A tree falls on your car – does your insurance policy cover it?

Mother Nature is leaving quite an impact on the U.S. in 2023 – producing damaging winds, hailstorms, and tornados that account for two-thirds of natural disaster losses so far this year according to a recent report from the Insurance Information Institute (III).

Which is why it’s important to know how best to protect your most valuable assets – your home and car.

According to a recent State Farm survey, two-thirds of drivers ages 18-43 didn’t realize the optional comprehensive coverage portion of an auto policy is the coverage that would apply if you hit an animal while driving. If you didn’t select that optional comprehensive coverage, you would be paying for those repairs out of your own pocket. Comprehensive also covers damage from severe storms, flooding, earthquakes, and other types of losses like theft and hitting an animal.

Experts at the Insurance Information Institute estimate the average annual cost of comprehensive at about $300 per year (or $25 a month). When asked about their specific auto policy coverages, more than half of Gen Z did not have comprehensive coverage or weren’t sure what coverages were on their policy. 40% of Millennials surveyed indicated they either didn’t have comprehensive coverage or weren’t sure.

By the way, if you have comprehensive coverage on your auto policy, damage from a tree that hits your car would typically be covered.

Along with knowing what comprehensive covers, it’s important to understand other coverages such as:

• Bodily injury liability extends to relatives in your household and those driving your car with your permission and helps to protect your assets when you are at fault in an accident. 
   
• Property damage liability pays for damage you may cause to someone else's property. 
   
• Medical payments or personal injury protection (PIP) pays for the treatment of injuries to the driver and passengers of the policyholder's car.  
   
• Collision pays for damage to your car resulting from a covered collision with another car or object and is sold with a separate deductible. 
   
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist provides coverage if you are hit by an uninsured driver or a driver who doesn’t have sufficient insurance to pay for your loss. This coverage also offers protection in the event a covered driver is the victim of a hit-and-run or if as a pedestrian, you are struck by an uninsured or underinsured motorist.

How did this group’s knowledge fare with other coverage benefits?

More than half (57%) didn't realize the additional benefits offered in car rental coverage. They fared slightly better when asked about the benefits that are part of emergency road service with 3 in 5 (61%) answering correctly, but still nearly 4 in 10 only had a basic knowledge of this coverage.

• Rental car services and reimbursement (or rental car coverage) can help cover the cost of a rental while your vehicle is not drivable, or repairs are underway.   
   
• Emergency road service covers towing, delivery of gas, oil, battery, or tires, up to an hour of repair on place of breakdown, and up to an hour of locksmith services.

Nearly half the survey respondents admit they don’t know their auto policy very well and find coverages confusing. When they have questions, they go to friends or family, research online or ask their local insurance agent.

With so much to consider, it’s important to speak to an agent with insurance experience who can assist in the process.

State Farm is here to help you determine the right type of insurance coverage for you.

Interested in learning more?

Check out these resources.

Car Insurance Coverage Options

Factors That Affect Car Insurance Rates

Comprehensive Auto Insurance Coverage

Get Roadside Assistance

Auto Insurance Discounts

Choose Car Insurance Deductibles & Coverages Well

First Time Car Insurance: What You Should Know

Insurance Questions To Ask Your Agent

What Are the Different Types of Insurance?

A State Farm agent can help you chose insurance coverage that helps protect your specific needs.