Who covers the cost of a fallen tree on a house or car in Canada?

Updated by Aya Al-Hakim on September 2, 2026 | Originally written by Octavia Ramirez on February 4, 2025  

Your own home or car insurance policy is almost always your first line of defense if a tree falls on your house or car. How much you're covered and whether you can pursue someone else for damages, depends on your policy type, who owned the tree, and proof of negligence.  

In most cases, a standard home insurance policy covers structural damage caused by a fallen tree, while comprehensive auto insurance covers vehicle damage. What's not always covered is the cost of removing a fallen tree that caused no damage. If a city-owned tree falls during a storm, municipalities rarely pay out, regardless of where the tree lands, unless you can prove negligence of a known hazard.  

These questions are becoming more urgent as extreme weather increases the risk of property damage across Canada. Insured losses from severe weather exceeded $2.4 billion in 2025, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada.  

Here's a breakdown of insurance responsibility when a tree lands on your home or car.  

Does home insurance cover fallen tree damage?

In most cases, yes—if the tree fell due to a covered peril such as a windstorm, lightning strike, or ice storm, standard home insurance will cover repairs to your home's structure, damaged personal property, and temporary living expenses while repairs are completed.  

“Falling objects, such as trees, are covered by a home insurance policy,” says Steven Harris, licensed insurance broker and LowestRates.ca expert. Resulting damage can be covered too.  

“If that tree striking the home damaged the roof and there was rainfall that resulted in further damages, that water damage would be covered,” he says.  

Harris explains that the condition is that the opening in your roof was created suddenly and accidentally. Insurers require you to report the claim in a timely manner and take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, rather than leaving a hole in your roof for an extended period.  

However, if the tree falls in your yard without destroying built structures, removal costs are typically not covered by your home insurance.  

Coverage is generally broken into three areas:  

Harris says homeowners in areas prone to severe weather events like wildfires and floods should review their policies for three things: adequate dwelling limits, adequate personal property limits, and adequate additional living expenses.  

On dwelling limits, he suggests looking for better coverage options such as guaranteed replacement cost, “which means if the limit of coverage is not sufficient, they will still be covered adequately”.  

For personal property, he says to pay attention to items subject to special limits of coverage, such as jewelry, collectibles, and money on premises. Optional coverage may be available or specific items can be scheduled based on an appraised value.  

Some insurers also offer the option to buy additional living expenses coverage, which pays for hotel stays, short-term rentals, and moving costs if you can't live in your home after an incident.  

Read more: How much home insurance coverage do you actually need?

What if a tree on public property falls on my home?

The City of Toronto bears legal liability for trees on public land, but that doesn't mean a payout is guaranteed. Whether the City is obliged to compensate you depends entirely on the fallen tree's maintenance history. If the tree in question met municipal standards at the time it collapsed, the City is generally not liable for storm damage.  

Calling 311 to flag a hazardous city-owned tree before a storm creates a documented record that the City was made aware of the risk. If the same tree causes damage in future and maintenance records prove the City had neglected to address the danger, that paper trail can significantly strengthen your claim for compensation.  

What if my neighbour's tree falls on my home?

If the fallen tree belongs to your neighbour, your own home insurance typically covers damage as long as the tree was perfectly healthy and toppled over during a storm.  

“To establish liability, negligence would need to be proven,” says Harris. “The best action is to file a claim under your own insurance policy.” If your neighbour was negligent, Harris says, your insurance company may go after them or their insurer to recover the money it paid out on your claim.  

Harris advises homeowners to always prioritize safety. When it's safe to do so, he suggests taking pictures of the damage so the claims adjuster has all the information needed to handle your claim efficiently. You should contact your insurance company as soon as is reasonably possible.  

Harris also encourages homeowners to proactively assess the health of their own trees, keep up with branch trimming, and work with their municipality if there are concerns or bylaws around tree maintenance.  

Related: Will a GoFundMe gift affect your home insurance claims payout?

If a tree falls on your car, who is responsible?

Your own comprehensive auto insurance is responsible, not the City, and not necessarily your neighbour, even if the tree came from their property. Liability-only coverage does not apply to falling object damage, so if you don't carry comprehensive coverage, your car repair bill falls entirely on you.  

Comprehensive coverage applies regardless of where your car was parked: your driveway, a public street, a parking lot, or a neighbour's property. Some policies also include endorsements for rental car coverage or waiver of depreciation on newer vehicles, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs while your car is being assessed or repaired.  

When a tree falls on your car, your insurer may investigate who owns the tree and whether negligence was involved. If a tree owned by the city or your neighbour was visibly damaged or diseased and went unreported, liability could shift to them. That said, if a healthy tree came down during a storm with no prior warning signs, responsibility generally stays with your own comprehensive vehicle policy.  

The table below summarizes how liability typically breaks down depending on the tree's origin:  

Lastly, a reminder for home and car owners: Double-check with your insurance providers about your coverage. The last thing you want to worry about when you have a giant tree caving in on your roof is a huge home renovation bill.  

Read next: Renos gone wrong: Here's what to know if your renovations cause damage

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Does home insurance pay to remove a fallen tree?

Home insurance covers tree removal only if the tree damaged your home or another insured structure. If the tree collapsed in your yard or blocked your driveway without causing structural harm, the removal cost typically isn't covered. 

What type of car insurance do I need for a fallen tree to be covered?

You need comprehensive auto insurance to protect you from risks of a fallen tree. Liability-only coverage without a comprehensive endorsement does not apply to falling object damage. 

Will municipalities like the City of Toronto pay for damage caused by one of its trees?

Not automatically. A City typically reviews a tree's maintenance history, and if it met municipal standards at the time it fell, the City is generally not liable even if the tree landed on your property. Your own home or auto insurance is typically your first recourse. 

If my neighbour's tree falls on my house, does their insurance pay?

Your neighbour's insurance will pay depending on whether you can prove negligence on their part in addressing a diseased tree. If the tree was healthy and collapsed in a storm, your own home insurance covers the damage. If your neighbour knew about visible decay or damage and did nothing, they may be held liable for the costs.