When Trees Attack – Protecting Your Car from Falling Branches and Angry Squirrels

Washington State is known for its stunning forests, tall evergreens, and lush green landscapes. But sometimes, nature gets a little TOO real. One minute, you’re parked under a peaceful tree for some sweet shade. The next? WHAM! KABLAMMO! A branch crashes down like Thor’s hammer. And don’t even get started on the squirrels.  

On a more serious note. This guide is here to help you protect your car from Mother Nature’s more dramatic moments and tell you how comprehensive auto insurance can save your bacon (and your bumper) when you go shopping for Washington car insurance quotes. 

The Root of the Problem – Why Trees and Cars Don’t Mix

Washington has more trees than your uncle has conspiracy theories. And while they’re beautiful, they can be downright dangerous when windstorms, heavy snow, or ice storms roll through. Even a healthy-looking tree can take a tumble if it’s old or rotting.  

The Washington Emergency Management Division notes that strong winds and winter weather are some of the top culprits for tree damage around here when Mother Nature throws a tantrum. As you can guess, falling trees and heavy branches can do some not-so-kind things to your vehicle, including breaking windows, damaging the chassis, and much more. 

Branching Out – Common Causes of Tree Damage to Cars

Storms are the usual suspects causing tree damage, with high winds and heavy snow leading the charge. Sick trees, nearby construction shaking the ground, and frozen limbs all play a part, too. If your car’s in the wrong place at the wrong time, even a tiny branch can cause big headaches.  

Not sure if a tree near you is sick or just dramatic? The Washington Department of Natural Resources tracks tree health and might help you figure out if it’s friend or foe. You might also want to call for some help to chop down the pesky tree (or just a few branches — maybe it’s not always worth it to get rid of the entire thing, depending on the situation). 

Nutty Behavior – When Squirrels and Wildlife Target Your Car

From flooding to Bigfoot sightings, insurers in the PNW have a lot of unique problems to deal with. It starts innocently enough. A squirrel on your hood. Kinda cute. Then you find your engine wires chewed up like spaghetti noodles and your glove box turned into an acorn vault. Rodents are drawn to the warmth of engine compartments and sometimes use your car as a winter Airbnb. This can lead to expensive repairs.  

And yes, we’ve heard stories of acorns in air filters, scratched-up paint jobs, and mysterious peanut butter smells coming from under the hood. Squirrels, like other animals in the wild, are definitely attracted to sources of food, and they also appreciate the warmth, so the best way to protect your vehicle is to keep it in a garage, if possible. 

Park at Your Own Risk – Best and Worst Places to Leave Your Car

Obviously, parking under a big old tree during a windstorm isn’t a genius move. Same goes for parking near trees that lean like they’re mid-yoga pose or where you see signs of wildlife feasting. Instead, aim for covered garages, open lots, or your own garage if you’ve got one. Still, even the best parking spot can’t always protect you from rogue squirrels or surprise storms. Nature finds a way, after all … but that’s what “act of nature insurance” is for, obviously. It’s a financial shield to protect your wallet from tree damage to your car. 

Leaves of Absence – Does Your Insurance Cover Tree and Squirrel Damage?

Here are the big questions: What does comprehensive insurance cover? Is tree damage covered by auto insurance? Does car insurance cover natural disasters, for that matter? Good news: The answer is yes … if you have comprehensive coverage. It’s not like the “Game of Life” — real insurance policies have some specific things you have to configure correctly.  

Comprehensive auto insurance covers damage from non-collision events, including falling branches, floods, vandalism, theft, and, yes, wildlife mischief. According to the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner, it’s optional but a very smart idea, especially if you park under pine trees the size of skyscrapers. 

Without it, that storm-snapped limb or squirrel-in-the-engine situation could cost you big time. For more on what’s true and what’s nonsense, swing by our post: Insurance Myths Busted. 

Don’t Let Angry Squirrels Wreck Your Ride – Get Covered with Vern Fonk

If you live in Washington, you already know we’ve got some wild weather and even wilder wildlife. Protect your car from falling trees, stormy tantrums, and nut-crazed critters with comprehensive coverage from Vern Fonk.  

Whether you’re in Seattle, Spokane, or surviving a squirrel siege in Tacoma, we’re here to help. Get a quote online, visit one of our locations in the PNW, or give us a call at (800) 455-8276 to learn more and get a quote today!