The ADAC advises: If you are looking for a parking space in the autumn, you should be selective. © Gottfried Czepluch/Imago
Finding a parking space is a tedious issue for every driver. However, the wrong parking space can quickly cause expensive damage to your vehicle.
Dortmund – Autumn brings with it a number of pitfalls, especially for drivers. A low sun can limit visibility, and wet leaves on the road can make it slippery. But you should also be careful when looking for a parking space, as it can be expensive – and I don’t mean getting a parking ticket for illegal parking.
Danger for drivers – choosing the wrong parking space can be expensive
Horse chestnuts are extremely popular with many people in the autumn. Some cities, such as Dortmund, have numerous trees from which the autumn fruit can be collected. Children in particular enjoy the fun of collecting them.
Chestnuts are also an effective household remedy that can be used as a detergent, for example. However, the fruits are less of a joy for drivers, as the hard, brown beech trees can cause damage to cars, which can sometimes be expensive.
Wrong parking can be expensive for drivers – the danger comes from above
The ADAC is currently warning of chestnut trees. When choosing a parking space, drivers should take a look up to see if they want to park their car under a chestnut tree. “In order to avoid dents in the vehicle, drivers should be particularly selective when looking for a parking space,” advises Oliver Reidegeld, press spokesman for the ADAC Hessen-Thüringen.
Cities and municipalities are not obliged to put up warning signs or to cover the damage caused if chestnuts cause dents or scratches on cars.
If you are looking for a parking space in autumn, it is best not to park under a chestnut tree. © Heike Lyding/Imago
Does car insurance cover damage to a car caused by chestnuts?
Drivers will also have little success with their insurance company if they want to report damage caused by chestnuts. Partial comprehensive insurance does not cover such cases, says Roland Richter, traffic expert at R+V Versicherung.
The fully comprehensive insurance covers the damage, but this could lead to a reduction in the no-claims bonus (more car news at RUHR24).
Chestnuts cause damage to the car: Insurance only pays under one condition
The situation is different if the chestnuts have caused damage to the vehicle due to a so-called “unforeseeable event”. This could be a natural event, such as an earthquake. Storms, heavy rain and thunderstorms are also included, writes GEV Insurance. In this case, the damage is treated like an accident and subsequently settled.
The ADAC therefore recommends avoiding chestnut trees or oak trees. Otherwise, a car cover could help. If you are unsure, you can also ask your car insurance company to what extent autumn damage is covered.
