Did you know that there are more than 1.5 million accidents that revolve around an animal on the road? Driving down a deserted road at night can very well be one of those experiences that you never really think about because unless it’s happened to you, you wouldn’t know what hit you.
Until it’s too late, you get into an accident because something (or someone) hit the front end of your car suddenly.
More than likely, what hit your car may have been a deer, an elk, a dog, or some sort of animal running in the wild and simply crossed your path.
Insurances Cover the Damages Animal Leave Behind
Go back to your policy and read it thoroughly. Then, call your agent to set up an appointment for a review of what you’ve read. Simply ask your agent you want to go over it with him.
If your car insurance covers damages such as hitting an animal on a road, then you should be fine, but it has to say it somewhere within the insurance policy’s content. With most car accidents involving animals, they’re similar across the board, therefore they are handled the same.
With your insurance carrier, you’ll save money too as well as time if you know what to do immediately. If it caused damage to the vehicle, this should be one of the first things to do when it comes to paperwork. Next, is taking photos of the animal and your damages. (That’s if the animal passed during this horrible ordeal.)
Most importantly, it could have survived the ordeal thereby sacrificing your vehicle’s body in the long run. All in all, if you drive and come across a deer or other animal and end up hitting a pole or fence because you swerved to avoid it, filing a collision claim with your insurance carrier is an option.
Rates Go Up Because of Any Collision
As an insurance holder and carrier will say, rates will go up if you do have to file an insurance claim. Contact a car accident lawyer immediately to stay on the safe side. Therefore, consider your damages, and what you are capable of paying immediately.
If your vehicle isn’t mobile, then renting vehicles while it’s in the automotive shop would help you get around where you need to go. If you rely on a vehicle for work and school, consider another transportation alternative if your insurance carrier doesn’t cover rental cars.
At any rate, these incidents will raise your insurance rates, therefore, after you’ve assessed the damages and feel you’d rather pay for it yourself to avoid these rate hikes, that could save you time and money in the long run.
Types of Coverage
All accidents such as these types have potential car insurance coverage, especially if you have “comprehensive coverage.” Comprehensive coverage is basically more coverage at a very high rate. But, many insurance policyholders have found it worth it. Not only will you have liability insurance which is required in almost all states.
Here are other car-related damages that are offered within the “comprehensive insurance coverage.”
- Hail damage
- Stolen vehicle
- Vandalism
- Fire damage
- Flood insurance
Besides the animal coverage, which even includes birds and raccoons, the idea is if you feel you fall under the type of driver who travels frequently in spring and summer, and then this is the type of policy you should invest in.
Remember though, that most insurance companies consider your car’s damages must be more than the deductible if you plan on having your “car repaired or receiving coverage.”
To know the differences between comprehensive & collision coverage, read this article.
Planning a Safe Trip
Most animal types can be liable for your car is damaged, if they are the ones who “jumped out” out of the bushes, behind trees, or over a fence and into the road, then suddenly “smashing” into your car. Indeed, this can be covered by insurance.
Although, checking with your agent is a wise step if you are planning on a weekend getaway in your vehicle to a National Park, or a ranch, or simply taking a road trip across the mountains somewhere.
Finally, there are some insurance companies that offer zero deductible rates with your insurance policy. This, again, will cost you a higher-than-normal rate. But, if you pick your deductible, naturally, you’ll have a selected deductible to pay if you have an accident at the time of your minor “fender-bender.”
Thus, the last option is going back and simply paying out of your pockets and avoids any high premiums or deductibles. Lastly, remember to put your “high beams” on when you are traveling on an open wide road alone. You can catch one from afar with your peripheral point-of-view.
