The last few months has seen some extreme weather in the UK from heatwaves to droughts and now drivers are being warned about the weather’s effect on trees.
That’s because it’s easy to park under a tree and expect no damage to be done to your car, but you could get into some bother if a branch comes loose and lands on it.
With the sun still making an appearance, you might choose to park under a tree to keep your car cool, but you’ll need to be aware of the risk of branches breaking without warning, says Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing.
He says a falling tree branch can cause serious damage to a car and risk injuring a driver or passengers.
Conway added: “In the hot weather, it’s understandable that motorists will look for any shady spot to park their car to try and keep it cooler.
“But with prolonged dry, hot weather, tree branches may be weakened and break without warning.”
How much could it cost if a tree branch hits your car?
He explains: “Falling branches, particularly from large trees, can cause significant structural damage to a car, which could cost motorists thousands.
“Heavy branches could dent the body, shatter the windscreen or break side mirrors.
“Even damage from smaller branches can result in dents and scratches to the body of the car.
“Look out for trees that have grey, brittle wood or bark that is peeling off, as this is often a sign that the tree is dying, causing the branches to dry out and snap off.
“Trees that have cracks or splits, especially at the point where a branch joins the trunk, may also indicate that a tree is dying.
“However, there aren’t always warning signs, so it’s best to be extra cautious.”
He said trees can also experience ‘summer branch drop syndrome’, which can happen without visible signs.
Factors that affect car insurance cost
Conway added: “This most often occurs when sudden summer rain follows a long, dry period.
“Insurance will typically cover any damage as a result of an ‘act of God’ however, if the tree was on council or private land and was already in a dangerous state, you may be able to recover your excess costs from whoever owns it.
“If the tree was clearly deteriorating before it fell, or the owner had been warned and failed to act, they could be considered negligent.
“If you think the owner was at fault, photograph the tree's condition, keep any evidence, and raise it with your insurer.”
Commenting on parking under trees, Mike Smith from Platinum Motor Group said: “The most obvious risk is storm damage, as even a medium-sized branch can leave dents, cracked glass or damaged paintwork, while a larger falling branch could cause thousands of pounds’ worth of damage depending on where it lands and the type of vehicle involved.
“As a guide, UK bonnet repairs can range from around £50 to £150 for minor dents, £300 to £700 for a replacement bonnet and £500 to £1,200+ for major structural damage, while comprehensive car insurance can cover falling trees and branches during storms, depending on the policy.”
Smith added: “Drivers should also be careful about parking under trees during windy or wet weather, as weakened branches may not be obvious from ground level.
“If a storm is forecast, it is always better to move the car somewhere more open, even if that means walking a little further.”
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The expert adds that there are a few more things you should bear in mind when parking under a tree:
- Tree sap
- Bird droppings
- Wet leaves
- Pollen
Smith explains: “Sap and droppings in particular can mark the paintwork, and if they are baked on by the sun, they can become much harder to remove without causing scratches.”
Other places you should avoid parking
He also shared some more spots you should think twice about parking close to:
- Building work, skips or scaffolding
- Playing fields
- Golf courses
- Narrow residential roads
He said you can expect an increased risk of debris, dust or accidental damage or a bigger chance of dents, scratches or broken windows in these areas.
Concluding, he advises drivers to be aware of where they are parking: “The safest approach is to look up and around before leaving your car.
“If there is anything above, beside or nearby that could fall, blow over, leak, mark the paintwork or limit visibility, it is probably worth finding another space.”
Do you have any other parking tips for drivers? Let us know in the comments.
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