I am working several large property claims from the northern California firestorms this summer. 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

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 felling of the trees by windstorm, hail, weight of ice, snow, or sleet, and that damages a covered structure or blocks a driveway or handicapped ramp. There is no coverage for the debris removal of the trees.

Under the additional coverage for trees, shrubs, and other plants, there is coverage for damage by fire, and an additional 5 percent of the limit that applies to the dwelling for all trees, shrubs, plants, or lawns. So there is up to $500 of damage per tree, shrub, or plant up to the 5 percent of the dwelling coverage. For example, the insured coverage A is $300,000. Five percent of that is $15,000, which is available for the replacement of trees. While this coverage does not discuss debris removal, it would make sense that if the dead trees have to be removed before they can be replaced by new trees that would be included as part of the overall cost of replacement.