Auto Insurance Claims: 2 cars damaged by 1 tree branch, catastrophic losses, tall oak tree

Question
Greetings Rob, I had 2 cars damaged by 1 large tree branch last Friday (fell from a tall oak tree).  I have called my insurance company, and they have recorded it as 2 separate incidents, and they are applying my $500 deductible to each one.  Car 1 only had windshield and side window damage.  Car 2 has roof, hood and windshield damage.  If the deductible is applied to each, then my out of pocket will be much higher.
 Is the insurance company right?  Is this probably hidden in my policy somewhere?

Answer
Hello,

They are 2 different claims even though they both happened at the same time.

Turning both claims in at the same time could be costly in deductible, by may put you at a greater risk for cancellation in the future even though you did nothing wrong.

I try to explain to people that insurance is only for catastrophic losses such as car 2.

Even if you apply to a new carrier the application will ask if you have had any recent claims. You can't lie about this matter because most insurance companies share insureds information with each other. Such claims could prevent you from getting other insurance or at minimum costing you much more.

I carry a $250 dd on comp because I am always worried about hitting a deer.

I hate to tell you this, but I would suggest turning the # 2 car in and fixing the other out of pocket.

Rob