GREENSBORO, N.C. — When it comes to tree damage, the person who pays for the damage at the onset is always the same. Always.
"Whatever falls because the pine tree doesn't have enough roots and it damages your house or your car. Unfortunately, your house insurance or your car insurance would be the one paying the claim, not the neighbors," said Christopher Cook of Alliance Insurance Services.
Your house may be surrounded by other homes with trees on the property. If your neighbor's tree falls on your house, it's still your insurance claim to make. It doesn't matter where the tree comes from. If the damage is on your property, it's your insurance that pays.
"There's exceptions and we can get into all those but file the claim on your insurance policy and be nice to your neighbor and figure out a way to get along," said Cook.
When it comes to a tree falling on your car, or limbs breaking out the windows, your auto insurance pays for it if you have comprehensive coverage. Otherwise, you pay out of pocket.
And if your car gets damaged while in your garage, it is still your auto insurance, not your homeowners that pays for the damage.
If there's a 'road blocked' sign and a driver decides to go around it and gets stuck, are they covered by their insurance company?
"Yeah, this isn't the nicest thing I say but I say it from time to time we insure stupid every day. Whether you drove through the floodwater or not, you are insured by your auto insurance policy. If you have comprehensive, not just liability," said Cook.