Does Car Insurance Cover Pets in Car Accidents?

If you are regularly in the habit of driving with your pets, you run the risk of someday getting into an accident while they are in the car with you. In an accident, there is bodily injury insurance that will cover your medical expenses, property damage that will cover your car or the car or property involved in the collision, but what help is there for your pet?

While insurance regulations insist that bodily injury liability insurance is only used on humans, There is an option for taking care of your pet if you are involved in an accident while they are in the car - some restrictions will apply however - and generally speaking, your pet’s injuries will be covered under the property insurance liability coverage of your policy.

Some Restrictions do Apply

Most insurance policies will cover pets under the property damage liability portion of your insurance policy, which may seem a bit cold, but if you travel a lot with your pets, you will want sure that this portion of your insurance policy can provide plenty of coverage for expensive pet bills. Before you run out to increase your coverage, however, there is one other thing you should know - usually your pet will only be covered by the property damage liability policy of the person you are involved in an accident with - not your own policy, and of course when you are involved in an accident with another person, their insurance will only kick in to pay damages if they were at fault for the accident. This could mean that if you are the cause of an accident, your pet will not be covered by either insurance policy, leaving you holding the bill to care for any injuries your little friend sustains.

Check Your Policy Carefully

While most insurance companies will only cover your pets if you are involved in an accident that is not your fault, there are some insurance companies out there that have taken a different approach to pets and car accidents. Some companies will offer pet insurance coverage under comprehensive insurance and insure your pets in an accident no matter who is at fault. It is important to check your policy carefully for these stipulations if they exist and call your particular insurance agent if you have any questions.

The Best Protection Available

Of course the absolute best way to ensure that your pets do not suffer in a car accident is to not get involved in one while they are with you, but sometimes accidents happen that are completely beyond our control. In those instances, the best way to protect your beloved pet is by traveling safely with them whenever possible. Here are some tips for keeping your pet safe with you:

• We know the wind feels good but… Don’t let your dog hang his head out the window while you are driving. Not only does this leave him or her unsecured in the event of an accident, but there is also significant risk that their eyes could be damaged by flying debris.
• Institute a no free-range zone… Secure your pet in a travel carrier when they are in the vehicle with you. Having your pet roam free while you are driving can be a serious distraction and put them at risk. Some states have made this illegal, as well.
• Get used to the idea… For many pets, a trip in a carrier always means an unpleasant visit to the vet or to get themselves groomed. Guilt by association means that many pets will respond negatively to the mere sight of a carrier and not enjoy the trip no matter where you are taking them. In order to avoid this behavior, let your pets have unfettered access to their carrier while they are at home sometimes. Take a ride with them in the carrier just around the block or to the park. If they get used to the idea of the carrier, they will be less stressed during a journey in it and that savings on stress can save you a lot of barking or incessant meowing or other sounds to distract your driving.

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