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A tree or branch falling on your car can do a lot of damage, from a cracked windshield to a smashed roof or worse. If a tree damages your car, comprehensive car insurance typically covers the cost of repairs or replacement. Comprehensive coverage, which covers damage to your vehicle from falling objects, is included in a full coverage car insurance policy, but generally isn't part of a minimum coverage policy.
Who Is Responsible if a Tree Falls on My Car?
You're typically responsible for repairing or replacing your car if a tree falls on it, either by paying out of pocket or filing a comprehensive car insurance claim to cover the costs. Comprehensive car insurance covers damage to your vehicle unrelated to a collision, including harm due to falling or flying objects such as trees or branches.
Check your insurance policy to see if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive car insurance generally isn't part of the minimum insurance coverage most states require to drive legally, so your policy may not include it. However, lessors and lenders usually require comprehensive car insurance for leased or financed vehicles.
When you file a comprehensive car insurance claim with your insurance company, you're responsible for your deductible, which could range from $0 to $2,000 and up. Your car insurance company will pay the remaining cost to fix or replace your vehicle. Here's an example of how that works:
- A tree falls on the hood of your car, causing $4,000 in damage.
- You have a $500 deductible.
- Your insurance company pays $3,500 to repair the car; you're responsible for the remaining $500.
Here's how to handle the cost of repairs in various situations where a tree damages your car.
If the Tree Was on Your Property
As long as you have comprehensive coverage, your car insurance should cover the damage if a tree on your property falls on your car. You'll need to file a claim and pay your deductible in order for your coverage to cover the cost of repairs.
If the Tree Was on Your Neighbor's Property
If the tree that damages your car is on your neighbor's property, your comprehensive car insurance typically covers the cost of repairing or replacing the vehicle. However, if the tree was clearly deteriorating before it fell, or if you and the neighbor had discussed removing the tree but the neighbor failed to do so, it's possible the neighbor could be considered negligent.
If you believe your neighbor was negligent, consult your insurance company about how to proceed. Your neighbor's insurance may cover the damage or expenses that your insurance doesn't cover, such as your deductible. Suing your neighbor for damages is another option for recovering these costs, but this should generally be a last resort.
If a Contractor Causes the Tree to Fall
A contractor's general liability insurance usually covers the cost of damage if the contractor causes a tree or branch to fall on your car. Before hiring a contractor, protect yourself by requesting proof that they—and any subcontractors they use—are licensed and insured.
If you discover too late that your contractor wasn't insured, you can file a claim with your car insurance carrier. Your comprehensive auto insurance should cover the damage to your vehicle. However, you'll have to pay your deductible, which wouldn't be the case if the contractor's insurance paid for the damage.
If a Tree Falls on Your Car While You're Driving
If you're driving and a tree branch falls on your car, your comprehensive car insurance should cover the damage. However, if you're driving and crash into a tree lying across the road, your collision coverage will kick in. Collision insurance covers the cost of repairs if your car hits an object while you're driving. Like comprehensive insurance, it's typically part of a full-coverage insurance policy.
What Happens if a Tree Falls on Your Car and Roof?
If a tree or limb falls on the roof of your house as well as your car, you'll need to file both a car insurance and a homeowners insurance claim. Standard home insurance covers damage to your home's structure and contents from a falling object, such as a tree or branch. In addition to paying for repairs (minus your deductible), your homeowners insurance may cover the cost of having the tree or branches removed from your property.
However, home insurance doesn't cover damage caused by your failure to maintain your property—which includes your trees. Your claim may be denied if the insurance company determines that you neglected the tree, letting it rot until it fell.
Even if the tree belonged to your neighbor, your homeowners insurance should cover the damage to your home. However, your insurance carrier may attempt to have your neighbor's home insurance pay for the repairs. In this case, you could get a refund for your home insurance deductible.
How to Avoid Tree Damage to Your Car
Tree damage to your car can't always be prevented, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk and help protect your vehicle.
- Keep your car sheltered whenever possible by parking in a garage or covered carport.
- Avoid parking near trees when heavy rain or windstorms are forecast.
- Maintain trees on your property. Prune them regularly, watch for signs of disease and remove weakened limbs or dying trees.
- Ask neighbors to trim any trees that could pose a risk to your car.
- Avoid driving during high winds or severe storms.
The Bottom Line
Maintaining full coverage car insurance, including comprehensive coverage, can help ensure you're financially protected if a tree falls on your car. Are you worried that purchasing comprehensive coverage will raise your premiums too high? Shopping around for more affordable coverage can help keep your costs down. Experian's car insurance comparison tool offers an easy way to weigh your options. You can get quotes from multiple insurance companies in one place and compare costs and coverage to find the best deal for your needs.