What to do if a tree falls on your car in Romania: Who removes it and pays for damages

When a storm topples a tree onto a car in Romania, drivers face a complex process to recover damages. The first crucial step is ensuring personal safety and documenting the scene with photos from multiple angles. If the car is on public land and the tree was neglected, the local authority or road administrator may be responsible for the costs. However, if the tree fell due to extreme weather like a violent storm, authorities might claim force majeure, making compensation difficult.

For those with comprehensive car insurance (CASCO) covering natural phenomena, the process is more straightforward. The insurer will assess the claim and cover repairs if the policy conditions are met. Without CASCO, drivers must gather extensive evidence, including police reports, repair estimates, and any documentation of the tree's condition, to prove fault and claim damages.

If the tree was on private property, the landowner could be held liable if they failed to maintain the tree properly. Regardless of the situation, the claimant must demonstrate the extent of the damage and, where applicable, the negligence of the party responsible for the tree's upkeep. The process underscores the importance of both adequate insurance and understanding local responsibilities for public and private property maintenance.