Comprehensive Auto Insurance: Animal Encounters Covered?

Animal-vehicle collisions are a common occurrence, with nearly 2 million such accidents taking place in the US each year. If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you're generally covered for damage caused by animals, including collisions with large animals like deer and smaller creatures like squirrels. This type of insurance covers damage to your car not caused by a collision, including animal encounters, theft, vandalism, fire, and weather damage. However, it's important to note that comprehensive coverage is typically optional and comes with a deductible, which is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in.

Animal collisions are covered by comprehensive insurance

Comprehensive insurance also covers damage caused by factors outside your control, like weather, fire, theft, and vandalism. This type of insurance is typically optional in most states, but if you lease or finance your vehicle, lenders will usually require you to purchase it. It usually comes with a deductible, which is the amount you agree to pay out of pocket before your coverage kicks in.

If you hit a domestic animal, such as a dog, your comprehensive coverage may not apply. In this case, your insurance company may pursue the animal's owner for compensation under their homeowner's insurance, if they were negligent in allowing their pet to get loose.

If you live in an area with a lot of wildlife, it's a good idea to add comprehensive coverage to your policy to protect against expensive vehicle repair bills.

Vet bills from accidents with domestic animals are not covered

If you are found liable for driving in a way that hurt a domestic animal, your liability coverage may pay for vet bills. There are steps you can take to limit your liability in such situations:

• Do not move the injured animal if possible.
• Call the police, as a pet is someone else's property, and leaving the scene after causing injury could result in legal consequences.
• Contact the owner as soon as you obtain their information.
• Get in touch with your insurer if you plan to file a claim and inquire about covering any costs associated with the pet's injuries.

Remember, in most cases, you would only be responsible for vet bills if you intentionally hurt a domestic animal. Owners are generally responsible for the damage to your car and the costs associated with their pet's injuries because they are responsible for keeping their pets contained. While hitting a domestic animal can be traumatic, you may not have any financial responsibility as the driver.

Comprehensive insurance covers damage to car glass

Comprehensive insurance is an optional coverage that pays for damage to your car not related to a collision. This includes damage caused by animals, such as a squirrel damaging the interior of your car, or a deer that you hit while driving. It may also cover theft, vandalism, fire, and weather damage.

Comprehensive insurance also covers damage to car glass, including windshield replacement and glass repair. This includes damage caused by hitting an animal, such as a deer, or by falling or flying objects, like rocks, trees, branches, or ice. In some cases, you may not need to pay a deductible for glass repairs or replacement, depending on your insurance company and the state you live in.

If you have comprehensive coverage, you can file a claim for glass damage, and your insurance will cover the cost of repairs or replacement, minus your deductible. It is important to file a claim as soon as possible after the damage occurs, as the longer you wait, the more likely the damage will spread. For example, a chip or crack in your windshield can spread over time, so it is best to get it repaired as soon as possible.

In addition to comprehensive coverage, some insurance companies offer separate windshield deductibles or full glass coverage add-ons, which can provide additional protection for glass repairs or replacement.

Comprehensive insurance covers damage caused by animals inside the car

Animals can be unpredictable, and sometimes, despite your best efforts, they can damage your car. Whether it's a squirrel chucking pine cones, a goat stampede, or a dog scratching your car doors, comprehensive insurance has been designed to cover such incidents.

Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car not caused by a collision. This includes damage to the interior and exterior of your car by animals of all types and sizes. For example, if a small animal were to get inside your car and damage the interior, or if a larger animal were to damage the exterior of your car, comprehensive insurance would cover the cost of repairs. Even damage caused by your own pet is covered.

Comprehensive insurance also covers damage to your car caused by factors outside your control, such as fire, theft, vandalism, and weather events. It is important to note that comprehensive insurance is optional in most states, but it can provide valuable protection against unexpected costs.

However, it's worth mentioning that comprehensive insurance does not cover damage to personal property inside your car. This type of damage is typically covered by homeowners, renters, or condo insurance policies, but these policies usually exclude damage caused by animals or pests as they are considered preventable.

To summarise, if you want protection against damage to your car caused by animals inside the car, comprehensive insurance is a wise choice. It covers a wide range of scenarios, giving you peace of mind and financial protection when dealing with unexpected events involving animals.

Comprehensive insurance covers damage caused by animals outside the car

Animals can cause significant damage to your car, whether by colliding with your vehicle or wreaking havoc on its interior. If you have comprehensive insurance, you can rest assured that you will be covered for these types of incidents.

Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car not caused by a collision. This includes damage caused by animals, whether they are wild or domestic. For example, if a pack of dogs scratches your car doors or a squirrel damages your windshield, comprehensive insurance will typically cover the cost of repairs. It can also protect you from the costly repairs that may be needed if you hit a deer, moose, or other large animal while driving.

In addition to animal damage, comprehensive insurance also covers a range of other incidents, such as theft, vandalism, fire, and weather damage. It is an optional coverage that can be added to your auto policy for an additional premium. While it is not required in most states, it is usually required by lenders and leasing companies.

If you live in an area with a lot of wildlife or enjoy keeping your car in pristine condition, comprehensive insurance can provide valuable peace of mind. It can help you avoid paying out of pocket for unexpected repairs caused by animals.

It's important to note that comprehensive insurance covers damage caused by animals to your car, but it may not cover damage to personal property inside your vehicle. Additionally, if you hit a domestic animal, your insurance company may pursue the owner for compensation under their homeowner's insurance if they were negligent in allowing their pet to get loose.

Frequently asked questions