What does your insurance cover for collision with wild animal

You are driving on the highway at night and suddenly a deer appears in front of your headlights. It is impossible to dodge and a collision occurs. An unpleasant situation, both for the animal and for you. A collision with a wild animal can cause significant damage. On average, the damage from a collision with big game is about 1,900 euros. But is such damage actually covered by your car insurance?

The presence of deer, deer, boar and even wolves is increasing in several places in the Netherlands. Especially in wooded areas, a collision with crossing wildlife is not unusual. To prevent accidents as much as possible, warning signs, wildlife grids, fences and speed limits are deployed by provinces and nature organizations. Whether your insurance will cover material damage after a collision with an animal depends on two factors: your insurance coverage and whether it actually involves crossing wildlife and not a stray pet.

WA, Limited Casco or All-risk

When insuring your car, you can choose from third-party, limited-casualty or all-risk coverage. Under certain conditions, damage after a collision with wildlife is covered by limited-casualty and all-risk insurance. However, it must be a direct collision with the animal and not an evasive maneuver. Filing a claim for damage after a direct collision with an animal usually does not affect your claim-free years.

With third-party insurance, you are only covered for damage you cause to others. Therefore, you will not receive compensation after a collision with wildlife. Because there is no owner with crossing game, you cannot hold anyone liable for the damage.

Dodge maneuver

When a wild animal approaches your car, you have to decide quickly what to do. You might opt for a risky evasive maneuver. This can sometimes spare the animal, but the situation does not become any less dangerous: a skid against a tree is possible. Such damage will only be reimbursed if you have all-risk car insurance, because the accident will have been caused by you.

Collision with a Pet

In collisions involving a stray dog or cat, different rules apply. This is because pets do have an owner. The law states that the owner is liable for the pet and thus must pay for the damage caused. If the neighbor's dog suddenly jumps in front of your car, the neighbor is responsible for the car damage. He can then recover this damage from his liability insurance.

With limited hull or all-risk coverage, you can report the damage directly to your own auto insurer. They will then recover the damage from the pet owner's insurance company. If you only have third-party insurance, you have to hold the pet owner liable yourself. This can sometimes take a lot of time and effort. Legal expenses insurance can be helpful in this regard.

In case of a collision with a (wild) animal, you must always report it to the police, which is required by law. It is even punishable to continue driving. In addition to contacting the police, it is important to notify your insurer immediately. Fill out a claim form and take pictures of the damage. This will allow the insurer to assess the damage and handle it correctly. Do you have questions about filing claims? Our advisors are ready to help you.