Car insurance is a crucial aspect of protecting yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle in the event of an accident. However, when it comes to the coverage of pet injuries resulting from a car accident, the specifics can vary based on the type of insurance and the circumstances of the incident.
Key Takeaways:
- Pet injury coverage within car insurance can assist in managing veterinary expenses or funeral costs if your dog or cat sustains injuries or passes away during a car accident while riding with you.
- Some of the car insurance companies that provide coverage for pets encompass Nationwide, Erie and Progressive.
How Car Insurance Coverage for Pet Injuries Work
Insurance providers classify pets as the possessions of their owners, meaning that in the unfortunate event of a pet being injured in a collision, they are treated as damaged property.
However, if your car insurance includes comprehensive and collision coverage, it is possible that the expenses incurred while treating your pet’s injuries resulting from a car accident will be covered. In the unfortunate circumstance that your pet does not survive the accident, there may also be coverage for funeral expenses.
It’s important to note that there are certain exceptions that could limit or prevent coverage. In some cases, your insurance may only cover your pet’s injuries if someone else is at fault for the car accident involving your cat or dog. If this is the situation, you have the option to file a liability claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance provider, seeking reimbursement or payment for the damages suffered by your pet.
However, if you are the responsible party in the car accident, your collision coverage would only pay for the veterinary expenses of your pet if this specific coverage is explicitly stated in your insurance policy.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Car Insurance Coverage for Pet Injuries
Pet injury insurance provides reimbursement for vet bills and burial expenses if your pet is injured or dies in a car accident while riding in your vehicle. Additionally, it often covers the cost of acquiring a new pet.
This coverage is typically included in the collision coverage of your auto insurance policy, which is optional and pays for vehicle repairs or replacement without considering fault. A deductible is applied by the insurance company and deducted from the claim check.
Some insurance companies may waive the collision deductible for pet injury claims, while others may not. While a few auto insurance companies automatically include pet injury coverage in their standard policies, others require additional add-on coverage to include this protection.
Commonly, pet injury coverage is limited to dogs and cats, and the pet must be owned by you or a member of your household. Furthermore, the pet must be present in the vehicle at the time of the accident. It is important to note that not all car insurance companies include accident coverage for pets, and the terms and conditions may vary among those that do.
Related. Pet Liability Insurance: What You Ned to Know
Car Insurance Companies with Pet Injury Coverage
Here is a list of car insurance companies with coverage for pet injuries.
The Hartford
To receive add-on pet injury benefits from The Hartford, you are required to have collision coverage. Additionally, each individual car on your policy must have this coverage for all vehicles to be covered. This coverage will reimburse your medical costs if your dog or cat is injured while riding in your car. It will also cover the cost of purchasing another pet if yours passes away.
Nationwide
Nationwide offers pet injury insurance that is included with their collision coverage. If your dogs or cats are injured during a car accident, this insurance will pay up to $1,000 for their treatment and medicine. The coverage also extends to providing compensation if your pet dies. Unlike other .providers, there is no limit on the number of animals covered and no deductible.
Chubb
Chubb’s pet injury coverage under collision insurance provides reimbursement for medical or burial expenses, up to $2,000 per accident, in the event that your pet is injured or dies in a car or trailer accident. There is no limit to the number of pets covered, and no deductible is required for this coverage.
Hanover
The Hanover offers pet injury protection that covers up to $2,500 for medical expenses and burial costs in the event of an accident while your pet is in your car. This coverage does not require a deductible.
Elephant
Elephant Insurance provides pet injury coverage for dogs and cats as part of their collision coverage. If your pet is injured during an accident while riding with you, you can make a claim and receive up to $1,000 to assist in covering veterinary bills and other related expenses. This coverage extends to a maximum of two pets.
PURE
PURE offers coverage for reasonable veterinarian expenses for pets that you either own or are currently caring for. This coverage applies when the pet is in the car and sustains injuries during a car accident. It is valid for PURE car insurance policies with collision coverage and even extends to situations where you are borrowing a car. Pet injury coverage from PURE does not require a deductible.
Integon
Integon Insurance offers pet injury coverage that provides up to $1,000 per incident, regardless of the number of pets involved. However, if there are multiple incidents, the coverage is capped at $3,000 for the policy term for vet bills or the cost of purchasing a new pet. Additionally, if you are hospitalized and unable to care for your pet, Integon will cover up to $25 per day and a maximum of $125 for pet boarding fees during the policy term.
In the event that your pet goes missing after an accident, Integon will contribute $75 per policy period towards recovery costs. Furthermore, if any pet-related travel equipment is damaged in the accident, Integon will reimburse $125 per policy period to replace the equipment. It is important to note that there is no deductible for pet protection coverage under Integon.
Erie
Erie Insurance includes pet injury coverage in all their car insurance policies. If your pet sustains injuries in an accident while riding in your car, Erie will cover up to $500 per pet, with a total limit of $1,000 for associated medical expenses. However, it is essential to be aware that Erie Insurance is only available in 12 states and Washington, D.C.
Acuity
With Acuity car insurance policies that include collision coverage, you are eligible to receive up to $500 to cover vet bills and services if your dog or cat is injured or dies as a result of an accident. This benefit is limited to $500, regardless of the number of pets involved or the number of claims. Please note that these expenses will only be paid if they occur within one year of the car accident.
Progressive
Progressive insurance offers up to $1,000 for medical expenses incurred by your dog or cat in the event of a car accident, provided you have collision insurance.
Cincinnati Insurance
Cincinnati Insurance Co. provides pet injury coverage of up to $2,000 through its Capstone Auto Endorsement. Additionally, if you file a claim under this add-on benefit, the deductible is waived.
Metromile
Metromile, now a part of Lemonade Insurance, includes pet injury coverage for dogs and cats owned by you or your relatives in their car insurance policies that have comprehensive and collision coverage. They offer pay-per-mile car insurance, calculating your monthly bill based on the number of miles driven.
Metromile also extends coverage to a pet’s injuries in case of an accident while driving someone else’s car. They reimburse up to $1,000 for veterinary fees, irrespective of the number of injured pets.
If your dog or cat unfortunately passes away due to an auto accident, you can receive $1,000 as death compensation, after deducting any vet expenses. In the event that your pet is left in a stolen car and cannot be found, you may receive up to $1,000 in compensation, with no deductible.
Conclusion
While car insurance primarily focuses on coverage for individuals and property, there are instances where it can extend to cover pet injuries resulting from a car accident. However, this coverage might not be automatic and may require specific endorsements or additional add-ons to the policy.
For pet owners concerned about ensuring coverage for their furry companions in the event of a car accident, exploring available endorsements or discussing options with their insurance provider is crucial. Being well-informed about policy specifics and potential limitations ensures adequate protection for both you and your beloved pets on the road.
