The property owner where the tree was rooted is typically responsible if the damage resulted from negligence. This means you could be liable if you knew or should have known the tree was dead, diseased, or dangerously unstable and you failed to take reasonable action. If the tree was healthy and fell due to an unexpected “Act of God,“ like an extreme storm, you generally would not be held liable for the resulting damage to your neighbor’s property.

Calling the police immediately creates an independent, time-stamped record of the event. The responding officer acts as a neutral third party who documents the scene, statements, and evidence before memories fade or details change. This official report becomes a foundational piece of evidence for any liability claim, establishing the basic facts of who, what, when, and where. Insurance companies and courts give significant weight to these contemporaneous police records.

This is common. The insurer will often argue the estimate is too high or includes unnecessary work. Do not automatically accept their counter-offer. Have your contractor review the insurer’s estimate line-by-line to identify specific omissions or cost differences. Your contractor can then provide a written rebuttal, justifying their scope and costs. This documented professional disagreement strengthens your position in negotiations and may necessitate involving a neutral third-party appraiser.