Car accidents are stressful enough, but when your pet is involved, the situation can become even more alarming. If your dog or cat gets injured in a car crash, you might face steep veterinary bills for emergency care or treatment. This raises the question: Does car insurance cover pet injuries? In this article, we’ll explore how car insurance can help cover the costs of pet injuries, what to expect from your provider, and alternative solutions if pet injury coverage is not included in your policy.
What Happens to Pets in a Car Crash?
Just like humans, pets can suffer serious injuries in a car accident. According to statistics, pets have an encouraging survival rate of 83.2%, but they can still sustain significant injuries such as:
- Lacerations (cuts)
- Head trauma
- Bone fractures
If your pet is involved in a car accident, it’s essential to check for visible injuries and monitor for signs of internal damage. Look out for:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shallow breathing
- Glazed eyes
- Whimpering when touched or moved
Even if your pet seems fine, it’s a good idea to get them checked by a vet to rule out internal injuries, which could lead to severe complications like shock.
Does Car Insurance Cover Pet Injuries in an Accident?
Most auto insurance providers consider pets as personal property. If your pet is hurt in a car crash, the coverage you receive may depend on your policy type. Comprehensive coverage and collision coverage can help pay for veterinary expenses related to a car accident involving your pet, or even funeral expenses if they don’t survive.
However, pet injury coverage varies from one insurer to another. For example, some policies will only cover your pet’s injuries if the accident was caused by another driver. In this case, you would file a liability claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance for compensation.
If you are the at-fault driver, your collision coverage may only pay for your pet’s medical costs if your policy explicitly states that pet injuries are included.
Will My Pet Be Covered If They Are Hit by a Car?
Unfortunately, if your pet is hit by a car while outside of your vehicle, car insurance won’t cover their injuries. Car insurance generally only covers pet injuries if they happen inside your vehicle during an accident.
If your pet is struck by a car while walking or playing outside, you will need pet insurance to cover the resulting veterinary bills. Some budget-friendly pet insurance options, such as Accident-Only policies, can help cover the cost of treatment for pets injured in accidents.
How Much Does Dog Accident Coverage Pay Out?
The amount that car insurance pays for pet injuries varies by provider, but most policies offer up to $1,000 to cover veterinary bills. This limit generally applies regardless of the number of pets injured in the car during the accident.
While $1,000 might be helpful, serious injuries could result in bills that far exceed this amount. Medical pet emergencies, including diagnostic tests, surgeries, and hospitalization, can easily cost $5,000 or more. Additionally, injuries requiring ongoing rehabilitation, such as physical therapy, can add to the expense.
In such cases, having a pet insurance policy is invaluable, as it may reimburse 70-100% of your out-of-pocket costs once your deductible is met. This ensures that your pet receives the care they need without placing financial strain on you.
Which Car Insurance Companies Offer Pet Injury Coverage?
Several auto insurers offer pet injury coverage as part of their collision or comprehensive policies. Here are a few examples:
- Nationwide: Offers up to $1,000 for pet injury-related medical care, including treatment and medication, with no deductible and no limit on the number of pets covered.
- Progressive: Provides up to $1,000 in coverage for pet injuries sustained in car accidents, as part of their collision policies.
- The Hanover: Covers up to $2,500 for medical expenses and funeral costs if your pet is injured or killed in an accident, with no deductible.
- Erie: Offers coverage up to $500 per pet (up to a total of $1,000) for accident-related medical expenses.
- Integon: Provides reimbursement of up to $1,000 per pet injury incident, with a maximum cap of $3,000 for veterinary expenses.
- Metromile: Covers up to $1,000 for medical expenses if your pet is hurt or dies in an accident. They also offer reimbursement for pets stolen from cars.
- The Hartford: Allows for add-on pet injury coverage with collision policies, paying for veterinary expenses or the cost of a new pet if the original one doesn’t survive the accident.
Who Needs Pet Accident Insurance?
Pet accident insurance can be an essential safety net for pet owners who frequently travel with their furry companions. If you often drive with your dog or cat, or if your business involves transporting pets, having accident coverage could be crucial.
Additionally, if you would struggle to cover expensive veterinary bills in the event of an emergency, investing in accident coverage through your car insurance or a separate pet insurance policy is a wise choice.
How to Protect Your Pets While Traveling
While accidents aren’t entirely preventable, there are steps you can take to protect your pet while traveling:
- Prevent distractions: Unrestrained pets can distract drivers, increasing the risk of an accident. Keep your pet entertained with toys and make sure they are securely seated.
- Use a pet safety harness or crate: Unrestrained animals are at higher risk of injury in a crash. Using a seatbelt harness or securing your pet in a crate can help keep them safe.
- Consider pet insurance: If you travel frequently with your pet, a pet insurance policy can ensure they receive the medical care they need in case of an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
Conclusion
- Car insurance may cover pet injuries under comprehensive or collision coverage, but this varies by provider.
- Typical payout limits for pet injury coverage range between $500 and $1,000, which might not be enough for serious injuries.
- Pet insurance is a valuable option for ensuring your pet receives comprehensive care in the event of an accident, including treatment for injuries sustained outside of your vehicle.
- Taking safety precautions, such as using a pet harness or crate, can help reduce the risk of injury during car travel.
In conclusion, while car insurance can offer some coverage for pet injuries, it may not be enough to fully cover veterinary bills after a severe accident. Having both auto and pet insurance policies ensures that your furry friend is protected, no matter what happens on the road.
So that was all about this article. If you have any further questions feel free to comment down below. We are always here to help you!
