Nov. 23, 2007

My mom is considering having three pine trees taken down by a neighbor, who is handy. If he were injured, who would have to pay and what coverage, if any, on a homeowners policy would protect her from such an event?

Patricia, Massachusetts

Dear Patricia,

We referred your question about hiring a neighbor to perform some tree removal to the Insurance Information Institute (III).Spokesperson Jayna Neagle says your mother should double-check with her insurance agent regarding coverage that may be provided by the homeowners policy.

In most policies, there is medical payments coverage that covers the costs of injuries sustained by others when they are on your property. Your mom should check the limit of that payment because, if it's minimal and the neighbor is badly injured while removing the trees, she could be out some money. Usually, hiring a local tree company that is bonded and insured is a safer bet.

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