Does Your Car Insurance Cover Animal Attack?

• Protect yourself with third party or comprehensive cover
• Use bumper to bumper policies to reduce your liability
• Enjoy facilities like zero depreciation and roadside assistance covers

It is mandatory to have car insurance as it covers you in case your vehicle gets damaged or stolen and protects your from any financial burden that you may experience. However, there are various situations post which the insurance company may not approve your claim. For example, if your vehicle gets damaged during a riot, the insurer will not honour the claim. So, what about if your vehicle is damaged due to an animal attack? Will the insurance company approve your claim?

Yes, an animal attack will be covered under a comprehensive insurance policy. In case your vehicle is damaged because an animal attacked it or unintentionally played a role in causing the damage, the insurance policy will cover the loss incurred, subject to company’s policy.

Types of damages an animal can cause

An animal may cause various types of damages to your vehicle, which are:

• A pest or a rodent may chew on the wiring present in the engine compartment of your vehicle and damage it completely.
• A pet animal may completely damage the seats of your car by chewing on them and tearing them apart completely.
• A large animal may come charging towards your car in its bid to protect itself.
• An animal such as a cat or a rodent may enter the vehicle through the sunroof and cause interior damages.
• A rodent may have died inside your car causing a foul smell.
• Any injury caused to you due to an animal attack.

How can you prevent animal attacks?

As an owner of a vehicle, there are certain measures you can take in order to prevent your vehicle from getting damaged by an animal attack. Some of these measures are as follows:

• Use your car frequently: Not using your vehicle frequently may cause it to become a breeding ground for rodents and other such animals. Not only can they cause mechanical problems by biting wires inside the engine, but also dirty the car.
• Do not store or eat food inside your car: Food attracts animals, rodents, and other types of pests. Hence, ensure that you never store or eat food inside your vehicle.
• Keep your car windows closed at all times: Keeping the window of your car open will easily help an animal get inside your vehicle. Hence, always make sure that you are keeping the windows, including the sunroof your car, closed at all times when you are not using it.
• Park your vehicle in a garage: If you live in an area where your chances of coming across a wild animal are high, then it is recommended that you always keep your car parked in a garage. Parking your car in a garage also does not attract the attention of pests or rodents who may enter your vehicle for food or simply to breed or hibernate.
• Have an insurance: It goes without saying that having your car insured is very important. In the event of any damage caused by an animal, you can claim your losses which ultimately helps you save on the repair costs, and prevents you from shelling out an exorbitant amount of money from your own pocket.

Thus it is always advisable to have a comprehensive third-party insurance policy so as to cover your car from any liabilities arising out of any damage caused by an animal. Third party insurance policies do not generally cover attacks or damage caused by animals, hence it is always recommended to have a comprehensive insurance policy which protects you from such financial losses.