I’ve always wondered about stuff like tree branches falling during a storm—does that count as “weather” or “maintenance” in most policies? Sometimes it feels like they can spin it either way, depending on what’s cheaper for them.
Had a similar situation last year—big branch came down on my old Civic during a windstorm. Insurance called it “an act of nature,” so it was covered under comprehensive, but they did ask if the tree looked dead or neglected. Guess if you don’t keep up with yard work, they might try to call it maintenance instead... Feels like a technicality sometimes, honestly.
Yeah, insurance can get weirdly picky about what counts as “nature” vs. “maintenance.” I read somewhere if a tree’s obviously rotting and you ignore it, they might say it’s your fault. But hail? That’s just bad luck—unless you’ve got a magic anti-hail garage, I guess.
That’s the thing with insurance—they’re quick to draw that line between “acts of God” and stuff you could’ve prevented. I’ve had adjusters tell me a dent from a falling branch is my fault if the tree looked sketchy, but hail? Unless you’re out there covering your car in bubble wrap every time the clouds roll in, there’s not much you can do. It’s wild how some policies still manage to wriggle out of paying for that kind of damage. Makes me wish those anti-hail garages were a real thing… or at least more affordable than building an actual bunker.
I’ve wondered if those pop-up car shelters you see online actually do anything against hail. They’re not exactly cheap, but way less than a new roof or car. Has anyone tried one? I just park under trees and cross my fingers, but that’s probably not the best plan either...
