Insurance against root damage...

[Breaktheory]

Hi again friends...

I was just advised that my homeowner's policy doesn't cover root damage.

The agent says no carrier offers this protection but seems hard to believe.

Is anyone aware of an insurance product that covers root damage?

Thank you all!

Jon

 

[Merlyn]

I'd be surprised if any homeowner's policy covers damage TO the roots of a tree or palm, etc.  But most policies have coverage for concrete/structural damage caused by tree roots, ground collapse, etc.  Some separate out damage coverage by things like sinkholes from coverage due to plants or animals (like an armadillo digging a burrow under your house).  You'd have to read your policy in detail to make sure what is and is not covered.

 

[Patrick]

Palm trees are a monocot so you can sleep a little better at night knowing they aren't going to behave like 'traditional' tree roots... if that's the damage you're concerned with.

[Breaktheory]

15 hours ago, Merlyn said:

I'd be surprised if any homeowner's policy covers damage TO the roots of a tree or palm, etc.  But most policies have coverage for concrete/structural damage caused by tree roots, ground collapse, etc.  Some separate out damage coverage by things like sinkholes from coverage due to plants or animals (like an armadillo digging a burrow under your house).  You'd have to read your policy in detail to make sure what is and is not covered.

 

No I’m talking about concrete damage to the property from the tree roots - I’m not so worried about the palms as much as the row of ficus I have.

I haven’t read the policy in detail but the agent specifically told me that root damage is excluded as it’s considered preventable through maintenance.

[JohnAndSancho]

I've never had to go through this myself, but I remember when I was a kid we had pine tree roots that wrecked our water and sewer lines and I remember my dad getting super angry. I mean, he was always angry about something, but that's really more of a conversation between me and my therapist. I'd call your agent. 

[GottmitAlex]

Oh.. you've never had a ficus... 

And they're not covered....

 

[PalmatierMeg]

Palm roots are far less damaging to structures than roots of dicot trees such as Ficus. Palm roots are shallow, weaker and much less invasive.

[Patrick]

21 hours ago, GottmitAlex said:

Oh.. you've never had a ficus... 

And they're not covered....

 

...sidewalk shoulda moved...

 

I only say that in jest because I have a Ficus planted like this. Its still a 'pup', though...

Edited January 17, 2023 by Patrick

[GottmitAlex]

29 minutes ago, Patrick said:

...sidewalk shoulda moved...

 

I only say that in jest because I have a Ficus planted like this. Its still a 'pup', though...

Just wait