Question. I am working on several large property claims from recent northern California firestorms. I am not clear on debris removal for our ISO HO-3 policies (HO 03 10 00) and whether debris removal as an additional coverage extends to removal of dead trees killed in the fire. The policy states that trees are covered under additional coverage (E) 3. when the loss is caused by a peril insured against, including fire. If the limit available for trees, shrubs and other plants is exhausted by payment of loss, is there an extension of another 5 percent for debris removal of these now dead trees? This insured has many acres of lost trees, and any available coverage is helpful. Some say that the additional 5 percent for debris removal extends only to Coverages A, B and C, and not to trees, shrubs and other plants. Can you help?
— California Subscriber
Answer. You are trying to combine two separate coverages. The debris removal does not apply to trees because the removal of trees of the insured is limited to the falling of the trees by windstorm, hail, weight of ice, snow or sleet, that damages a covered structure or blocks a driveway or handicapped ramp. There is no coverage for the debris removal of the trees.
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