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Is a Tree Falling on a Car Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
June 22, 2020
Is my car covered at all when damaged by a falling tree?
Homeowners insurance is not the source of coverage for damage to a car caused by a falling tree, or for a motor vehicle loss of any kind. Most homeowners policies explicitly define a “motor vehicle” as property not covered.
It might be interesting to know that the 10/00 version of the ISO Homeowners HO3 homeowners policy contains the words “motor vehicle” twenty-three (23) times. The terms are defined in the policy and further, it specifically limits, restricts or excludes from coverage for cars and other types of powered vehicles in each instance.
The primary source of coverage for damage caused by a falling tree to a car is called “Comprehensive” or “Other than Collision”. And, it’s found exclusively on an auto insurance policy.
In some unique circumstances coverage may be found on a homeowners policy that would extend to “property damage” of another person's vehicle.
One such circumstance can be found under the Damage To Property of Others coverage part included in Section II (Liability) of some homeowners policies. This extension may read something like:
Note the phrase “caused by an ‘insured’”The few times I have seen this homeowners coverage part respond to damage to another vehicle, the following factors were involved:
- A member of the household did not own the vehicle.
- The homeowner would have known of the risk the tree posed to potential damage to others before the incident.
Homeowners policies specifically address damage to automobiles by limiting, restricting, or excluding coverage to them.
An auto insurance policy is where coverage for damage to vehicles is primarily found.
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The year 1962 was marked by historic events—from the Cuban Missile Crisis to the passing of Marilyn Monroe. But while the world focused on these headlines, Lee A. Ryan was working alongside his brothers on my grandparents' farm when an unexpected opportunity arose—an invitation to join the insurance business. With no prior experience, no clients, and limited resources, my dad took a leap of faith and partnered with Nationwide Insurance to start an agency from scratch. Operating out of his home on Karr Valley Road in Almond, NY, he built his business one relationship at a time (some of whom are still clients!), laying the foundation for what would become a lasting legacy.
“Am I covered if I drive someone else’s car?” Or, “Am I covered if someone else drives mine?”
Many don’t realize that the insurance industry is one of the country's most regulated business segments, especially in New York State. The New York State Department of Financial Services (NYS DFS) wields significant control over the insurance business and has a stated goal of protecting consumers.
Most property insurance companies offer Actual Cash Value or Replacement Cost settlement options. Typically, insurance companies will require that you insure the property to the settlement value you choose. If you select Actual Cash Value, the amount you may be required to insure the property for will be less than the corresponding Replacement Value.
In that spirit, the Ryan Agency is sponsoring a Stearns BBQ Dinner pickup at our office on 57 Broadway Mall in Hornell on September 12th from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Today, an individual’s credit history can play a more significant role than any one of those traditional factors. Good Credit Scores lead to a Positive Insurance score. A good Insurance Score greatly influences what someone will pay to insure their vehicles.
Insurance companies offer various discounts for which their policyholders may qualify.
Great Eight number Six (6) suggests taking a look at removing Comprehensive and Collision on Older Vehicles.
By reducing the number of claims in your insurance history, you can significantly affect your rates in the future.
Sometimes, this concept meets with resistance from policyholders. The thought of paying more in the event of a claim is off-putting to some. Even if that means I pay more for my insurance.
