Should I make a homeowner insurance claim on this??
Last week a huge live tree branch fell off a tree in my backyard and damaged my fence and pergola.
The branch didn't fall because of any peril or wind/hail event. It was random and unexpected.
I need to have the tree branch removed and repair the fence/pergola. I've received some quotes that are about $5500 to get the repairs done.
My insurance deductible is $2500.
Every arborist who came out to assess the limb told me that the tree should be removed altogether because it's a Water Oak at the end of life (70-80yrs old) and it would mitigate anymore damage being done.
To have the tree removed would be $6000
When I called to start the claim, I gave all the information to the desk agent and told her what the arborists said. She very quickly and adamantly said the insurance would NOT cover the removal of the tree because that is considered preventative maintenance that I should've been doing.
Well, I'm not an arborist and the tree is still producing all green leaves. It didn't look distressed to me. I have had branches trimmed here and there. The worst thing that has happened with this tree in the past is some older dead branches falling off.
Should I proceed with the claim and see if the field adjuster sees it any different than the desk agent? If I do proceed with the claim, do I have an argument here to have the tree removal covered?
Appreciate any insight y'all have!
EDIT: thanks y'all. I accept I'm stupid and fucked up this time. Got bad advice from my insurance agent to even try against my better judgment. Lesson learned. And yes, I'm having the tree removed regardless (and shopping for a new agent), so no issue there at least when it comes to renewal lol