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If a tree falls on your car in a park near your home, you should immediately do these 3 things to ensure you get insurance coverage..

Shikha Saxena | August 8, 2026 7:15 PM CST

People often park their cars in front of their homes, sometimes choosing a spot under a tree to shield the vehicle from the sun. However, during the rainy season, accidents can occur where a tree falls onto the parked car, causing significant damage. In such a situation, you should not act hastily. It is unsafe to rush to the vehicle immediately after a tree has fallen on it, as nearby power lines may have snapped along with the tree, posing a severe danger.

If the damage caused by the fallen tree is extensive, you should take three immediate steps. Failing to do so could complicate the process of obtaining insurance coverage.

First, immediately take photos and videos of the car without moving it from the spot.

Call your insurance company right away to report the incident and wait for the insurance surveyor to arrive.

If the tree belongs to a public park or is located on government land, inform the municipal corporation and the police.

**How to claim the insurance amount**
If you have comprehensive insurance for your car, you can claim the full amount for damages caused by natural disasters or falling trees. However, if you only have third-party insurance, the insurance company will not cover the cost of the damage. Notify the insurance company by phone and wait for the surveyor; they will inspect the vehicle and assess the extent of the damage. You should then file a claim. Only move the vehicle after the surveyor has completed the inspection.

**You may be eligible for compensation**
Trees located on roadsides or in parks fall under the jurisdiction of the municipal corporation or local authorities. If a complaint had previously been lodged regarding a dilapidated tree, or if the municipal corporation's negligence is proven for any other reason, you can claim compensation for the damages.

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