Will Insurance Cover a Car Parked on the Roadside That Was Hit by a Falling Tree?
3 Answers
If the vehicle is insured, the insurance company will cover the compensation. If there is no insurance or the damage is not covered by the insurance policy, the owner will have to bear the cost. Insurance company compensation details: During the insurance period, the insurer is responsible for compensation according to the terms of the insurance contract, which falls under the coverage of vehicle damage insurance. However, in cases of natural disasters or extreme weather conditions, vehicle damage insurance usually has a deductible of around 30%. For owners with vehicle damage insurance, the insurance company will cover 70% of the loss amount. Preserving the scene or evidence: If it does not affect traffic and safety, keep the scene intact and do not move the vehicle without authorization. Wait for the relevant personnel to arrive. If the vehicle must be moved, take photos of the scene first to preserve evidence. Moving the car after a tree has fallen on it without proper precautions can lead to secondary accidents. Without evidence, the subsequent claims process may face difficulties and unnecessary complications.
Last year, my car was parked by the roadside in our residential area when a severe storm caused an old tree to fall, crushing the roof. I immediately contacted my insurance company, and they advised me to take photos and videos of the scene as evidence. After sending an adjuster to inspect, they confirmed it was an accident caused by a natural disaster. Since I had comprehensive car insurance, they quickly covered the repair costs, which amounted to nearly 20,000 yuan, with only a few hundred yuan deductible. Since then, I always try to park away from trees, especially on windy days. In similar situations, acting quickly is crucial—reporting within 24 hours speeds up the process. Whether insurance covers it depends on having comprehensive coverage; if it's an act of nature, it’s usually covered, but negligence in parking might complicate things.
As someone experienced with insurance, I know that insurance typically covers damage to a car caused by a falling tree, but it depends on your policy type. Collision or comprehensive insurance covers such accidental damage, such as events caused by natural disasters. You need to take photos for evidence immediately after the incident, file a police report, and then contact your insurance company to report the claim. After their investigation, they will determine liability: if the tree owner was negligent in maintenance or you parked illegally, they may not cover it; under normal circumstances, they will cover the repair costs, but you'll need to pay the deductible. Without insurance, the loss can be significant. It's advisable to review your insurance policy annually and choose safe parking spots to minimize risks.
