Does My Car Insurance Cover My Pets?
Written by
Christine Lacagnina has written thousands of insurance-based articles for TrustedChoice.com by authoring consumable, understandable content.
Reviewed by
Paul Martin is the Director of Education and Development for Myron Steves, one of the largest, most respected insurance wholesalers in the southern U.S.
If you frequently travel with your pet in the car, you may rightfully be concerned about whether your car insurance policy includes coverage in case of an injury while on the road. Knowing exactly what's covered and what's not by your car insurance before you ever take a road trip with your pet is key to being fully prepared. If your policy doesn't include coverage for your pet, you'll need to take this into account before buckling them up.
Luckily, an independent insurance agent can help you find a car insurance policy that includes pet coverage. They'll make sure you get the policy that's right for you and your family's needs. But for starters, here's a closer look at if and when car insurance covers pet injuries.
Does Car Insurance Cover Injuries to Pets in an Accident?
Most likely it won't. While there are some car insurance companies that cover injuries to pets, they are the exception, not the norm. The best way to make sure your pets are covered for treatment of potential injuries is by purchasing a pet insurance policy.
The coverage offered by pet insurance can differ significantly from one provider to the next, so it's important to weigh what each policy offers before choosing. An independent insurance agent can help you do this. While they typically don't cover preventive care, such as vaccinations and neutering services, you can buy a pet insurance policy that covers pet illnesses and injuries. That way, if your pet gets injured during a car ride or gets sick while you’re out on the road, you'll have coverage.
When and How Could Car Insurance Cover Pets after an Accident?
If your car insurance policy includes coverage for injuries to your pets after an accident, you'll still need to consider the critical factor of who was at fault for the accident. Coverage can vary depending on which driver was at fault, so your pet coverage through car insurance, depending on the scenario, could look like this:
- When you're the at-fault driver: If you have pet coverage specifically listed in your car insurance policy and you were the at-fault driver in an accident, your collision coverage could help pay for your pet's vet costs. You might have also added an endorsement to your policy for a dog that frequently rides with you and could get coverage through this as well.
- When you're not at fault: If the other driver in the accident was considered at fault, their personal property damage liability coverage would pay for the medical expenses to treat your pet, since the insurance company would consider your pet to be property. But depending on the level of coverage the other driver has, it may not be adequate to fully pay all of your pet's medical costs.
How Much Would Car Insurance Pay for Pet Injuries?
Car insurance policies that include coverage for pets often limit this coverage to $1,000 toward vet bills. This may not be enough to fully cover the cost of your pet's medical expenses, since these can often add up to several thousand or more. That's why it's wise to consider investing in a pet insurance policy, which can often reimburse most if not all of your pet's medical bills after an accident.
Does Car Insurance Cover My Pet If It Gets Hit by a Car?
Unfortunately, no. Your car insurance would cover damage to your own vehicle if you were to hit an animal, but to cover injuries to your own pet that gets hit by someone else's car, you'd need to have a pet insurance policy. An independent insurance agent can help you find the right kind of pet insurance in case of a tragic accident like this.
Which Car Insurance Companies Offer Pet Coverage?
Not all car insurance companies offer pet coverage, so if you make frequent trips with your furry children, you'll want to look into those that do. We've compiled a list of a few top-rated car insurance carriers that also specifically offer coverage for pets on the road for your convenience. If you're in need of car insurance that includes pet coverage, check out these carriers first.
| Car Insurance Company | Star Rating |
| Nationwide |
|
| Progressive |
|
| The Hanover |
|
Nationwide
When you get coverage through Nationwide, you'll actually need to purchase the carrier's pet insurance policy, which also offers car insurance coverage of up to $1,000 if your pet gets involved in an accident. This coverage pays for medical treatment and prescriptions if your pet gets injured in a car accident. Policies come with no deductible and can cover any number of pets in a vehicle.
Progressive
Likewise, with Progressive, you'll purchase a pet insurance policy that includes collision coverage of up to $1,000 for your pets if they get involved in an accident. This coverage helps pay for medical care for your pets after a crash.
The Hanover
You'll also need to purchase a pet insurance policy from The Hanover to get up to $2,500 in coverage for your pet if they get involved in an accident. This coverage can pay for medical care and even funeral costs if your pet gets badly or even fatally injured in an accident. Policies come with no deductible.
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The Benefits of an Independent Insurance Agent
Insurance policies can be complex. And searching through company after company can be time-consuming and frustrating. An independent insurance agent can greatly simplify the process. They work with multiple insurance companies every day so they know all the pros and cons of each and can help you find the best blend of coverage and cost. Plus, they'll break down all the insurance jargon and fine print to make sure you're confident you've got the right pet coverage after an accident.