Insurance Companies Are Buckling Down on MetroWest Homeowners

We just switched our homeowners insurance. The new company sent out an inspector. He walked our property. He looked at the roof. He looked at the trees.

He said the branches overhanging our roof had to go.

So we’re doing it. There’s a video of it on my feed — go check it out.

Here’s what MetroWest homeowners need to know.

Insurance companies are buckling down. When you change carriers, expect an inspection. They are going to walk your property. They are going to look at your roof. They are going to look at your trees.

Trees overhanging the roof are the number one thing I’m seeing flagged right now.

Why? Insurance companies are trying to get ahead of the costly claims that come when trees fall on houses. After what Cape Cod went through last year, I’m honestly not surprised.

• An inspection within the first 30-60 days of a new policy
• A written list of items they want fixed
• A deadline to get the work done
• Cancellation or non-renewal if you don’t

Tree work runs $800 to $2,500+ for a mature tree depending on size and access. Price it into your budget before the policy change — not after.

If your trees are an issue, the home inspector is going to flag them during the deal. Dead branches, leaning trees, limbs over the roof — all of it shows up on inspection reports.

And if the buyer finds it, you’re negotiating about it. Depending on how severe the issue is — or how many branches are involved — you could be looking at a small credit or a much bigger ask.

Here’s the other piece. Buyers get nervous when they see large trees overhanging a home. That nervousness turns into price adjustments.

If you have trees overhanging your roof, you might want to take it into consideration and be proactive before you list.

That’s it. Insurance is tightening. Trees are the thing.

Questions? Reach out.