During Sunday's wind storm, trees were knocked onto houses, cars, roads and sidewalks. With so much damage, many wonder who is actually responsible for the clean up.
Near Ed Sweeney's home, high winds knocked down a large tree that somehow missed two buildings.
"Came right out of the roots and we were really lucky because it fell between the two buildings we have here," Sweeney said.
The tree did damage a fence between the two homes, and was blocking the sidewalk, 10TV's Karina Nova reported.
Even though the tree was lying across his property, Sweeney said the roots were not.
"I would like the city to come out and acknowledge that it's (their) tree and (have them remove it)," Sweeney said.
But Jarrett Dunbar with the Ohio Department of Insurance said situations are not always so easy. Many times homeowners have no idea who is liable, who will pay, and who is responsible to move the tree.
"So for instance if your tree falls on my house and it's damaged, I'm going to want to get that repaired because my insurance company is going to reimburse me for the cost," Dunbar said.
If the tree falls and there is no damage, most insurance companies will pay up to $500 per tree for removal, Nova reported.
Dunbar gave another scenario where insurance companies will pick up the tab.
"Now if this tree was to fall, and not cause damage but block a driveway or handicap entrance or exit, that would be covered by the insurance policy," Dunbar said.
Dunbar urges homeowners to take several pictures of the damage, no matter what the situation. He said you may need proof if insurance companies begin asking questions.
In Sweeney's case, the city planned to remove the tree that fell. Still, Sweeney was lucky. As a homeowner, he would have been stuck with the bill had the tree damaged the sidewalk, Nova reported.
Watch 10TV News and refresh 10TV.com for additional information.
Additional Information:
- Ohio Department of Insurance
- 1-800-686-1526
