Driving in storms and high winds, and what to do if a tree falls on your car

Car Tips/Hacks11/13/2026

Driving in high winds and storms: safety tips and insurance | Rooster

Winter storms bring strong gusts that can push a car across a lane, blow debris into the road and bring down trees and branches. Each named storm brings a wave of fallen-tree claims.

This guide covers how to drive in high winds, where the risks are greatest, and what to do if a tree falls on your car, including who pays.

Last updated 9 November 2026. Rules come from the Highway Code on GOV.UK.

Key takeaways

In a red or amber wind warning, the safest option is to delay your journey.
Gusts are strongest on exposed roads, bridges, open stretches and gaps between buildings or hedges.
High-sided vehicles, caravans, cyclists and motorcyclists are most affected. Give them extra room (Highway Code Rule 232).
Hold the wheel firmly with both hands, slow down and leave larger gaps.
Tree damage to your car is usually covered by comprehensive insurance. You may be able to claim from the tree’s owner if they knew it was unsafe.

Should you drive in a storm?

Check the Met Office warnings. During an amber or red wind warning, flying debris, fallen trees and closed roads are likely, and there may be a risk to life. If you can delay your journey, do. See our guide to Met Office weather warnings.

How to drive in high winds

Slow down. Lower speeds give you more time to react to gusts and debris.
Hold the wheel firmly with both hands. Be ready for sudden gusts, especially when passing gaps in hedges, buildings or bridges.
Leave more space around high-sided vehicles, caravans and trailers, which can be blown off course.
Give cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders extra room. The Highway Code says they can be blown sideways (Rule 232).
Watch for debris such as branches, bins and roof tiles in the road.
Take care when overtaking. Moving out from behind a lorry can expose you to a sudden crosswind.
Avoid exposed routes where you can, such as high moorland roads and coastal roads where waves may spray over.
Keep your distance from trees and power lines when choosing where to stop or park.

Roads and places to be careful on

Bridges and viaducts, which can close to high-sided vehicles or all traffic.
Open, exposed stretches of motorway and dual carriageway.
Roads lined with trees, especially after a long wet spell when roots are loosened.
Coastal roads and seafronts.
Gaps between buildings in towns and cities, which can funnel gusts.

What to do if a tree falls on your car

Make sure everyone is safe. If anyone is hurt or trapped, call 999.
Do not touch fallen power lines. Stay well away and call 105 to report damaged power lines, or 999 if there is immediate danger.
Take photos of the tree, the damage and the surrounding area, including the condition of the trunk and roots if you can see them.
Find out who owns the tree: the council, a neighbour, a business or a landowner.
Contact your insurer and report the damage.
Do not try to move a large tree yourself.

Who pays for tree damage?

Your own insurance: comprehensive policies usually cover damage from falling trees and storm debris to your car, minus your excess. Third party only and third party, fire and theft policies do not cover this damage.

The tree’s owner: you can only claim from the owner if they were negligent, for example if the tree was obviously dead, diseased or damaged and they did nothing about it. If a healthy tree is brought down by a severe storm, that is usually treated as an unforeseeable event, and you would claim on your own insurance.

The council: if the tree is on council land or the roadside, you can make a claim to the council if you think it knew the tree was unsafe. Councils usually have a claims process on their websites.

If you claim on your own insurance for a non-fault incident and your insurer cannot recover its costs, it may affect your no claims bonus. Ask your insurer how they will treat the claim. See how to make a car insurance claim.

If you hit debris in the road

If you hit a branch or debris, stop when it is safe and check for damage, including tyres and the underside of the car. Report dangerous debris to the police on 101, or to National Highways on motorways and major A roads. If the debris fell from a vehicle, try to get its registration.

Frequently asked questions

Should I drive a high-sided vehicle in strong winds?

High-sided vans, campervans and towing set-ups are most at risk of being blown over. In strong winds, delay your journey if possible, and check for bridge and road closures.

Is storm damage an act of God?

Insurers and courts may treat damage from an exceptionally severe storm as unforeseeable, which is why you usually need to claim on your own comprehensive policy rather than from a tree’s owner.

Will a storm damage claim raise my premium?

It can, because insurers look at your claims history. A claim you make on your own policy may count against your no claims bonus unless your insurer recovers its costs from someone else.