Crashing into a tree is not something we would ever hope to do, but it’s also a risk that comes with driving a car. If you find yourself in this unfortunate circumstance, what exactly will happen? Will the car be completely ruined or can it be fixed with some effort? If you’re reading this article, it’s probably because you crashed into a tree and want to know how much it will cost to repair. The good news is that, depending on the circumstances of the crash, your insurance company might cover all or most of the costs. Here are some things you should know if you crash into a tree.
What Happens If You Crash Into A Tree?
There’s no easy way to say this – the cost of repairing a car after a tree crash can be extremely high. Tree branches are often very sharp and can puncture through car doors and windows, causing extensive damage. In addition, trees can have roots that are deeply embedded in the ground, which can cause damage to the underlying chassis of the vehicle. Depending on the severity of the damage, the cost of repairs can run into tens of thousands of dollars. The repair shop you use will likely be able to give you a more accurate estimate after inspecting your vehicle.
What Is The Actual Cost Of Crashing Into A Tree?
- The actual cost of crashing into a tree depends on many factors. You can expect to spend anywhere from $100 to $10,000, with an average cost of around $3,000.
- The most important factor in the cost of repair is the make and model of the car. The cost difference between cars is massive.
- Crashing a $20,000 Mercedes Benz will cost a lot more than crashing a $500 Honda Civic.
- The type of tree you hit will also factor into the cost of repairs. Crashing into a soft tree like a palm tree will be a lot less expensive than hitting a hardwood tree like an oak.
How To Save Money After Your Car Is Damaged By A Tree?
Check your insurance coverage
The best way to save money after your car is damaged by a tree is to make sure you have adequate auto insurance coverage. Make sure that you have enough liability coverage to protect all the other people who will be affected if you cause an accident. Make sure that you have collision coverage, or the ability to pay cash for collision repairs, to protect yourself in the event that your auto insurance company denies your claim. You should also have sufficient medical payment coverage if you or any passengers in your car are injured in the accident.
Repair your car yourself
If the tree damage to your car is relatively minor and you do the repairs yourself, you can easily save thousands of dollars. Use a service like RepairPal.com to research the cost of tree damage repairs. You may want to hire a professional to help you with the larger repairs, but a DIY approach can help you save a lot of money on smaller repairs, such as fixing a broken headlight, broken mirror, and dented door.
Negotiate a fair repair price with a trusted mechanic
If you have no choice but to go to a mechanic for the repairs, you can save a lot of money by negotiating a fairly-priced repair. Before you take your car to a mechanic, ask friends and family for recommendations. You can also use a free online mechanic referral service like RepairPal.com to find a trusted mechanic. To negotiate a fair repair price with a mechanic, ask a lot of questions, shop around, and be prepared to walk away from any repair shop that is charging you too much for the repairs.
Get a written estimate and warranty before you decide
If you decide to have your car repaired after a storm, get a written estimate from a trusted mechanic and get the mechanic’s warranty on the repairs. A written estimate will help you negotiate a lower repair price, and a detailed written warranty will give you peace of mind if the repairs don’t last as long as expected, or if the repairs don’t fully correct all of the damage. If you have sufficient collision coverage on your auto insurance policy, you can get an estimate from a few mechanics and then take your car to the mechanic offering the lowest repair price and/or a written estimate with the longest warranty.
Change your habits to save money on insurance
In addition to changing your insurance coverage and repair habits, you can also save money on your car insurance after a storm by changing your driving habits. After a storm, many people are on edge, worried about their safety and the safety of their loved ones. You’re not alone if you’re a little more cautious, but that caution can lead to expensive driving habits. Instead of driving over the speed limit, get used to driving at or below the posted speed limits in your area during and after a storm. Instead of driving aggressively and tailgating, drive at a safe distance from the car in front of you to avoid sudden braking. Instead of running yellow lights, stop at red lights with the expectation that other drivers will do the same.
Can You Be Held Responsible For Crashing Into A Tree?
- If you crash into a tree on public property, you have no liability or responsibility to repair or replace the tree. If you crash into a tree on private property, you could be held responsible for the cost of the tree.
- Insurance policies vary, but typically they will cover the cost of tree damage if you have comprehensive coverage. If you have liability-only coverage or you’re not sure what your policy covers, you could be held responsible for the tree.
- The owner of the tree might try to sue you for the cost of the tree, but this will probably be highly unlikely. If you are in an accident, it is recommended that you stay at the scene of the accident. In most cases, this will get you out of more trouble than if you flee the scene.
- If the accident is not your fault, you will probably be able to get the other driver’s information. If the accident is your fault, you should still stop to exchange information so you are not charged with hit-and-run.
What Things Determine The Cost Of Repairs After Crashing Into A Tree?
- The make and model of the car: As we mentioned earlier, the exact make and model of your car will have a big impact on the cost of repairs. The actual car model: Although different models of the same car are usually similar in terms of repair costs, they vary.
- The year of the car: The year of your car will also have an impact on the cost of repairs. These three things can be the difference between a repair costing $500 and $5,000. The damage to your car will depend on the type of tree you hit and the severity of the crash.
- If you hit a soft tree like a palm tree, you will probably damage the front of your car. If you hit a hardwood tree like an oak, you might bend the frame of your car.
Bottom Line
Crashing into a tree is not something we would ever hope to do, but it’s also a risk that comes with driving a car. If you find yourself in this unfortunate circumstance, what exactly will happen? Will the car be completely ruined or can it be fixed with some effort? If you’re reading this article, it’s probably because you crashed into a tree and want to know how much it will cost to repair. The good news is that, depending on the circumstances of the crash, your insurance company might cover all or most of the costs. The actual cost of a crash will depend on the make and model of your car, the type of tree you hit, and the severity of the damage.
