liability insurance
Insurance law, DIY improvements gone awry
<p>I have watched a few videos online where DIY projects went awry. For instance, tree removal with tree winding up on a homeowner's roof and auto.</p>
<p>What are the general insurance rules regarding such projects that result in loss?
When would such losses be covered, and under what circumstances would these losses not be covered?</p>

<h2>Read your policy</h2>
<p>Insurance contracts spell out in excruciating detail in which circumstances they are on risk and which they aren’t. For <a href="https://secure.budgetdirect.com.au/branding/resources/BUDD/legal/home/HPDSBUDD.pdf" rel="nofollow noreferrer">example</a>.</p>
<p>In that policy, page 39 excludes &quot;Loss or damage caused by lopping or felling of trees when this is performed or authorised by you, your family, or a household member&quot;.</p>
<p>So DIY tree felling is at your risk. So is authorising a contractor to fell a tree (although you would presumably look to the contractor's insurer for restitution)</p>
<p>You would be covered if a neighbour (or their contractor) dropped a tree onto your house or if a utility company did so. They didn't need or get your authorisation so the exclusion does not apply.</p>
