As Hurricane Melissa moves toward Atlantic Canada with forecasted winds up to 70 km/h and heavy rainfall, homeowners across the region are being reminded to review their insurance coverage and property maintenance plans.
According to the Canadian Hurricane Centre, Melissa’s wind circulation could bring powerful gusts and heavy rain to the Maritimes and Newfoundland’s Avalon Peninsula early Saturday morning.
To help Atlantic Canadians prepare, we sat down with Jeff Cronk, Vice President of National Claims, and Sheena Lee, Personal Lines Specialist at Higgins Insurance, to discuss what homeowners should know about tree damage coverage and storm preparation.
Expert Insight with Jeff Cronk, MBA, FCIP, CRM
Vice President, National Claims
Q: Jeff, what are you seeing when it comes to tree damage trends across Atlantic Canada?
Jeff:
We’re seeing clear seasonal spikes in fall and winter, when high winds and saturated ground increase tree fall incidents. Climate change is also amplifying both the frequency and severity of these events — we’re handling more claims than ever after major weather systems.
Urban areas tend to face more complex liability issues because of how close trees are to homes, vehicles, and power lines. In rural settings, damage might be more straightforward, but cleanup and accessibility can become challenges.
Q: What should homeowners know about their coverage?
Jeff:
A typical homeowners policy will cover damage caused by a falling tree if it impacts an insured structure — for example, your home, garage, or fence. However, if a tree falls without hitting covered property, the cost of removal might not be covered.
It’s also important to understand liability. If a tree on your property damages a neighbour’s home, your responsibility depends on ownership and whether you were aware of any risks — like a dead or leaning tree. If a homeowner ignored known hazards, insurers may deny or subrogate the claim.
Q: How can people reduce their risk before a storm?
Jeff:
Take time now to inspect your property. Look for cracked limbs, leaning trunks, or signs of decay, and call a certified arborist if you’re unsure. If you’re concerned about a neighbour’s or city-owned tree, document your communication and report it early.
A few preventive steps today can save a lot of stress — and potential expense — when high winds arrive this weekend.
Practical Steps from Sheena Lee, CAIB
Personal Lines Specialist, Higgins Insurance
What to Do If a Tree Falls on Your Property
Contact your power company immediately if electrical lines are down or your electrical box is damaged.
Call your insurance company to report the situation and begin the claims process.
Take photos of all visible damage for documentation before cleanup begins.
Prevent further damage by contacting a qualified restoration company or professional tree removal service to secure your property safely.
Contact Information for Power Companies in Atlantic Canada
If you experience fallen lines or power outages, reach out directly to your local provider:
New Brunswick: NB Power
Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia Power
Prince Edward Island: Maritime Electric
Newfoundland & Labrador: Newfoundland Power
Saint John, NB: Saint John Energy
Community Note from Shelley Wood
Vice President, Finance, People & Community, Saint John Energy
Many Atlantic Canadians are served by municipal utilities like Saint John Energy. Other examples include Edmundston Energy and the Perth-Andover Electric Light Commission in New Brunswick, as well as utilities in Antigonish, Mahone Bay, Riverport, Lunenburg, and Berwick in Nova Scotia, and the City of Summerside in Prince Edward Island.
You can find a full list of municipal energy providers through the Maritime Municipal Electric Utilities Association (MMEUA).
Final Thought
With Hurricane Melissa approaching, preparedness and awareness are key.
At Higgins Insurance, we’re here to help our Atlantic Canadian community understand their coverage, mitigate risks, and protect what matters most.
For personal advice or to review your policy, contact your local Higgins Insurance advisor today.