Special Report: Hank answers your insurance questions

Is the cleanup of fallen trees covered on homeowners insurance?

Answer:

Maybe. That usually costs extra on your premium, so check with your agent to see what *your* policy covers.

Viewer Question:

I don't have comprehensive insurance on my car. My car was crushed by a tree last night in the storm. Will my landlord's homeowner's insurance cover my car in this case?

Answer:

Yes, if the tree was located on the landlord's property, the landlord's policy should cover the damage cause by the tree.

Viewer question:

A tree fell on our convertible car and the top is ripped in 5 places. Will the auto insurance or home insurance cover this?

Answer:

Comprehensive Coverage from your auto insurance policy covers any kind of damage to your car. So call your auto insurance agent or company.

Viewer Question:

Does homeowner's insurance cover frozen pipes?

Answer:

You should always read your policy to determine if certain events are covered.  Frozen pipes as the result of extreme cold weather may not be covered if the damage is due to negligence, such as failing to maintain an adequate temperature in the house when the ability to do so is there.

Viewer question:

I was on my way to work today, and I noticed my car was pulling to the right. I thought it was from the rain, but it got worse on the way home. I brought it to my repair shop, and he said it was my subframe. That I was either going over train tracks or even a pot hole I didn't see because it was flooded with water and the part of the subframe caved in. Is this something I do claim on my car insurance. I need my car because I'm handicap and I don't know what to do. Should I have it repaired or have the insurance company look at it?

Answer:

Whether or not your car insurance covers it would depend on whether the damage is caused by an accident (i.e. hitting a pot hole) or by natural wear and tear.  Auto policies don't cover wear and tear.  Damage from an accident (i.e. pothole) would be covered subject to the deductible.

Viewer Question:

I  have an old Pine tree in my back yard that now after the storm is starting to slightly tilt in the direction of my neighbors house. I am a little concerned that if the wind picks up, or just of a natural occurrence it's going to fall. What should I do? 

Answer:

They should take whatever action is necessary to safely have the tree removed or prevent it from falling.  Should the tree fall on their neighbors property and cause damage, the neighbor will likely file a claim against their homeowners' policy.

Viewer Question:

My son lives in a HUD housing complex and because of this storm and power outage, he may lose all the food in his freezer. He does not have apartment insurance. Would he be compensated by the housing complex for this loss? 

Answer: 

This is not an insurance question.  Dorothy should check with housing officials to see if they will compensate him for the food.

Viewer Question:

The cover of my in ground pool came off and the wind/ice damaged the liner of my pool. A branch also smashed into the pool's fence. Will the pool liner be covered as well as the fence under my homeowner's policy. Thanks Gail in Holden

Answer: 

You should read your policy to determine the extent of your coverage. Typically, coverage for the pool would require some type of rider on their insurance policy.  They should consult their policy or insurance agent to determine coverage.

Viewer Question:

The ice caused a large tree limb to fall and break a pipe that runs up the side of my home in half. Will my homeowner's insurance cover the repair cost?

Answer:

You should read your policy to determine the extent of your coverage. Typically damage to structures by broken tree limbs is covered by the standard homeowners policy.  They should consult their policy or insurance agent to determine coverage.

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