A Tree Fell on My Roof: The First 48 Hours
Emergency steps to take when a tree hits your roof — safety, documentation, insurance, and cleanup order.
Tree impact is one of the few times a same-day insurance call is the right move. It's also the situation homeowners most often mishandle.
Immediate safety
Leave the house if the tree is large or the roof structure is compromised. Turn off power at the main breaker if the tree hit electrical service. Call the utility, not just 911, if lines are down.
Document before you remove
Photograph the tree in place from all angles. Do not have the tree removed before the adjuster sees it, or you'll be arguing scope forever.
Insurance and cleanup order
File the claim immediately — same day if possible. Insurance typically covers tree removal from the structure but not from the yard.
Sequence: adjuster inspection → tree removal → tarp/mitigation → structural repair → roof replacement.
Whose insurance pays?
Your policy pays regardless of whose yard the tree came from, unless the neighbor was negligent (dead tree they knew about). Your carrier may then subrogate against the neighbor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a special deductible for tree damage?
- No — tree/impact damage typically falls under standard all-perils deductible, not wind/hail.
Storm damage on your roof?
Check live storm radar, then use our tools to document damage and estimate repair cost.