Does car insurance cover hitting a dog?
If you have comprehensive or collision coverage, your auto insurance covers hitting dogs. The type of coverage you will need depends on the circumstances of the accident.
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Joel Ohman
Certified Financial Planner
Joel Ohman is the CEO of a private equity backed digital media company. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, author, angel investor, and serial entrepreneur who loves creating new things, whether books or businesses. He has also previously served as the founder and resident CFP® of a national insurance agency, Real Time Health Quotes. He has an MBA from the University of South Florida. Joel...
Certified Financial Planner
UPDATED: Sep 28, 2024
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Sep 28, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
Every car accident is upsetting, but you may be especially concerned when you hit a dog while driving. You’ll want to do the right thing following the incident, but you may also be worried about the damage. In this case, will your car insurance cover you? We know that this can be a challenging time, and you need answers, so we have researched for you.
- An insurance company will pay for damages to your vehicle if you have the right type of coverage
- You would need comprehensive coverage if the animal was moving at the time or collision coverage if it was dead or not moving
- Your auto insurance will not pay for vet bills
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Does auto insurance cover hit dogs?
You will need comprehensive or collision coverage in place to file a car insurance claim if you hit a dog while driving. You will not be able to file a claim if you only have liability insurance.
Whether you need comprehensive or collision depends on the nature of the accident and if the animal was alive and moving at the time of the crash.
Does liability insurance cover dogs?
Unfortunately, liability insurance by itself will not pay for damage to your vehicle if you hit a dog. It will not cover vet bills or other costs either, as car insurance companies do not provide insurance for pet injuries.
This is different from a crash involving a pedestrian. If you hit a pedestrian, your bodily injury liability coverage would pay for their medical treatment if you were at fault for failing to yield. Insurance companies consider an animal to be personal property instead.
Read more: Does car insurance cover hitting a pedestrian?
Are vet bills paid by car insurance?
No, a car insurance company will not pay for vet bills. If the animal was loose and running down the road, it was not under its owner’s control. The owner will have been negligent, and technically, you are not at fault.
Also, remember that the pet is considered personal property for insurance purposes.
Who pays for a car hitting a dog?
If your car hits a dog running loose in the street, you can file a claim with your insurance company if you have comprehensive car insurance coverage. In this case, an insurance company will consider such a collision unavoidable as the animal was moving.
However, if you hit a dog that was already dead or injured on the road, it now becomes an inanimate object. If you want your insurance company to pay for the damage in this situation, you will need collision car insurance coverage instead. Remember that you will need to pay a deductible before turning to the insurer for the other costs.
When an insurance company pays you for the damage, it may also try to recover the costs from the dog’s owner. The insurer will consider that person negligent when allowing the animal to run free or not taking the necessary precautions.
Will the insurance company raise rates following a claim?
When you file a comprehensive claim after hitting an animal running loose in the road, this will not impact your rates. However, the insurance company may increase your future rates if you file a collision claim after hitting a dead animal. In this situation, it may consider the incident to have been avoidable.
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What should you do when you hit a dog?
In most states, such as New York, you must stop and try to find the owner of a dog you hit with your car or call the police. If you do not and the police consider this accident a hit-and-run, you may be required to pay a fine. At this point, the police will probably ask you for proof of insurance.
Will my car insurance cover hitting a dog?
Your car insurance will provide coverage if you hit a dog, so long as you have the right policy. You will need comprehensive coverage if you hit a moving animal or collision coverage if you hit an injured or dead dog lying on the road. Your premiums may increase if you claim your collision coverage. The insurance company will not pay vet bills as the animal is considered personal property, and the owner may be negligent.
Case Studies: Car Insurance Coverage for Accidents Involving Dogs
Case Study 1: Comprehensive Coverage for Hitting a Dog
Sarah owns a comprehensive car insurance policy. One day, while driving in a residential area, a dog suddenly darts across the road, and Sarah is unable to avoid hitting it. The collision causes damage to her vehicle, including a cracked bumper and broken headlights. Sarah immediately contacts her insurance company to file a claim.
