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Does renters insurance cover a tree falling on my car?
We had a huge windstorm yesterday and a tree fell on my car. My car was parked in my designated parking spot at the apartment building. Does renters insurance cover a tree falling on my car?
Bonnie Stinson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Sorry to hear about your car! As for your question,
renters insurance
usually won’t cover a tree falling on your car, even if it’s parked at your apartment complex. You’ll need an auto insurance policy with comprehensive coverage
to get help covering the cost of repairs.While your car counts as personal property and the incident occurred on your rental property, damage to cars is almost always relegated to the realm of auto insurance.
It’s possible that your landlord’s insurance could pay for this damage. If the tree fell as a result of their negligence (e.g., the tree was obviously rotting and the landlord failed to have it removed), you may be able to file a claim with their insurer.
If the tree fell due to an unpredictable hazard like a severe storm, though, your auto policy’s comprehensive coverage is your only option. If you have this coverage, here’s how to file a claim:
- Take pictures: Document the damage (once it’s safe to do so). Write down details like the location and extent of broken windows, scrapes, and dents.
- Remove debris: If possible, move the tree branches away from your vehicle. Comprehensive insurance will not cover the cost of tree removal, only repairs to the vehicle.
- File the claim: Use your insurance company’s claims-filing system. You may need to fill out a particular form or enter information onto a website. Attach your photos and notes. Sometimes an insurance adjuster will visit the site of the incident to make their own assessment.
If the damage is minimal or just above your deductible amount, it may be worth it to just pay for repairs out-of-pocket. After all, insurance companies may raise your rates after you file a claim.
Insurance can be confusing, so if you ever have a question about your
car
or renters insurance, Jerry
can help. With the best technology and a team of great agents, Jerry can save you time and money on finding a new policy or modifying your current one. View full answer
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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