Does Your Car Insurance Cover Animal Attack?

Imagine you’re driving alongside a scenic forest and an animal appears all of a sudden, the possibility of catastrophic collision is high or your car may get damaged. Do you think your car insurance policy will cover it? Or will the liability insurance cover such damage? Read further to know whether car insurance covers animal attacks or not.

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Does Car Insurance Cover Animal Attacks?

Short answer, Yes. A car insurance policy cover attacks caused to your car due to an animal attack. All these damages are accidental and unprecedented and your policy will cover them. However, these attacks will only be covered under a comprehensive car insurance policy. Third-party insurance will only cover third-party damages caused by your car and not any damage caused to your car by outside forces. 

In India where you will find every type of animal on the road such as cows, bulls, dogs, cats, and monkeys, it is imperative to get full protection against any damages caused by these animals to your car. Thus, make sure to purchase a comprehensive car insurance policy for full coverage. 

Types of Animal Attacks on a Car

Friday evening traffic is insane and you’re already getting late to attend a family function. Suddenly, your car gets side-swept by another vehicle swerving to avoid a cow in the road. You slammed the brakes but couldn’t avoid the car behind you causing damage to your vehicle.

You are now left wondering whether your car insurance will compensate for this damage or not! Fret not! Your comprehensive car insurance policy will protect you in case your car collides with an animal or suffers any other type of animal attack.

Fortunately, most of the insurance companies in India cover the damages done by animals and bear the expenses incurred during the repair.

Some common types of animal attacks that can cause damage to your car include:

• 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.

The Term ‘Comprehensive Car Insurance’

In simple words, comprehensive car insurance is what covers your car in every possible way when it is parked and any damages that may be inflicted on the car due to man-made, natural elements or collisions caused by an animal. Your car is also protected in the event of theft and vandalism as well.

Also known as ‘other than collision’, this plan covers everything that a third party cover doesn’t offer such as fire, theft, flood, damage to car glass, damage due to falling objects, animal attack, vandalism, damage due to bad weather, storm, cyclone etc. 

In case your vehicle is smashed up owing to these perils, after applying the depreciated amount, the insurer disburses for the expenses incurred during repairs or the complete loss up to the actual value of the vehicle.

How to Claim for Animal Damages Under Comprehensive Car Insurance?

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 a 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.