Neighbor’s tree damage raises questions about insurance responsibility

Who makes up insurance rules? During the last storm, one huge tree took down electrical wires and a big part of my garage, while two or three others got my barn, my neighbor’s barn and another neighbors’ yard, All of these trees came from what used to be a woods next to my house.

Apparently it is owned by a local company that is selling it off in lots.

Along with $2,500 deductible, we are responsible for paying for all of the damage. So the deal is: If my tree falls on my lot, I pay for it, and if your tree falls on my lot, I also pay for it. The company’s response was: “We didn’t ask for the wind to blow the trees down.” The city was great about getting the electrical wires up immediately, and always dependable Dakota Tree Company came early the next day to clear the driveway so we could get out of the house.

So far, this has cost me $4,500. for tree removal and deductible, and I am still waiting for the damage to be assessed. This is the second time I have had to pay for the neighbor’s tree falling on my house. I guess whoever builds a house next to my driveway may be told, “Don’t worry. If any of these trees fall down, your neighbor will pay for it.” Something is wrong here.

It appears there are more trees leaning in my direction, and with all the predicted rain, who knows how many will come down as a gift to me. The company offered no help. I don’t think they even came and looked at the damage. Believe me, if I were looking for a place to build a new home, I would certainly look elsewhere.

There is a gentleman in my neighborhood who, as soon as he sees something has happened to damage someone’s property, is there within minutes to assess the problem and begin fixing it. He worked for three days, morning to night, cutting back the fallen trees and hauling them out to the street to hopefully be picked up by the city. He asks for nothing in return. Thank you, John, you are greatly appreciated, and I hope you will be rewarded for your goodness.

This kind of generosity and kindness is almost unheard of any more. It is easy to shut your door and ignore the plights of others when it would be so comforting to just be asked if they are OK, or the proverbial, “Is there anything I can do?”

It seems like I am always harping on kindness, or the lack thereof. The soft word that “turneth away wrath,” no longer exits, and I, too, am beginning to feel the need to speak loudly, rather than softly, and carry a big stick. There are plenty to be found along my driveway.

PS: I wrote this Saturday. Sunday morning when I opened the garage door to go to church, there was another large limb blocking my driveway. I guess I should be careful what I predict.