Tree Fell on My House or Car: What to Do, Step by Step
A tree on the house or car is frightening, and the decisions you make in the first few hours affect both safety and what insurance pays. Work through these steps in order.
If it fell on your house
- Evacuate the affected area, or the whole house if the tree penetrated the roof or you hear creaking. Branches can still be settling.
- Shut off utilities if needed and safe. If water is pouring in near electrical fixtures, shut off power at the main panel only if you can reach it without standing in water. Smell gas? Leave and call your gas utility from outside.
- Call the electric utility if the tree touched the service drop (the line to your house), even if the power is still on.
- Document. Photos and video of the tree, the roof, interior damage and the stump or root ball, all before anything moves.
- Call your insurer and open a claim. Ask whether they need to inspect before the tree is removed and what the removal limit is. Many policies pay removal from a damaged insured structure up to a limit, often around $500 (Insurance Information Institute, "Am I Covered?"). Details in our insurance guide.
- Get the tree off the roof. This is a rigging job. The crew will usually take weight off in pieces, sometimes with a crane, so the roof isn't damaged further. Then the roof can be tarped.
- Tarp and dry out. A roofer or restoration company tarps the opening; insurers generally expect "reasonable steps" to prevent further damage, and pay for them.
- Have a structural check if rafters, walls or the chimney were hit.
If it fell on your car
- Don't get in or try to drive it out from under the tree. The tree can shift as weight changes.
- Photograph the car, the tree and the surroundings.
- Call your auto insurer. Comprehensive coverage normally handles falling objects; homeowners insurance generally doesn't cover your car.
- If the tree is also on the house, garage or fence, open a homeowners claim for that part too.
- Have a tree crew lift the tree off; dragging it can add damage.
If it was the neighbor's tree, or yours fell on theirs
Usually each owner's insurance covers its own property. Fault generally only shifts if the tree's owner knew or should have known it was defective (PA Legislator's Municipal Deskbook, Tree Issues (PDF)). Exchange insurance information and see our neighbor tree guide.
If it's a city street tree
Trees between the curb and sidewalk may be the municipality's responsibility for removal and may require permission to cut. In Scranton, contact the Shade Tree Commission (Scranton Shade Tree Commission) and see our Scranton rules guide. In an emergency, your safety comes first; document everything.
Hiring the crew
- Insurance first: ask for a certificate of liability and workers' comp before anyone climbs on your roof.
- Check PA Home Improvement Contractor registration (PA Attorney General: home improvement contractor registration); in Scranton, tree businesses must meet §434-6 (Scranton City Code, Ch. 434 Art. II (Trees)).
- Get an itemized estimate: removal from structure, cleanup, hauling and stump each listed.
- Don't sign over insurance benefits or pay in full upfront.
What it may cost (estimates)
Price figures on this page are published estimates from the linked sources, shown as typical ranges. They are not quotes and not a survey of Scranton companies.
A published Pennsylvania model puts a same-day storm response for a large tree near structures at about $3,003–$9,526 (CostFigure, Pennsylvania tree removal cost (2026)). Smaller trees and limbs cost far less.
Storm Limb Help is a free referral service. Call (570) 565-1102 and we'll try to connect you with an independent local tree service; see our emergency page.
Quick answers
Who do I call first when a tree falls on my house?
911 if anyone is hurt or wires are down, then your electric utility if lines are involved, then your homeowners insurer, then a tree service.
Does homeowners insurance cover a tree falling on my car?
Generally no. The comprehensive coverage on your auto policy usually handles it.
Should I wait for the adjuster before removing the tree?
Ask your insurer. Most allow emergency work to prevent further damage; document everything with photos first.
More guides
- Emergency Tree Removal After a Storm in NEPA: What to Do
- Stump Grinding Cost in Scranton, PA: Typical Prices and What Changes Them
- Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tree Removal in Pennsylvania?
- Neighbor's Tree Fell: Who Is Responsible in Pennsylvania?
- Dead or Dying Tree Warning Signs (Including Emerald Ash Borer in PA)
- Tree Trimming vs. Removal: How to Decide
- Scranton Tree Removal Permits and Rules (City Code Ch. 434)
Last reviewed 2026-10-26. General information only; sources linked inline.