Tree Falls on Car: Can You Claim Car Insurance?

Tree Falls on Car: Can You Claim Car Insurance?

Many people choose to park under trees for shade from the heat, but this can sometimes lead to unexpected accidents, like a tree falling on a car, causing serious damage. Whether it’s a sunny day or during heavy rains and strong winds, this article explores if you can claim car insurance in such cases and who is responsible. Find out everything you need to know below.

Who’s at Fault When a Tree Falls on a Car?

Claiming car insurance in the event of a tree falling on your car depends on the situation and the reason for the incident. Here are three key scenarios to consider:

• Tree Belonging to a Government Agency
  

If the fallen tree is under the care of a government agency, such as a roadside tree or one in a public park, that agency can be considered the liable party, or the one at fault. You can file a claim for damages and also claim for any medical expenses if there were injuries.

• Parking in a No-Parking Zone
  

If you parked in a no-parking area and a tree fell on your car due to your own negligence, you cannot claim damages from an at-fault party. In this case, the car owner must bear all repair costs themselves.

• Tree with No Owner
  

If the tree does not have a specific owner or if the owner cannot be identified, it will be considered a “force majeure” event, and you cannot claim damages from any liable party. In this case, you’ll need to cover the repair costs out of pocket.

In scenarios 2 and 3, when there is no liable party, having comprehensive car insurance (first-class insurance) can provide protection, as it covers damages even when no third party is at fault. However, other types of car insurance (such as Class 2, 2+, 3, and 3+) do not cover these types of incidents or natural disasters.

Natural Disasters and Insurance Claims: What Types of Insurance Cover a Tree Falling on a Car?

If a tree falls on a car due to a natural disaster such as a storm or earthquake, first-class car insurance will cover this event without needing a third party or tree owner to be identified. Other insurance classes, like Class 2, 2+, 3, and 3+, do not cover damage caused by natural disasters or incidents without a liable party, so be sure to check your insurance details before purchasing or renewing your policy.

How to Prevent a Tree Falling on Your Car and Avoid a No-Liability Insurance Claim

To avoid the risk of a tree falling on your car, you can take precautions to protect your car from possible accidents. Here are a few tips to consider:

• Check the Weather Before Leaving Home

During the rainy season, strong winds and storms can cause trees to fall or branches to break. Always check the weather forecast in advance to avoid parking in risky areas if there’s a chance of heavy rain or strong winds.

• Choose a Safe Parking Spot

If you need to park on the side of the road or in an area with many trees, avoid parking under large trees, especially in bad weather conditions. This will help prevent potential damage from falling branches or trees.

• Get First-Class Car Insurance

While insurance won’t prevent accidents directly, having comprehensive coverage can save you financially when there’s no liable party. The insurance company will cover the repair costs, and if the tree has an identifiable owner, they can even help track down the responsible party to reimburse the damages, offering peace of mind.

While first-class insurance covers claims even without a liable party, it’s still best to check the conditions and any potential Excess fees you might incur. If you frequently park under trees, prioritize choosing a safe parking location whenever possible. Sometimes, the shade might not be as friendly to your car as you’d hope!

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