Homeowners insurance can benefit you in many ways, which is why it helps to understand the aspects of your coverage and when you're protected. Weird things can happen at any time, like a tree trimmer dropping a branch on your neighbor's shed. If this happens, do you know who's responsible? 

A Florida independent insurance agent can answer the question "Who pays?" in addition to any other questions you may have about your home insurance. Agents know the risks you face as a Florida homeowner and can make sure you're fully protected. 

If My Tree Trimmer Causes Damage to My Neighbor’s Property, Who’s Responsible?

If you've hired a professional tree trimmer, they should be adequately insured with business insurance. This insurance is designed to pay for accidents such as dropping a tree branch onto a shed. Since the tree trimming company or individual is the one that caused the damage, they're responsible.

For this reason, it's important to always ask any professional service if they have the proper insurance coverage before they do any work on your home. 

Do I Have to Pay for Any of the Damage?

You could only be held responsible for the damage if the neighbor decided to sue you for the incident. If the neighbor's home insurance denied the claim, they could choose to take legal action against you. If this happened, you'd have coverage through the liability coverage in your home insurance. 

Liability insurance would handle costs associated with the legal claim, including any restitution you'd owe. 

What Happens If I Hire a Tree Trimming Company That Doesn't Have Insurance?

Anytime you're trusting a professional to come onto your property and do work, you want to make sure they're adequately insured so that you don't end up with an accidental financial crisis. Before hiring a tree trimmer or any professional, you can ask what type of business insurance they have and what accidents they'll cover. 

If you were to end up with a tree trimming company that did not have insurance, the neighbor would still file the claim with their insurance company. But if the claim were denied, the neighbor could sue you for the damage and any deductible they have to pay to their insurance. 

It's best to always work with companies and professionals who are adequately insured.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover in Florida?

In addition to accidents that affect your landscaping, homeowners insurance protects owners from instances of property damage, liability claims, and living expenses if you're displaced. Through three main coverages, Florida homeowners are covered in the following ways:

• Liability coverage: Liability insurance pays for medical expenses, legal costs, including attorney and court fees if you're sued, and other claims related to third-party bodily injury or property damage. 
• Dwelling and contents coverage: Dwelling and contents are part of your property damage coverage, which protects the structure of your home and your stuff inside from perils like fire, lightning, theft, vandalism, severe storms, and more.
• Additional living expenses coverage: This is for if and when a covered peril, such as a fire, displaces you from your home. Having to relocate temporarily can result in hotel stays, food bills, added gas mileage, etc. This coverage helps pay for those things if you have to leave your home while it is being repaired. 

You can add additional coverages to your home insurance policy that a Florida independent insurance agent can help you secure. An agent can also help you determine the proper policy limits to have enough coverage if something occurs. 

Will My Florida Homeowners Insurance Offer Full Coverage for My Neighbor’s Property?

No, your home insurance doesn’t cover your neighbor's property. Typically your neighbor would file the claim with their own insurance company.

Homeowners insurance does have a provision for damage to property of others. It’s a flat amount, and it’s relatively small, usually $1,000.

If your neighbor decided to sue you, your homeowner’s liability would cover legal fees and settlements.

Other Important Threats to Florida Homeowners

Knowing the risks you face as a homeowner can help you prepare your home for potential damage and ensure that you have the right insurance. Talk to your agent about these top five risks for Florida homeowners to make sure you're protected in every way.

Top 5 risks for homeowners in Florida:

1. Wildfires and residential fires: According to the most recent data, Florida experienced 2,262 wildfires in one year. It was the fifth-highest state for wildfires and acres burned.  Wildfires and accidental residential fires are covered under the property damage in your home insurance policy.
2. Hurricanes and tropical storms: Any damage caused by strong winds or hail is covered under home insurance. Florida is no stranger to hurricanes and tropical storms, so it's worth discussing your policy limits with your independent insurance agent. 
3. Severe storms and lightning damage: Severe storms and lightning damage are also covered under the property insurance of your home policy. Once again, ensuring that you have the right amount of coverage is important in Florida, where severe storms are expected.
4. Flooding and water damage: Florida is more likely to flood than any other state. Home insurance does not cover flood damage from natural waters. You need to purchase a flood insurance policy for that. It will cover water damage from broken pipes or other events on your property.
5. Burglary and other property crimes: Theft, vandalism, and other crimes are covered under your property insurance coverage. 

A Florida independent insurance agent can help you secure all the home insurance coverage you need. 

Why Work with a Florida Independent Insurance Agent?

Your home is one of your most valuable assets, and protecting it begins with having the right insurance coverage. A Florida independent insurance agent understands the risks you face as a homeowner and can help set you up with the proper coverage.

Agents have access to various insurance companies and will pull multiple quotes to work with your budget and needs. They'll guide you in selecting a comprehensive policy.