Westford Couple's Nightmare: Progressive Denies Storm Damage Claim Over 'Progressive' Tree Fall

Imagine this for a moment: you’re a homeowner, dutifully paying your insurance premiums year after year, trusting that should disaster strike, your policy will be there to catch you. It's a fundamental promise, isn't it? Well, for Gary and Susan L'Esperance, a Westford couple, that promise feels very much broken, shattered, really, like the branches of the very tree that caused their nightmare.

It all began one blustery January. A powerful windstorm swept through Westford, and, as these things sometimes do, a massive tree on the L'Esperances' property succumbed to the elements. It crashed down, causing considerable damage. Their beloved shed was hit, fencing mangled, and the carefully maintained landscaping pretty much ruined. It was, undoubtedly, a significant blow, an unexpected mess that no one ever wants to deal with.

Naturally, they did what any responsible homeowner would do: they filed a claim with Progressive, their insurer. After all, they were paying a hefty $2,600 annually for a "Homeowners Plus" policy – the kind you'd expect to offer comprehensive protection. They fully anticipated their claim would be processed, and they could begin the difficult task of repair and recovery. You'd think, wouldn't you, that a fallen tree during a named windstorm would be a pretty straightforward insurance event?

But then came the crushing news: a denial. Not just any denial, mind you, but one based on a rather perplexing clause called "progressive damage." Progressive's reasoning? They suggested the damage wasn't a sudden, unexpected event caused by the windstorm, but rather that the tree was already unhealthy or leaning, implying the damage unfolded gradually over time. It’s a subtle distinction, yet it’s one that’s causing the L'Esperances immense heartache and a real sense of betrayal.

For Gary and Susan, this explanation simply doesn't hold water. They argue vehemently that the tree fell suddenly, decisively, and undeniably due to the force of the windstorm. They can't fathom how something so abrupt and destructive could be considered "progressive." It feels, to them, like a loophole, a clever way for the insurance company to avoid its obligations, despite their loyal payments for years.

The couple is, understandably, outraged. They feel completely let down by a company they trusted to protect their home and their peace of mind. "It’s infuriating, truly," one can almost hear them say. They've decided not to take this denial lying down. They've appealed to the state's Division of Insurance, hoping that an independent review will see the situation for what they believe it is: a clear case for coverage. And if that doesn't work? Well, legal action is certainly on the table. It’s a daunting prospect, fighting an insurance giant, but they're determined.

This whole ordeal shines a spotlight on the often-confusing intricacies of insurance policies. The term "progressive damage" itself, while seemingly standard in the industry for issues like long-term water leaks or foundation cracks, becomes incredibly contentious when applied to a sudden, visible act of nature. It makes you wonder, doesn't it, about the fine print we all sign and what it truly means when we need it most.

WCVB, bless them, has been trying to get answers from Progressive, but so far, only a generic statement about their claims process has been provided. It leaves the L'Esperances, and indeed, anyone hearing their story, with more questions than answers. For now, this Westford couple continues their fight, a testament to their resolve, hoping to ultimately prove that some damage, especially when caused by a furious wind, is anything but "progressive."