Will Insurance Cover Damage if a Car is Hit by a Falling Tree?
2 Answers
If a car is damaged by a falling tree, the insurance company will provide compensation. When a tree breaks and damages a vehicle due to force majeure events such as natural disasters, the insurance company is responsible for covering the corresponding damages. According to insurance regulations, there is a provision for vehicle damage: as long as the direct loss of the insured vehicle is caused by "falling or collapsing external objects" during the insurance period, the insurance company is obligated to compensate as stipulated in the insurance contract, which falls under the coverage of vehicle damage insurance. Incidents such as trees toppled by strong winds, falling billboards, or debris from rooftops damaging parked vehicles are considered collapses of external objects and are also eligible for compensation. However, in cases of natural disasters or extreme weather conditions, vehicle damage insurance typically includes a deductible of around 30%. This means that for policyholders with vehicle damage insurance, the insurance company will cover 70% of the loss, while the remaining 30% is the responsibility of the tree's managing authority. For example, if a tree in a residential area damages a vehicle, the vehicle damage insurance will cover 70% of the loss, and the remaining 30% is to be compensated by the property management. If there is no vehicle damage insurance, the property management or the party responsible for the tree must negotiate a resolution. The insurance claim process for a car hit by a falling tree is as follows: Do not move the vehicle and report the incident to the insurance company within 24 hours. After receiving the report, the insurance company will arrange for an adjuster to inspect the scene and photograph the damage. Once the inspection is complete, the adjuster will notify the owner of the repair location. The owner must initially cover the repair costs, which will later be reimbursed by the insurance company to the owner's bank account.
Last year, my car was parked under a tree when a strong wind blew down a branch, damaging the hood. The insurance company actually paid for it. Actually, this depends on the type of insurance. I had comprehensive coverage that included such accidental damage. When filing a claim, you need to contact the insurance customer service first, take photos for evidence, and avoid moving the car so they can send an assessor to evaluate the damage. However, if you only have compulsory third-party liability insurance (not comprehensive), it basically won’t cover any of your own losses. So, I recommend everyone get into the habit of checking their insurance policies. With frequent natural disasters these days, try to park away from large trees to reduce risks. During routine maintenance, you can also chat with the repair shop to take preventive measures.
