Had a client last year who thought trimming back branches was just about curb appeal—turned out, squirrels chewed right through the soffit and made a mess in the attic. Insurance flagged it too, and the repair bill wasn’t pretty. Sometimes it really is about safety, but I get what you mean... insurers seem to look for any excuse. Keeping those branches away from the roof’s edge has saved a lot of folks I know from headaches down the line.
That’s a good point—people always think it’s just about looks, but overhanging branches are like a highway for critters. I’m curious, did the insurance company actually deny anything because of the branches, or just bump up the premium? I’ve seen both happen. Also, I wonder if more folks would take maintenance seriously if insurers were clearer about what triggers claims issues... or do they kinda like keeping it vague?
- Overhanging branches are sneaky—critters love ‘em, but so do insurance adjusters.
- I’ve seen both: sometimes they just nudge up your premium, but a buddy of mine actually had a claim denied after a squirrel chewed through his roof. Insurer pointed right at the tree limbs.
- Honestly, I think insurers keep it vague on purpose... less for them to commit to.
- Maintenance feels like homework, but it’s way less painful than arguing with insurance later.
- Pro tip: trim those branches before your next inspection—makes you look like you’ve got it all together, even if you don’t.
Had a similar thing happen last year—insurance guy came out, took one look at the branches hanging over the garage, and started scribbling notes. I’ve learned the hard way that if you leave those limbs alone, you’re just inviting trouble. One winter, a raccoon got up there and tore into the soffit. Insurance didn’t want to touch it because “preventable animal damage” was in the fine print. Ended up costing me more than if I’d just paid for a tree crew.
It’s funny, though—sometimes you do all this work and they still find something to ding you on. But yeah, after I trimmed everything back before my last inspection, my premium actually dropped a bit. Didn’t expect that. It’s not glamorous work, but it beats fighting with adjusters or shelling out for repairs they won’t cover.
If you’re on the fence about trimming, just do it before they come around. Even if your place isn’t perfect, it makes a difference. And honestly, it’s less hassle than dealing with critters or denied claims down the line.
Funny how something as simple as trimming branches can make such a difference. I had a similar experience—insurance inspector flagged a couple of overhanging limbs, and I thought it was just nitpicking at first. But after I got them cut back, not only did the premium go down, but I stopped having squirrels running across the roof every morning. Less noise, less mess.
I do think insurance companies are quick to blame “preventable” stuff, even when it feels like you’re doing your best. Had a buddy who patched up his own soffit after raccoons got in, and the adjuster still found a way to deny his claim because he “didn’t use a licensed contractor.” Sometimes you can’t win.
Still, I’d rather spend an afternoon with a pole saw than deal with another denied claim or animal invasion. Not glamorous work for sure, but it’s cheaper in the long run. Plus, my gutters stay cleaner now too... small wins.
