Instructions

• 1). Locate your insurance policy and read it carefully. Policy terms may differ between states and insurance companies -- the terms may also differ due to state regulations. Take notes of what your policy states about tree damage or loss. Some insurance companies may only insure each tree at a capped amount. Insurance companies may even cap the total number of trees that can be claimed.
  
  
• 2). Gather photographs or videos of the trees before the loss occurred. Look over photo albums and home recorded videos. Your trees may be present in the background on said items. Visit a photo center to make copies.
  
  
• 3). Take pictures of all damaged trees individually. Zoom in with your camera to areas on trees that are scorched or damaged severely from the event so that you have proof of loss. Have the photos developed into two copy sets. Make certain that the pictures are clear. Blurry or dark images will mask the severity of the damage when your insurance company looks over the photos.
  
  
• 4). Gather appraisals from a timber buyers and clean-up removal services for the loss on your trees. Timber buyers are trained professionals who can look at your trees to determine if they had any monetary value before being damaged. Obtain two appraisals from two different timer buyers. Certain aged hardwood species, such as oak or cherry, can be very valuable. If you plan to have the trees removed from your property, have two tree removal services provide you with written estimates.
  
  
• 5). Make copies of all appraisals for your personal records.
  
  
• 6). Refer to your insurance policy to determine filing a claim will be beneficial. Add up the two timber appraisals, then divide by two. Take the two claims from the tree clean-up services and average them the same way. Take the two averages and add them together to determine your losses; then subtract your insurance deductible. If your calculation is negative or very little, it may not be beneficial to file a claim.
  
  
• 7). Schedule a meeting with a representative from your insurance company to file a claim. Give the representative copies of the appraisals and the photographs showing the trees before and after the damage.