Will home insurance cover tree roots causing water to enter my basement?

Posted by on February 13, 2010

I live in montana, and tree roots have grown under my foundation and drawn up ground water, created a path for the water to follow, and separated my foundation from my footing allowing water to enter my basement. Will any home owner’s insurance cover this type of damage or repair? It is a city tree, would they be liable? Thank you.

No, for several reasons:

1. Tree roots are a maintenance issue.

2. Foundation damage is specifically excluded on the standard policy, except by fire
3. Water damage, from water seeping/leaking into the basement, is considered flood, and also excluded on the homeowners policy.

The city isn’t liable. Any part of the tree on YOUR property, is YOUR responsibility – including the roots.

Sorry, you’ll have to get this done on your own.


Home Insurance

4 Comments.

  1. James February 13, 2010 at 5:49 pm

    Ask them
    References :

  2. Serge M February 13, 2010 at 6:14 pm

    Normally insurance covers damage that occurs suddenly, such as a tree falling on your house in a windstorm. Damage that occurs gradually over time is usually not covered on the assumption that it could have been prevented. However, you should check with your insurance company.

    The city may be liable if it is their tree, and then again they may not be. They may claim that you should have notified them of the problem before it became so serious. check with the city and ask. Good luck.
    References :

  3. rohitrrakhe1983 February 13, 2010 at 6:33 pm

    I am a s/w engg working in INSURANCE, so can mere help you knowing how the policies are designed…

    The scenerio a pretty different, but interesting..And it depends on the insurance taken by you. Check the insurance policy.
    Home insurance is of many types..
    say,
    Insurance against theft, insurance against earth quake, insurance against damage..etc…
    And all these factors directly effect the PREMIUM you pay…
    The higher the premium greater is the damage covered…
    so your insurance policy is the best possible document which can help you out.
    References :

  4. mbrcatz17 February 13, 2010 at 7:18 pm

    No, for several reasons:

    1. Tree roots are a maintenance issue.
    2. Foundation damage is specifically excluded on the standard policy, except by fire
    3. Water damage, from water seeping/leaking into the basement, is considered flood, and also excluded on the homeowners policy.

    The city isn’t liable. Any part of the tree on YOUR property, is YOUR responsibility – including the roots.

    Sorry, you’ll have to get this done on your own.
    References :
    agent, 21+ years