Tree Fell on Your Car in Florida? What to Do and Who Pays

Finding a tree across your car is a gut punch, especially after a storm when everything else is a mess too. Here's what to do in order, and how insurance usually splits the bill.

1. Check for lines and loaded limbs

Look up and around before you walk over. If a power line is involved, stay away and call 911 or your utility. If the tree is still caught in other branches, it can shift. Don't climb on the car or try to cut the tree off yourself; a trunk resting on a car is pinned, and cutting it releases the load unpredictably.

2. Photograph everything

Take wide shots that show the tree, where it came from, and the car, then close-ups of the damage. Do it before anything is moved.

3. Know which policy covers what

• The car: usually the comprehensive coverage on your auto policy, minus your deductible. Homeowners policies generally don't cover vehicles.
• The tree: removing it from your driveway or yard may fall under your homeowners policy, especially if it also hit the house or blocks the driveway.
• Someone else's tree: in Florida, if the tree was healthy, each owner's own insurance generally covers their own property. If the owner ignored a known hazard, they may be liable.

4. Get it lifted, not dragged

Dragging a trunk off a car adds damage. We cut the tree into sections and lift the weight off a little at a time, then haul everything away. Tell us if the car needs to be moved by a tow company afterwards and we'll leave a clear path.