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So, you're wondering if car insurance covers animal damage and personal items. The good news is that many policies do offer some level of protection.
Typically, comprehensive coverage will cover damage to your vehicle caused by animals, such as deer or other wildlife.
If you're concerned about personal items in your car, consider adding a personal property endorsement to your policy.
Does Car Insurance Cover Animal Damage?
Yes, car insurance will cover animal damage as long as your policy includes comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive coverage is a type of car insurance coverage that covers damage to your car when it's not being driven, like damage from vandalism, extreme weather, falling objects, and yes, animal damage.
If you have comprehensive coverage as part of your policy, you'll be covered for things like rodent damage, pest infestations, and hitting a deer.
Comprehensive coverage usually comes with a deductible, which is the out-of-pocket amount you agree to pay before your coverage kicks in. Deductibles commonly range from $250 to $2,000.
The higher your deductible, the lower your monthly premium will be.
Some examples of animal damage that comprehensive coverage can help with include:
- Rodent damage
- Pest infestations
- Hitting a deer
Types of Car Insurance Coverage
Comprehensive coverage is the type of car insurance that covers damage to your car when it's not being driven, like damage from vandalism, extreme weather, falling objects, and yes, animal damage.
Comprehensive coverage typically comes with a deductible, which is the out-of-pocket amount you agree to pay before your coverage kicks in. Deductibles commonly range from $250 to $2,000.
This type of coverage is usually optional in most states, but if you plan to lease or finance your vehicle, most lenders require you to purchase it.
Here are some examples of what comprehensive coverage may cover:
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Fire
- Hailstorms
- Falling objects, such as trees, branches, or ice
- Floods
- Windshield damage
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage is a type of car insurance coverage that covers damage to your car when it's not being driven, like damage from vandalism, extreme weather, falling objects, and yes, animal damage.
This coverage is optional in most states, but it's usually required by lenders if you plan to lease or finance your vehicle. Comprehensive coverage typically comes with a deductible, which is the out-of-pocket amount you agree to pay before your coverage kicks in.
The deductible can range from $250 to $2,000, and the higher it is, the lower your monthly premium will be. If you're on a tight budget, you might consider opting for a higher deductible to save money on your premiums.
Comprehensive coverage is designed to pay for unpredictable events beyond your control, such as animal collisions. If you hit a deer or another large animal, this coverage will likely cover the damage to your vehicle.
However, if you end up hitting another vehicle or an object while trying to avoid an animal, you may not be eligible for comprehensive coverage, but collision coverage could pay for the damage.
Here are some examples of situations where comprehensive coverage may cover you:
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Fire
- Hailstorms
- Falling objects, such as trees, branches, or ice
- Floods
- Windshield damage
Remember to verify with your insurer whether your policy includes comprehensive coverage and what the specific terms and conditions are.
MedPay or Personal Injury Protection
MedPay or Personal Injury Protection can help with medical bills resulting from a collision with an animal.
Comprehensive and collision coverages do not cover medical expenses, so MedPay or PIP becomes vital in these situations.
These insurance policies can help with medical bills, but your medical coverage provided by your auto insurance may not cover all your medical bills.
In these situations, your health insurance can bridge the gap, helping you avoid significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Specific Scenarios
If you have comprehensive coverage, you're likely covered for damage caused by animals like deer or rodents.
Comprehensive coverage will pay for damage to your vehicle, but it's essential to verify that your policy includes this coverage.
If you hit an animal and then swerve to avoid another vehicle or object, you may not be eligible for comprehensive coverage, but collision coverage could pay for the damage instead.
Collision coverage typically kicks in for accidents involving other vehicles or objects, not just animal collisions.
You'll want to review your policy to ensure you have both comprehensive and collision coverage to be fully protected against animal-related damage.
Hitting a Deer
Hitting a deer is a common occurrence on U.S. roadways, making it essential to know what to do in such a situation.
Deer are the most common animals hit on U.S. roadways, and can cause severe damage to your car and injury to you and your passengers.
If you hit a deer, call the police to help clear the animal off the road and file a police report.
A claims adjuster will be assigned to you who will investigate the damage and determine how much your insurance will cover you.
To stay safe, move your vehicle to the side of the road if possible, and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Here's a step-by-step guide to follow in the unfortunate event of hitting a deer:
- Safely move your vehicle to the side of the road
- Call the police immediately
- Avoid contact with the animal
- Document the incident with photos and witness statements
- Inspect your vehicle for safety before driving again
Remember, having comprehensive coverage is crucial in such situations, as it will cover damage to your car when it's not being driven, including damage from animals.
Damaged Personal Items
Damaged personal items can be a real hassle, especially if they're damaged in a car break-in. No, comprehensive coverage won't cover you if an animal breaks into your car and damages your personal belongings, like a backpack or phone.
You might be surprised to know that damage to or theft of personal belongings is typically covered by your homeowners or renters insurance policy. This means you'll need to check your policy to see what's included.
If an animal breaks into your car, however, the damage caused when it broke in, like a damaged door handle, would be covered. It's always a good idea to review your policy to understand what's covered and what's not.
Sources
- https://www.policygenius.com/auto-insurance/does-car-insurance-cover-animal-damage/
- https://www.kevinmcmanuslaw.com/faqs/comprehensive-car-insurance-kansas-city-accident-lawyer.cfm
- https://www.becauseyouwanttowin.com/car-insurance-and-large-animal-collisions/
- https://www.mercuryinsurance.com/resources/auto/does-car-insurance-cover-animal-collision-damage.html
- https://westernfinancialgroup.ca/Does-My-Car-Insurance-Cover-Animal-Collisions
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