In many cases, yes, insurance does cover hitting an animal. Depending on the type of policy and the exact circumstances of the incident, coverage may vary; however, most car insurance policies typically provide compensation for damages caused by collisions with animals. In some cases, this coverage is included in a comprehensive or collision policy while in other cases it can be purchased as additional coverage. It is important to review your policy details to determine if you have this type of coverage included.
Contents:
What is Animal Collision Insurance?
Animal collision insurance is a special type of coverage designed to provide protection in the event that you cause damage to an animal with your vehicle. It’s not part of traditional car insurance, but can be added as an extra layer of protection. While it may seem like something best suited for rural drivers, it could potentially be helpful to anyone who drives in areas where large animals such as deer, elk and moose are common.
The main purpose of this insurance is to cover the cost of repair or replacement for both the animal and any damages caused by the collision, such as property damage or injury to other people. In some cases, even legal fees can be covered depending on the specific policy purchased. Many policies include coverage for roadside assistance should you need help after striking an animal along your journey.
Animal collision insurance can offer peace of mind if you often drive through remote or rural locations that are prone to wildlife collisions – especially if these areas don’t have robust medical care systems nearby. Of course, if you’re concerned about hitting animals while driving then taking extra precaution while behind the wheel goes without saying.
Benefits of Buying Animal Collision Insurance
Though animals are generally unpredictable, collisions with them can be expensive. Fortunately, animal collision insurance can help protect drivers from the financial strain that such an accident would cause. While this type of coverage may seem like an additional expense at first glance, it offers many benefits that make it well worth the purchase.
First and foremost, animal collision insurance will cover more than just damage to your car caused by hitting an animal; medical bills incurred as a result of the accident or related injuries can also be covered if you have proper coverage. If any property was damaged in the process (such as fences or landscaping), this too is often included in most policies. Even repairs related to non-collision events – such as tires ruined by feral swine rooting around your yard – may be covered under certain circumstances.
Some insurance policies offer extensive protections beyond what is outlined on paper – including free roadside assistance should you find yourself stranded due to car problems related to an animal collision. This peace of mind alone makes purchasing these types of insurance plans a worthwhile investment for those seeking extra assurance during their travels through areas prone to wild animals crossing roads without warning.
Coverage Provided with Animal Collision Insurance
Animal collision insurance is one of the few coverage options available if you hit an animal with your car. Although this type of insurance is not required in most states, it can be a worthwhile investment for some people, especially those who are more likely to encounter large animals such as deer or elk on their daily commute.
When it comes to animal collision insurance, there are generally two types of coverages that are provided: physical damage and bodily injury. Physical damage coverage will typically cover any repairs needed for your vehicle after an animal strike, such as replacing broken headlights or repair dents caused by the impact. Bodily injury coverage will provide compensation for medical bills incurred due to injuries related to the accident, whether they were suffered by you or passengers in your vehicle.
In addition to providing both physical damage and bodily injury coverage, many insurers may also include additional benefits with their animal collision policies. This could range from rental car reimbursement if your damaged vehicle isn’t driveable right away, up to higher limits of liability than standard automobile insurance policies provide. All these added benefits should be carefully weighed against each other when selecting the best policy for your needs.
Who Should Consider Purchasing Animal Collision Insurance?
For those who drive around urban and rural areas alike, the chances of hitting an animal with a vehicle are not uncommon. It can be difficult to anticipate when an animal may cross the road or come into contact with the car. The result is often dangerous for both the person operating the vehicle and the animal that was struck, as well as costly repairs to any property damaged in a collision.
Animal collision insurance can provide policyholders with some measure of financial security should they find themselves involved in such an unfortunate incident. People whose cars travel along highways or stretches of road known to be populated by animals may want to consider purchasing this type of coverage as part of their auto insurance plan. Even if a driver has comprehensive coverage included on their policy, it’s possible that animal-related collisions will require additional protection to cover expenses from damage or medical bills associated with a crash involving wildlife.
Those who reside near farms may also benefit from acquiring specific coverage for accidently striking animals commonly kept onsite like horses and cows, especially if local regulations include laws which necessitate paying for injuries sustained by livestock due to motor vehicles involved in accidents. Such policies typically offer reimbursement for damages incurred from crashing into these types of animals, so looking into what providers cover regarding wild and domestic species is key when weighing out options before signing up for something new.
Cost of Animal Collision Insurance
Animal collision insurance can be costly depending on the type of animal involved in a car accident. As with any other auto insurance policy, costs vary based on location and the size of the animal that is struck. For example, hitting a squirrel in a rural area may cost significantly less than hitting an elk or moose in mountain regions. Even relatively small animals such as deer can have large price tags associated with them due to their size and potential damages they may cause to your vehicle if struck at higher speeds.
Some insurers may also require you to purchase comprehensive coverage which covers against theft and vandalism in order to cover an animal collision claim. Comprehensive coverage generally costs more but it pays off when your car needs extensive repairs following a crash involving wild life. Whether it be replacing broken headlights or replacing part of the hood after being damaged by horns, comprehensive coverage typically reduces out-of-pocket expenses for motorists who are unlucky enough to collide with an animal crossing their path while driving.
Many states offer specialty policies that provide additional protection for damage caused by animals (in most cases these include large ungulates such as elk, deer and moose). These plans usually require separate premiums from regular liability plans and typically provide better coverage overall since they come with higher liability limits designed specifically for larger species of animals that tend to cause more damage upon impact with motor vehicles.
Alternatives to Buying Animal Collision Insurance
Animal collision insurance can be a valuable resource for those who frequently drive in rural areas or at night, where animals are often seen on roads. However, purchasing this type of coverage isn’t always necessary if you’re an occasional driver. There are several alternatives that allow drivers to steer clear of any potential hazards caused by animals when they do encounter them.
One option is to keep an eye out for telltale signs that indicate the presence of wild animals near roads. These include hoof prints, fur and feathers strewn about, scat, and other tracks indicating the animal’s recent activity. If something appears out of place while driving, it’s best to slow down and proceed cautiously until more information is ascertained. While this won’t completely protect you from hitting an animal as some may unexpectedly dart onto the road without warning, being alert helps minimize chances significantly.
Taking measures such as installing additional lighting on vehicles can help increase visibility during dark hours when many nocturnal critters come out to scavenge for food or water sources alongside roadsides. Bright headlights can make all the difference in spotting large wildlife like moose and deer further away from your vehicle’s trajectory so that you have ample time to take action if needed. Allowing extra space between yourself and other drivers also allows room for manoeuvring around small creatures which could dash across suddenly without much warning time provided by the situation itself.
