Arborist Report for an Insurance Claim After Storm Damage

Storm cover is built around sudden damage, not routine maintenance. When a tree comes down in high winds, the insurer needs to know whether the storm caused the failure or whether decay, root problems or neglect were already there. A written report from a qualified arborist answers that question. Trees Down Under can inspect and report on storm-damaged trees across Sydney, any time you call on 0475 463 597.

The report records the cause of failure, the extent of the damage, the condition of the tree, any ongoing safety risk and the recommended action, including tree removal where it is needed. Because it comes from an independent professional, assessors tend to give it real weight when deciding whether damage was sudden or pre-existing.

One thing to be clear about: the report supports your claim, but the insurer makes the final decision. A thorough, well-documented report gives the assessor the evidence they need to make it.

The first day sets up the rest of the claim, so a few steps are worth doing in order. If anyone is at risk from a hanging limb or a leaning tree, keep clear and call 0475 463 597 any time for our 24/7 emergency tree service and a make-safe.

1. Contact your insurer within 24 hours of discovering the damage, and ask what they need from you.
2. Photograph and film everything before any cutting begins. Capture close-ups of the damage (roof, gutters, fences, vehicles), wider shots showing where the tree sits and what it blocks, and any SES, council or strata notices.
3. Write down the date, time and circumstances, such as storm winds, lightning or sudden limb failure, and what the tree hit.
4. Keep your policy number and property address handy for the call.

An arborist can then inspect, make the site safe and prepare the report your assessor will want. Before any tree removal, check whether a council permit applies. We offer council permit guidance, and the insurer makes the final decision on the claim.

Once your insurer assigns a claims assessor, Trees Down Under can deal with them directly. The assessor may visit the property, and our AQF Level 3-5 certified arborists can supply the arborist report on the tree’s condition, root and decay findings and the cause of failure, so the assessor has independent evidence to work from.

We also know local council permit rules across Sydney and the Hills District, and we offer council permit guidance so the tree is not removed before the right approvals are in place. Where removal is needed, we prepare an itemised quote that sets out the work in the way insurers expect, and it includes site clean-up.

The insurer makes the final decision on any claim, but a clear report and a clear quote make the assessor’s job easier. If you need tree removal in Sydney after a storm, call 0475 463 597 any time to book a free tree inspection.