Insurer Drops Family Over Tree Dispute

In San Carlos, homeowners Liz Heieck-Toms and her husband Will are advocating for the return of their insurance coverage after a dispute involving their cherished heritage white oak tree. The couple, who have been loyal customers of Safeco, a subsidiary of Liberty Mutual, for two decades, expressed their frustration over the insurance company's lack of understanding regarding the significance of the nearly 500-year-old tree. "We really consider ourselves the custodians of this tree," Liz stated, highlighting their commitment to its care. Insurance expert Belber acknowledged the rights of insurance companies to inspect properties but emphasized their obligation to make informed decisions. She criticized the practice of using outdated information to impact homeowners' financial futures, urging affected individuals to request the photos that led to the insurer's decision. "Sometimes, when an insurance company gets accurate information, they change their decision," she noted, offering a glimmer of hope for those in similar situations. Despite their efforts, the Heieck-Toms have yet to receive a response from Safeco regarding their request for the images. Will expressed determination, stating, "We're going to work every angle we can to get somebody to pay attention to this problem." Liz added her concerns about the insurance industry's approach, suggesting that companies may be using such disputes as an excuse to withdraw coverage in fire-prone areas like California. The couple's plight underscores a growing tension between homeowners and insurance providers, as many seek fair treatment in the face of increasingly stringent policies.