Car Insurance Coverage for Pet Injuries – If your pet gets hurt in a car crash, the vet bills can be financially upsetting. However, do you know that safe features like seat belts, airbags, and car coverage can help you protect yourself, your fellow passengers, and your pets? Standard car insurance might offer some coverage that will help if your pet gets hurt in a car accident.
Many insurers will cover pets along with the damage to your car in a collision. However, keep in mind that dogs and cats are mostly the only animals that insurance companies will cover in case of an accident. Even though your pet is legally referred to as personal property, you will have to read and check your policy carefully. So that you can know if pet injury coverage that covers your dog and car during a car accident is included in your policy.
Car Insurance Coverage for Pet Injuries
Pet injury coverage is a type of insurance coverage that is provided under some car insurance policies. In case of an accident, you may have to pay for additional coverage for your pet. However, your existing standard auto insurance may already have pet injury coverage included in your collision coverage. Just like I have mentioned above, your pet is considered your personal property.
So, you are eligible for compensation if your pet gets injured. The coverage amount may have a set limit, like $1,000. If the pet died in the accident, you may also get coverage for the costs associated with the death. Your insurer may use your funds to purchase new pets, as restoring your property is its goal. Although no best furry friend is replaceable, this financial help can help protect your interest in your pet.
Keep in mind that some insurance companies exclude your pet if it gets injured in a car accident. In this case, you will cover the medical expenses through other means. That is why it is advisable to check your auto insurance policy to know the level of your coverage. You can consider getting pet insurance or locate other insurance companies that offer pet injury coverage in their policies.
How to File a Claim to Cover Pet Injuries from an Accident
If you get into an accident, one of the first things you need to do is contact your insurer, whether the accident is serious or minor. Just file a claim online or over the phone, like you would for any other accident. You will have to talk about the coverage that is provided under your insurance policy. Keep in mind that you might have to pay your regular deductible, but there might not be an extra one for pet injuries.
Keep all your vet bills handy to submit with your claim. Make sure you meet all the policy requirements, like having the right kind of pet and owning the one that got hurt. Also, immediately after the accident happens, you are required to file an accident report with the policy.
If it’s the other driver’s fault, their insurance should cover your pet’s expenses up to their limit. Work hand in hand with your insurer to ensure that the claim process is done well.
What do I do if a car hits my pet?
If your pet gets hit by a car, the driver might have to pay for it. You can contact their insurance to see if they’ll cover your pet’s medical bills. But don’t just expect money; sometimes your pet might be considered at fault, and you’d have to pay for everything. So, always keep your pet away from the road, use a leash when they’re outside, and keep them safe.
What are other ways I can save on vet bills?
If pet injury coverage is not available on your car insurance, there are other ways you can save on vet bills. You can think about getting pet insurance, starting a pet emergency fund, making use of a 0% APR credit card, and spending on safety items. Spending money on safety items could help protect you and your pet from injuries in a car accident. This can help reduce vet bills in the event of a car accident.
Add pet injury coverage to your auto insurance
If you travel with your pets, make sure to review your car insurance policy to determine if your pet would be covered in the event of an accident. Without this coverage, you may face very high, unforeseen vet bills. Besides saving for emergencies or buying pet insurance, getting an auto insurance policy that covers pet injuries can help you save after an accident. Find the best auto insurance companies for your budget and needs. You can get quotes from over 40 insurers to find the best prices. Some insurers offering this coverage in their car insurance include Progressive, Erie, Metromile, and Chubb.