Does renters insurance cover wind damage to cars parked in the driveway?

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I have two cars parked in my driver that are not daily drivers and are not currently insured.

A tree from the yard next door, fell on them.

Does my renters insurance cover the damage?”

Asked December 9, 2015

1 Answer


There are multiple questions to be answered to determine, if the renter's insurance policy extends coverage to the automobiles. If the automobiles are not owned by the insured on the renter's insurance policy, there may be coverage. Automobiles owned by the insured renter are normally not covered under the renter's insurance, and there is usually an exclusion in the policy that applies to automobiles.

The liability coverage under the renter's policy normally only extends coverage damage or bodily injury to others that occurs in the apartment, during personal activities, or caused by a member of the household, including household pets. A tree falling in the driveway would not meet any of these criteria.

The owner(s) of the vehicle(s) may be able to seek compensation from the owner of the property where the tree was located, if certain circumstances are met. If the tree was dead and they had been notified of the hazard, and this can be proven, their insurance may have to pay for the damage to the vehicles. If the tree was toppled only from a wind storm, this is considered an act of god" and the liability coverage of the owner of the tree would not be obligated to pay for the damage.

When determining whether a loss is covered, the best resource is the insurance company on the policy. Filing a claim will initiate a coverage investigation to determine, if this specific loss is covered. Every claim's circumstances are unique to that loss, never rely on an outcome of one claim to determine the outcome of a similar claim. As each loss is different, insurance policies can carry unique coverages and exclusions. The insurance company is a valuable resource for determining, whether or not a specific loss is covered.""

Answered December 16, 2015 by Mark

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