Are Animal Attacks Covered Under Car Insurance?
Imagine you're driving alongside a scenic forest, and an animal suddenly appears the
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Types of Animal Attacks on a Car
Animals can do severe damage to your car, both internally and externally. This is where your car insurance policy will help you cover the costs of repairing the damages. Fortunately, most car insurance companies in India cover damages done by animals and bear the expenses incurred during the repair.
Let's have a look at some common types of animal attacks on a car:
- Your car may accidentally collide with a wild animal while driving through forests, and highways which can cause damage to the windshield or bumper.
- A pet, for instance, a dog, can cause damage to the seats of your car by chewing and tearing them completely.
- A rodent may chew the engine wiring of your car and damage it.
- A bird may enter your car's cabin, causing severe damage to the interiors of your four-wheeler.
Does Car Insurance Cover Animal Attacks?
If you're still thinking if animal attacks are covered under car insurance, the answer is yes. A comprehensive car insurance policy covers damages or losses by accidents, fire, theft, natural calamities, and even animal attacks, providing wide coverage.
On the contrary, third-party insurance only covers third-party liabilities, such as injury, death, & property damages. It doesn't offer coverage for damages to your own car.
How to Claim Car Insurance for Animal Attacks?
Claiming damages caused to your four-wheeler due to an animal attack is a simple process. To claim your car insurance, follow the steps mentioned below:
- As soon as your car meets with an accident, report the incident to the insurer as soon as possible. You can call them or send them an email.
- A surveyor will be appointed to inspect the damages and report them to the insurer
- Submit the required documents to the surveyor for verification.
- Upon verification, your car will be sent to a cashless garage for repairs and the claim will be settled by the insurance company.
Coverage Offered Under Comprehensive Car Insurance
However, one may find the premium of comprehensive car insurance slightly higher than the rest, however, the reason is justified. Third-party liability only provides coverage for third-party damage and liabilities. It doesn't cover own damage, while comprehensive insurance offers overall coverage including third-party liability coverage.
Hence, by paying slightly a higher premium, you can avail of better services. Below are the advantages of comprehensive car insurance.
- Damages to the Car: Restoring your car's previous condition and repairing it after it meets with an accident, is an expensive affair. Sometimes you end up paying a higher amount that may affect your pre-planned budget adversely. The hefty repair bills can burn a hole through your wallet. If your car is partially damaged, the insurer reimburses the expenses incurred for repair, but if the vehicle is in a condition beyond repair, you can claim to obtain the Insured Declared Value of the car only if you own comprehensive car insurance.
- Covers Disability or Death: Comprehensive plan offers protection to the driver/passengers in case of temporary or permanent disability post-accident. It is also extended to the accidental death of the insured.
- Third-party Liability Coverage: The comprehensive insurance policy is useful as it also offers protection to the third party against damages caused by the insured car. On the other hand, it benefits the insured by bearing the expenses of legal liabilities claimed by a third party, including injuries or death. However, we suggest you compare car insurance online to get the best deals.
- Cashless Claims: Cashless claims are another advantage of having comprehensive car coverage. Under this type of claim settlement method, the insurer gets your car repaired in its authorised network garage and settles the claim directly with them. Thus, removing the headache of paying expenses from your pocket.
You May Also Read: Comprehensive insurance vs Third party insurance
Ways to Prevent Animal Attacks on Your Car
Whether your car insurance covers animal attacks or not, it is important to know the ways that you can adopt to prevent animal attacks on cars.
- Park Car in the Garage: Your car is more prone to animal attacks when you park it outside or near the road. Parking your car in a garage will protect it from such attacks as animals won't be able to enter a garage.
- Keep the Windows Closed: Closing your car's windows can keep birds away from your car. Moreover, make sure to close the sunroof while parking as it may be an entry door for animals to damage the interiors.
- Don't Leave Food in the Car: Leaving food or eating food in the car can also allow animals like monkeys, and rodents to enter your car and cause severe damage. Thus, make sure to not leave food in your car.
- Get a Comprehensive Car Cover: Last but not the least, purchase a comprehensive car insurance cover for your four wheeler. This cover will compensate you for the damages caused to your car due to such attacks.
Wrapping Up!
Whether your car suffers an animal attack or not, you should always consider getting a comprehensive car insurance policy to protect your car from such unforeseen incidents. However, before deciding on a policy, make sure to compare car insurance quotes online on Policybazaar.com and then choose the one that suits your budget.
