Does Car Insurance Cover Animal Attacks?

Yes, a comprehensive car insurance policy generally covers accidental damage to the insured car caused by animals, including collisions with stray or wild animals. Read on to understand what types of animal damages does car insurance cover, claim process, and ways to reduce the risk of such damages.Read more

What Types of Animal Attacks Does Car Insurance Cover?

Here are some common types of damages from animal attacks covered under comprehensive car insurance:

How to Claim Car Insurance for Animal Attacks?

To claim car insurance for damages to your four-wheeler from an animal attack, follow the steps mentioned below:

• Step 1: As soon as your car meets with an accident, report the incident to the insurer via call, email, or app.
• Step 2: If it is safe to do so, take clear photos and videos of the damages to your car and the incident spot.
• Step 3: A surveyor will be appointed to inspect the damages and report them to the insurer
• Step 4: Submit the required documents, such as your policy details, claim form, driving licence, and RC to the surveyor for verification.
• Step 5: After claim approval, the insurer will either settle the repair bill directly with the network garage under a cashless claim. In case of a reimbursement claim, you first pay the repair bill upfront, and the insurer will reimburse the expenses later.

Situations Where Animal Damage May Not Be Covered Under Car Insurance

While comprehensive car insurance provides broad protection, insurers may still reject your claim in the following situations:

• You only have third-party insurance
• The damage falls under a policy exclusion
• Delayed reporting of the incident
• Carrying out repairs before the vehicle inspection
• Submission of any false or incomplete information during a claim

*Note: Always carefully read your policy document to understand its terms and the applicable exclusions.

Benefits of Comprehensive Car Insurance

Below are some major advantages of choosing comprehensive coverage for your 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

Here are some useful ways to 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.