tree was dead and failed to properly maintain your yard or property. Of course in this example I'm assuming you didn’t intentionally cut that tree to damage your neighbor’s house. If it were an intentional act (intending to do damage to the neighbor’s property), it would be excluded from coverage.  It seems to me that the flaw in this argument is that your homeowner’s policy does not insure your neighbor’s property (nor the lake) and no one is responsible for acts of nature.

As much as society these days likes to view insurance companies (much like governments) as being some endless vault of money, they unfortunately are not. They could not afford to extend coverage to do what you are asking without first taking significant rate increases.

BTW- If you feel like you don’t pay enough for insurance already, I’ll be very happy to write you a much more expensive policy ;)