Spruce on the loose! Secure your Christmas tree before hitting the road

Aviva is urging drivers to take caution as they get ready to deck the halls, with research showing 8% have had a Christmas tree come loose or slip from their vehicle while transporting it home^[1].

The survey of 2,000 people also revealed that a further 7% had witnessed one falling from someone else’s vehicle whilst it was being transported^[1].

The data shows that one in ten drivers transport their tree on the roof of their car.^[1] However, if trees are not effectively secured, they pose hazards for road users and could go against Rule 98 of the Highway Code.

Even when drivers manage to fit their tree into their vehicle, getting it home isn’t always straightforward. 13% of drivers travel with the boot open, 9% use the sunroof, and 8% admit to driving with their tree sticking out their side window. In one in seven (15%) cases, the tree obscures the rear-view mirror, reducing visibility for the driver^[1].

Examples of Christmas-tree related Aviva motor claims include^[2]

• The front of a vehicle was hit by a tree that had come loose from a car travelling in the opposite direction.
• Another reported a collision with a Christmas tree in the road that had fallen off the roof of another car.  
• A Christmas tree in the road caused damage to the underside of a vehicle after the driver was unable to evade it.

James Driscoll, Motor Claims Manager, comments: “While picking out a Christmas tree is something many of us look forward to, getting it into the car and home safely can often be a bit of a challenge.

“Our data shows instances of trees falling off roofs^[2], which can not only damage the driver’s own vehicle, but also poses a hazard for other road users and could leave you at risk of a fault claim. To prevent this from happening, always use strong straps to fasten it tightly and always check it’s secure before setting off. A few extra minutes of care can make the journey safe for you and everyone on the road.”

Aviva’s top tips for transporting your tree safely this festive season:

Secure the tree carefully. If your chosen Christmas tree won’t fit into your car, aim to use a roof rack and secure your tree with several bungee cords or ropes rather than just one. Give your tree a good tug and, if there is any movement, add more cords or ropes to make sure that it is secure.

Position the stump end of the tree towards the front of the car. Placing the heavier end of the tree at the front of the vehicle is more stable as it reduces wind resistance and drag. It can also reduce the risk of a strong gust lifting the front of the tree, or branches breaking off as it is transported.

Avoid overloading your vehicle. Check the weight limit on your vehicle, especially if you are planning to buy a large tree, to ensure that it is not overloaded. Whilst the maximum weight limit on a roof is 100kg, it’s easy to check the limit for your specific vehicle in your handbook. Regardless of the weight of the tree, your vehicle will be heavier than usual so take care when braking and manoeuvring and, where possible, park on a hard surface to avoid wheels sinking into soft ground.

Mark the end of the tree for other road users. If the tree overhangs the rear of the vehicle by over a metre, it is a legal requirement under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 to attach a bright cloth, high-vis material, or red flag to the end to alert other drivers on the road.

Ensure that your number plate is still visible. If your tree is poking out of your boot, ensure that your number plate and lights are not obscured. It is an offence to drive without a clearly displayed number plate and drivers could be fined up to £1,000 if they are not visible.

Avoid poking your tree out of side windows. If possible, it’s preferable for the tree to protrude out of the sunroof as using the side windows can become a hazard for pedestrians and cyclists.

Check your mirrors and ensure that you can still drive safely. It is a legal requirement to have a clear view of the rear of the vehicle so, if a tree is obscuring the view, ensure that the driver has a good view of both wing mirrors. The tree shouldn’t interfere with your ability to use the gear stick or handbrake - although 4% of drivers have admitted they have been in this position^[1].

Place the tree on a blanket or other protective cover. It’s a good idea to put a protective cover between the tree and the vehicle as Christmas tree needles can scratch paintwork and tree sap can stain interior fabrics.

Drive safely. Consult your car’s handbook or specific information about your car, and don’t set off until you are sure it is safe.

-ends-

References:

^1. _{Research conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,000 nationally representative consumers (18+) from 21.11.25-24.11.25 [↑]}

^2. _{Aviva motor claims from 2018 to Jan 2025 [↑]}

Enquiries:

Alice Constable        +44 (0)7350 398942

Amy Penn        +44 (0)7385 011200