Are Pets Covered by Car Insurance?
If you're involved in a collision while your dog or cat is riding in the car, will their injuries be covered by insurance?
Does car insurance cover pets?
It depends. While pet coverage is readily available by some car insurance companies, it's not guaranteed — some insurers impose exclusions for your pet if it happens to be injured in a car accident. Generally, auto insurance covers only dogs or cats and will cover veterinary care and other medical expenses up to the coverage limit.
In some circumstances, if your pet is injured in an accident and you don't have pet coverage, it may be possible to cover their medical bills through other means. As always, check your car insurance policy to confirm the level of coverage. If your dog or cat isn't covered, you can always use the Zebra to look for a new policy with some of the best value insurance companies on the market.
You can also consider getting pet insurance. We’ve partnered with Embrace – Forbes rated number one pet insurance provider – to cover your pet when unexpected accidents and illnesses happen.
Now, let's explore how car insurance would work to cover your beloved pet's injuries.
What happens if an accident occurs with a pet in the car
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, a pet's injuries could be covered in one of a few different ways.Â
If you're the at-fault driver
If you get in a collision and you're at fault, your collision coverage would cover your pet's vet expenses only if this is explicitly stated in your policy. If your policy does not extend coverage to pets and you often let your dog ride in your car, consider an endorsement add-on — if you already have collision and comprehensive coverage, pet coverage is usually quite cheap or even provided with no extra premium. Having a separate pet insurance policy will also ensure your furry friend gets the care they need regardless of who caused the accident.
If you're not at fault
Insurance companies see pets as property. If someone else causes a car accident and your pet is injured, the other party's property damage coverage (considered a part of liability coverage) would cover medical care for your dog or cat. You would need to file a claim with the other party's insurance company to have them pay or provide reimbursement for the damages.
However, keep in mind that if the other driver only has the minimum level of liability coverage, it may not be enough to cover all of these expenses.
Car insurance companies with pet coverage
The below car insurance companies offer coverage specifically for pet injuries and loss from car accidents.
While it typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,000, in more serious accidents — especially if your pet requires hospitalization — this amount can be reached quite quickly.
Get a quote for pet insurance
We know your pet is number one. If you're looking for a pet insurance policy that extends beyond on-road incidents, consider Embrace — an award-winning pet insurance provider.
If you have collision coverage through Progressive, pet injury coverage is included at no extra cost, covering up to $1,000 in damages and vet bills.
Metromile also includes pet insurance coverage with its collision coverage, covering up to $1,000 of medical expenses or compensation if your dog or cat is injured or killed in a collision, or stolen from your vehicle.
If you live in a state in which Erie offers car insurance, the company's pet coverage has a limit of $500 per dog or cat with a total limit of $1,000 in veterinary bills and medical expenses.
Chubb covers up to $2,000 per accident (with no deductible) for medical or burial expenses if your pet is involved in a car accident.
Safe driving tips with a pet in the car
Accidents happen, even to the safest of drivers.
Whether or not your pet is sufficiently insured in case of an accident, pet owners can take steps to reduce the likelihood of injury and keep their dog or cat as safe as possible when they're riding along.
- Consider separate pet insurance if you often drive with your pet and your current auto insurance policy doesn't offer pet coverage. Having a separate pet insurance policy would be a wise decision for peace of mind, as it will guarantee coverage — no matter who's at fault — of veterinary expenses up to the specified limit.
- Ensure your dog or cat will not impede your physical or mental ability to drive the car. If your dog is unsecured and crawling on your lap, underneath the car seat, and generally making you take your eyes off the road, it becomes a huge safety hazard for everyone involved, including other drivers on the road.
- The safest way to drive with your pet is to use a seat belt or safety harness specifically designed for car rides. If your pet won't tolerate these options, consider crating your dog or cat and securing it in the back of your vehicle.
- If possible, train your dog during its early years to behave calmly while riding in the car. Your pup probably loves riding along with his head sticking out the window, but if you happen to get in a collision — even a small accident or fender bender — the animal could be likely to sustain a serious or fatal injury. It's much safer for a dog to sit or lie down on the seat while wearing a harness.
Compare car insurance quotes and find a pet-friendly policy today!
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
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- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
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