Who pays if a tree falls on my house in Germany?

Published guide values for felling and disposing of trees, policy limits and storm damage overall.

German buildings insurance pays for damage to the house from storm of force 8 or more and from lightning. If a storm throws a tree onto the roof, facade or conservatory, that is storm damage, whoever owns the tree. Your insurer can later recover the money from the neighbour if he neglected his duties.

Household contents insurance (Hausrat) pays for the things inside the house, partial car cover (Teilkasko) for a damaged car. If a tree falls without storm or lightning, for example because it was rotten inside, that is not an insured risk under standard terms.

Anyone with trees on their land must check them for stability at reasonable intervals. Private owners usually do not need an expert report; a careful look for fungus, dead branches and cracks is generally enough.

If a storm brings down a healthy tree, nobody is liable, it counts as a natural event. If the tree was visibly diseased and the owner did nothing, he must pay for the damage. His personal liability insurance (Privathaftpflicht) then pays, or for let houses his property owner's liability (Haus- und Grundbesitzerhaftpflicht).

The same rule applies the other way round: if your tree was healthy and a storm knocked it over, the neighbour's buildings insurance pays. If you overlooked warning signs, you are liable, and your personal liability insurance steps in if you live in the house yourself.

If you let the house or part of it, you usually need property owner's liability. Photos showing your trees in healthy condition help as evidence later.

Clearing the debris of the building is usually covered. Cutting up the tree itself, taking it away and removing the stump, however, is often only paid with a clause for fallen trees. It normally applies to trees on your own land brought down by storm or lightning, and not if the tree was already dead.

A large tree on the roof often has to be lifted off with a crane or aerial platform. A EUR 5,000 limit is then quickly reached. Ask your insurer before giving the order which costs it will cover.

If there are no large trees within reach of the house on your land, you can do without the clause. Storm cover pays for the damage to the building anyway.

If you have old, tall trees close to the house, a clause with a limit of at least EUR 10,000 is worth it. A regular visual check also protects you from disputes about liability.