Can you claim animal damage on car insurance?

Author: Dr. Kenny Mante PhD  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Comprehensive coverage can pay for damage to your vehicle caused by hitting a dog or other animal.

Is animal damage to a car covered by insurance?

With most auto insurance policies, if an animal damages your car, you'll be covered, as long as you carry comprehensive coverage. What is comprehensive coverage? Comprehensive auto insurance is designed to cover damages to your auto caused by an incident that is not a collision.

Should I file an insurance claim if I hit an animal?

Policy Requirements: Most auto insurance policies require you to report any accidents, whether they involve other vehicles or animals. Failing to do so could result in a denial of your claim.

Who is responsible for car damage if you hit a dog?

Definitely the pet owner. Furthermore, if it's a dog, due to the dog control act, the owner is likely to be liable for any damage to the vehicle that has hit them.

Does insurance cover damage caused by pets?

Dwelling coverage: generally speaking, homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage resulting from pets. For example, if you have a large dog who gets anxious and causes damage to your drywall or doors, it may not be covered.

Does Insurance Cover Damage From Animals

Does car insurance cover hitting a pet?

How does car insurance cover hitting a dog? Comprehensive coverage can pay for damage to your vehicle caused by hitting a dog or other animal. You would pay your car insurance deductible after filing a claim, and your insurer would cover the rest of the repair costs.

How does insurance work for pets?

With pet insurance, you pay a monthly or annual premium, and in return, the insurance covers a portion of your pet's medical expenses. Most policies work on a reimbursement basis, meaning you'll pay your veterinarian upfront and submit a claim to your insurer to be reimbursed.

Can you sue if your dog gets hit by a car?

– Negligence laws: If someone's negligence led to your dog being injured or killed, you may have grounds for legal action seeking compensation. Researching and understanding these local laws will help you determine your rights as a pet owner and provide guidance on how best to proceed with your case.

Is hitting an animal considered a car accident?

They are unpredictable, and they are fast. They can dart into the road so quickly that they can be impossible to avoid. For this reason, car insurance companies do not consider hitting a deer with a car the fault of the driver. Instead, hitting a deer is considered an unavoidable accident.

What to do if you accidentally hit an animal with your car?

When you need assistance, call the non-emergency number of the local police department (program the phone number into your cell phone right now so you have it when you need it) and describe the animal's location. Emphasize that the injured animal is a traffic hazard to help ensure that someone will come quickly.

Does insurance go up after hitting an animal?

If you hit a deer or a wild animal on the road, your comprehensive insurance may cover the damages to your vehicle. However, your premium might go up depending on the state you live in. When it comes to hitting a domestic animal, liability can be an additional layer to the insurance claim process.

Is it worth making a pet insurance claim?

When is it worth making a claim on my pet insurance? Usually, you should make your claim right away. Sometimes when it is a small claim and after your excess amount there isn't much more to pay, some people opt to paying that bill themselves without making a claim.

Who generally pays more for car insurance?

Men tend to pay more for car insurance overall, though the difference is slight — about 1%. The difference is most pronounced for teens and young adults.

What insurance coverage do you need if you hit an animal?

Comprehensive can cover damages to your car caused by events that are out of your control, like hitting a deer or other animal. For your comprehensive coverage to cover the accident, your car must come in contact with the animal.

Does hitting a deer count as an accident on CarFax?

A deer accident does not affect a car's value any more than any other kind of accident. With proper repair the car should be put to rights. Obviously, if not repaired the car's value will take a significant hit. A CarFax or similar history report will disclose the accident.

Do I have to pay deductible if I was not at fault with Geico?

Let's say your vehicle is damaged due to another driver's negligence. Once GEICO settles your claim, we'll likely seek to recover your deductible, as well as the amount we paid, from the negligent party or that party's insurance company.

Does insurance cover animal damage to a car?

Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car not caused by a collision. This may include damage done by animals of all types and sizes. It may also cover theft, vandalism, fire and weather damage. Comprehensive coverage can be added to your auto policy for an additional premium.

Do you have to pay a deductible if you hit a deer?

In most cases, you will have to pay a deductible if you file a car insurance claim after hitting a deer with your car. When you purchase comprehensive or collision coverage, you choose a set deductible. A deductible is the amount you'll pay out of pocket toward a covered claim.

What is it called when an animal gets hit by a car?

Roadkill is a wild animal that has been killed by collision with motor vehicles. Wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVC) have increasingly been the topic of academic research to understand the causes, and how they can be mitigated.

Who pays if you hit a dog with your car?

Car Insurance and Accidents Involving Animals

In most cases, drivers who carry comprehensive car insurance coverage file a claim based on this policy after hitting an animal. This policy will pay out for your vehicle repairs and some other expenses if you hit: A dog or cat. Livestock, such as a cow, sheep, or goat.

Can you press charges if someone hits your dog with a car?

Can I Sue a Driver for Hitting My Dog? Yes, you can sue a driver for hitting your dog, but you must prove that the driver was negligent. Negligence means the driver failed to exercise reasonable care, resulting in the accident.

What if a dog gets hit by a car?

It's always an emergency when a dog is hit by a car—seek veterinary care immediately. The phone number of your veterinarian and the nearest emergency veterinary hospital should be stored in your phone for quick access. Try your best to remain calm, be positive, and take your dog to the vet.

What does pet insurance not cover?

Wellness, routine and preventive care

Wellness exams, treatments and procedures are not covered unless a wellness plan is purchased either individually or as a rider.

How to make a claim for pet insurance?

  1. Step 1: Conduct a Direct Pay Pre-Check.
  2. Step 2: Know Your Waiting Period.
  3. Step 3: Review Policy Coverage, Terms, and Conditions.
  4. Step 4: Obtain a Claim Form and Fill It Out.
  5. Step 5: Submit the Claim.
  6. Step 6: Verify That Your Claim Was Received.
  7. Step 7: Wait for Claim Review and Processing.

Does pet insurance reimburse you?

Pet insurance is a policy pet owners buy to help cover their pet's health care expenses. It generally works by reimbursing you, as a pet owner, for certain veterinary care after you've taken your pet to see a vet and submitted a claim.

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