Since she has comprehensive coverage, her insurance company covers the cost of repairs to her car, minus her deductible. The insurance company assesses the damages and arranges for the necessary repairs to be made. Sarah is relieved that she has comprehensive coverage, as it provides her with the financial support she needs to get her car repaired without incurring significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Case Study 2: Collision Coverage for Hitting a Dead Dog
Mike is driving on a rural road when he comes across a deceased dog lying in the middle of the lane. Unable to avoid it, his car collides with the dog, causing damage to the front end of his vehicle. Mike has collision coverage as part of his car insurance policy.
He contacts his insurance company and files a claim. Since the collision involved hitting an inanimate object (the dead dog), it falls under the coverage provided by his collision insurance. Mike pays his deductible, and the insurance company covers the remaining costs to repair his car.
Although it was an unfortunate incident, Mike is grateful for his collision coverage, which helps him get his vehicle back on the road without bearing the full financial burden of the repairs.
Case Study 3: Liability Coverage for Hitting a Dog
Emily has a liability-only car insurance policy. While driving in her neighborhood, she accidentally hits a dog that runs out into the street. The dog’s owner witnesses the incident and confronts Emily, demanding compensation for the veterinary bills.
Emily explains that her insurance policy only covers liability, which means it protects her from claims made by third parties for bodily injury or property damage she causes to others. Unfortunately, Emily’s liability coverage does not provide coverage for damages to her own vehicle or injuries to animals.
In this case, Emily will need to handle the costs associated with repairing her car and any potential legal obligations separately, as they are not covered by her insurance policy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does car insurance cover hitting a dog?
Yes, car insurance typically covers hitting a dog, but it depends on the specific policy and coverage you have. Comprehensive coverage, which is an optional add-on, often includes protection against damage caused by hitting an animal, such as a dog.
What does comprehensive coverage entail?
Comprehensive coverage is an optional type of insurance that provides protection against damage to your vehicle that is not caused by a collision with another vehicle. This coverage usually includes events like hitting an animal, theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, and more.
Are there any exceptions or limitations to coverage for hitting a dog?
While car insurance policies generally cover hitting a dog, there may be certain limitations or conditions. For example, some policies may require a deductible to be paid before coverage applies. Additionally, coverage may vary depending on your insurance provider and the specific terms outlined in your policy. It is essential to review your policy or contact your insurance company for precise details.
What should I do if I hit a dog with my car?
If you hit a dog with your car, here are some steps you can follow:
- Ensure your safety: Pull over to a safe location and turn on your hazard lights.
- Check on the dog: If it is safe to do so, assess the dog’s condition and try to provide assistance if needed. Be cautious as injured animals can be scared or aggressive.
- Report the incident: Contact the local authorities or animal control to inform them about the situation. They can help locate the owner or take necessary actions.
- Document the incident: Take photos of the accident scene, the dog (if possible), and any damages to your vehicle. This documentation can be helpful when filing an insurance claim.
- Notify your insurance company: Contact your insurance provider and inform them about the accident. They will guide you on how to proceed with the claim process.
Will my car insurance cover injuries to the dog I hit?
Car insurance typically does not cover injuries to animals, including dogs, that are involved in an accident. The focus of car insurance is primarily on covering damages to the insured vehicle and any third-party liability. If the dog requires medical attention, it is advisable to contact local authorities or animal control, who can assist in providing care for the injured animal.
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Joel Ohman
Certified Financial Planner
Joel Ohman is the CEO of a private equity backed digital media company. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, author, angel investor, and serial entrepreneur who loves creating new things, whether books or businesses. He has also previously served as the founder and resident CFP® of a national insurance agency, Real Time Health Quotes. He has an MBA from the University of South Florida. Joel...
Certified Financial Planner
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.