Tree Fell on My Car in Livonia, MI – Who’s Responsible and What to Do Next

A loud crash, a shattered windshield, and a tree resting on your car is not something anyone plans for. In Livonia, storms, high winds, ice, and aging trees can turn a normal day into a stressful mess in seconds. If a tree fell on your car, your first thoughts are likely about safety, repairs, and who is going to pay for the damage.

This guide walks you through exactly what to do next, how insurance usually works, and when someone else may be responsible. It is written to be clear, practical, and easy to follow, even if you are dealing with this situation for the first time.

A tree fell on your car in Livonia. Take these steps first

Make sure everyone is safe

Before thinking about insurance or repairs, check for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away. Stay inside the vehicle if the tree is stable and there are no immediate dangers around you.

Look closely for downed power lines. If you see wires touching the tree or the car, do not get out. Electricity can travel through branches and metal.

Call for help when needed

You should call 911 if:

• Power lines are down or sparking
• The tree is blocking traffic
• Someone is injured
• The car is pinned and cannot be moved

Police or fire crews can help secure the area and keep everyone safe.

Take clear photos before anything is moved

Photos are one of the most important parts of any insurance claim. Use your phone to capture:

• Wide shots of the tree and the car
• Close-ups of damage to the roof, hood, glass, and doors
• The base of the tree where it broke or was uprooted
• Street signs, house numbers, or landmarks to show the location

If it is safe, take photos from multiple angles. These images can help later if there is a dispute about what happened.

Do not try to cut or move the tree yourself

A fallen tree can be under extreme tension. Branches can snap back, trunks can roll, and chainsaws can kick back without warning. This is especially dangerous when the tree is resting on a vehicle.

Trying to remove it yourself can cause more damage to the car and serious injury. This is a job for a professional tree service with the right equipment.

Get the right professionals involved

Depending on the situation, you may need:

• A tow company to move the vehicle
• A licensed tree service to remove the tree safely
• Your insurance company will start the claim process

If possible, wait until the insurance company confirms it is okay to remove the tree, unless it is creating an immediate safety risk.

Who pays for the car damage, the simple insurance breakdown

When comprehensive coverage usually applies

In most cases, damage from a falling tree is covered by comprehensive auto insurance. Comprehensive coverage is designed for events that are out of your control, such as storms, falling objects, and vandalism.

If you have comprehensive coverage, you will usually:

• File a claim with your auto insurer
• Pay your deductible
• Have the remaining repair costs covered up to the value of the car

This applies whether the car was parked or not moving.

When collision coverage may apply

Collision coverage is different. It usually applies when your car hits something, not when something hits your car.

Examples where collision may apply:

• You drive into a tree already lying in the road
• You lose control and hit a standing tree

If a tree falls onto your car while you are driving, it is usually still considered a comprehensive claim, since the tree struck the vehicle.

What you may pay out of pocket

Even with coverage, you may still have costs, including:

• Your deductible
• Rental car costs if rental coverage is not included
• Costs above the car’s actual cash value if it is totaled

Review your policy or talk with your agent so there are no surprises.

If the tree also damaged your house or garage

When a tree hits both your car and your home, you may need two separate claims:

• Auto insurance for the vehicle
• Homeowners insurance for the structure

These policies are handled separately, even if the damage came from the same tree.

Who is responsible for scenarios that change the answer

If the tree came from your own yard

This is one of the most common situations. If your own tree fell on your car, your auto insurance usually handles the damage. Homeowners' insurance typically does not cover damage to vehicles.

The cause of the fall matters less than where the tree came from. Storms, wind, or decay usually do not change the outcome for car coverage.

If your neighbor’s tree fell on your car

Many people assume the neighbor automatically pays. In reality, most claims still go through your own comprehensive coverage.

A neighbor may only be responsible if you can prove negligence. That usually means:

• The tree was clearly dead or dangerous
• The neighbor knew about the risk
• They failed to take action

Photos, written messages, or past complaints can help support this, but these cases can be difficult to prove.

If a city-owned tree fell on your car

Trees along streets or in public spaces are often owned by the city. In this case:

• You still start with your auto insurance
• You may be able to file a claim with the city

Cities are usually only responsible if they knew the tree was hazardous and did nothing. This often requires strong proof and can take time.

If a contractor caused the tree to fall

If a tree fell during trimming or removal work, the contractor’s insurance may be responsible. Get the company name, crew details, and any available paperwork at the scene.

Your insurer can help pursue reimbursement from the contractor’s policy.

What does negligence mean in simple terms

Negligence usually involves warning signs that were ignored, such as:

• Large dead branches
• Visible rot or hollow areas
• A tree leaning heavily for a long time
• Prior reports or written warnings

Healthy trees that fall during storms are rarely considered negligence.

What to document so you do not get stuck paying more

Photos that matter most

Focus on:

• The condition of the tree
• The point where it broke or was uprooted
• All visible damage to the car

If the tree shows signs of decay, capture those clearly.

Notes to save

Write down:

• Date and time of the incident
• Weather conditions
• Names of responders or companies involved
• Who did you speak with at your insurance company

These details can help if questions come up later.

Estimates and invoices

Keep copies of:

• Tree removal invoices
• Towing bills
• Repair estimates

Clear paperwork makes claims smoother and faster.

When an arborist's opinion helps

In cases where responsibility is disputed, an arborist report may help explain why the tree failed. This can be useful if negligence is being considered.

Tree removal after a car strike: what a local crew actually does

Why is this not a DIY job

Trees that fall on cars are often unstable. Professional crews use controlled cuts, rigging, and equipment to prevent sudden movement that could cause more damage.

How professionals remove the tree safely

A trained crew will:

• Secure the area
• Relieve pressure in sections
• Remove branches and trunk pieces carefully
• Protect the vehicle during removal

This reduces the risk of added damage and injury.

What to ask before hiring a tree service

Before work starts, ask:

• Are you licensed and insured?
• Do you handle emergency removals?
• How will you protect my car and property?
• Will cleanup and debris removal be included?

A local Livonia-based service understands local conditions and response needs.

The calm plan that gets you back on track

When a tree falls on your car, it feels overwhelming, but the steps are manageable. Start with safety, document everything, contact your insurance company, and let professionals handle the removal. In most cases, comprehensive auto insurance is the fastest path to repairs.

Do not rush into cutting or moving the tree yourself. Doing it right the first time protects you, your car, and your claim.

If a tree fell on your car in Livonia and you need safe, fast cleanup, contact American Made Tree today. Our local crew handles emergency tree removal and helps protect your property while you move forward with your claim.

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