Animal hit: is damage to car covered by my car insurance?
A collision with an animal is always scary. It could be a deer suddenly crossing the road or a dog suddenly running into the street. Such a collision can cause considerable damage to your car. But who is liable and is that damage covered by your car insurance?
What should you do after a collision?
Are you involved in a collision with an animal? If so, act immediately and carefully:
Animal ambulance or police?
Sometimes people think they should call the animal ambulance. With wild animals, this usually does not help: they hardly have a chance to survive after rehabilitation. Therefore, the animal ambulance is usually not used here. Only with small game that is still alive can the police call the animal ambulance.
Why reporting is important
Reporting a hit animal prevents unnecessary suffering. Sometimes an animal dies immediately, but it can also run away severely injured. A broken leg or jaw causes a lot of pain. A wildlife manager or hunter then tracks down the animal and puts an end to its suffering.
What coverage applies in a collision with an animal?
What compensation you get after a collision with an animal depends on your auto insurance coverage.
Third-party insurance
With third-party insurance, you will not be reimbursed for damage to your own car. This insurance only covers damage you cause to others. Because a wild animal has no owner, you cannot hold anyone liable.
WA limited casco
With limited liability insurance, you are insured for damage caused by a direct collision with an animal. You must have actually hit the animal. Damage caused by swerve, for example against a tree or a pole, is not covered. Insurers do this deliberately, because otherwise you cannot prove that you really had to swerve to avoid an animal. Always take photos of the damage and the animal as proof.
All-risk (WA casco)
With all-risk insurance, you have the most comprehensive insurance. You will not only be compensated for damage caused by a collision with an animal, but also for damage caused by swerve, for example against a tree because you swerve in front of a deer.
Who is liable?
Pet collision
The owner of a pet is liable for the damage the animal causes. If you accidentally hit a dog, cat or other pet and cause damage to your car, the owner must pay for the damage. With a WA limited hull or all-risk insurance you can often report the damage directly to your own insurer, who will then recover the costs from the owner. If you only have third-party insurance, you must hold the owner liable.
The owner can usually file the claim with his liability insurance, since pets are co-insured on it. If the animal itself is injured, the owner usually pays the medical costs. You cannot recover these from the driver's car insurance. You can take out pet insurance, which covers (part of) the veterinary costs.
Wild animal collision
Wild animals such as deer, boar or roe deer have no owner. Therefore, no one is liable. Whether your damage will be compensated depends on your car insurance. With only third-party insurance, you will not be compensated. With third-party limited hull or all-risk insurance you will.
Collision avoidance
An animal often crosses unexpectedly, but you can be alert. Look far ahead and keep an eye on the shoulder of the road, especially in wooded areas. Adjust your speed in the dark or at dusk. Pay close attention to warning signs. Do not try to swerve: the chance of a serious accident with an oncoming car or tree is often greater than the damage the animal can cause.
Frequently asked questions about a collision with an animal
Does a collision with an animal cost me claim-free years?
No, not with most insurers. A claim for a direct collision with an animal usually does not affect your claim-free years. An exception is when you swerve and cause damage without hitting the animal. Some insurers consider this to be an accident caused by your own actions. In that case, you do lose claim-free years.
Should I always call the police after a collision with an animal?
Yes, this is required by law. Even if the animal flees, you must report it. The police will call in a wildlife officer to track down the animal.
Is damage caused by a stray pet always compensated?
If you have limited hull or all-risk insurance, you can file the claim with your insurer. That will recover it from the owner. With only third-party insurance, you have to hold the owner liable yourself, which sometimes takes time and effort.
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