In India, where busy city roads go hand in hand with rural areas, one often finds scattered appearances of animals. The stray dogs roaming around in cities and wild animals crossing highways can cause unexpected damage to your car.
Hence, it becomes important to determine if car insurance would cover such situations to eliminate expensive repair charges.
Understanding Animal Attack Coverage in Car Insurance
Car insurance works as a financial safety net for your vehicle in case of any damages resulting from accidents, theft, or natural disasters. Among its different types, comprehensive car insurance coverage is the most comprehensive, including damages caused by animal attacks.
When discussing animal attacks, the term refers to scenarios where your car sustains damage due to direct or indirect encounters with animals. These situations could include:
- Collisions with animals on highways or forest roads.
- Interior damages caused by animals entering the vehicle.
- External damages like scratched paint or broken mirrors caused by stray animals.
While third-party insurance only covers liabilities to others, comprehensive car insurance protects your vehicle from these unexpected damages.
Common Scenarios Where Animal Attack Vechicle Insurance Claims Are Valid
Examples of scenarios in which damages due to animal attacks are claimable include:
- Wild Animal Encounters on Highways
The roads leading to the countryside or forest trails often carry some risk of collision with animals. A deer, for example, could severely damage your car. This aspect is protected in a comprehensive package.
- Bird-related Damage
Birds entering through an open window or sunroof can cause interior damage, such as torn upholstery or scratched dashboards. A comprehensive policy also covers such incidents.
- Farm Animal Collisions
Rural road accidents involving cattle, such as cows or goats, can scratch the car body or break a windshield. An active comprehensive insurance policy will cover such damages.
6 Steps to File a Car Insurance Claim for Animal Attack Damages
Claiming damages for animals that have been attacked is quite an easy process. Here is how you ensure a smooth settlement:
- Inform Your Insurer
Notify your insurance company immediately after identifying the damage. Provide details about the incident and its circumstances.
- Document the Damage
Take clear pictures of the damaged areas. This visual proof will help your insurer assess the extent of the damage.
- File an FIR (if required)
Local authorities might require an FIR for incidents involving wild or protected animals. Check with your insurer for specific requirements.
- Get an Inspection
Depending on the insurer, a self-inspection link might be provided, or a surveyor may visit to assess the damages.
- Choose the Type of Repair
Based on the damage, you can opt for cashless repair at a garage within your insurance claim network or reimbursement after repairs. If you choose reimbursement, ensure you keep all receipts.
- Submit the Claim Form
Complete the claim form your insurer gave and submit all necessary documents, including the policy details, photographs, and receipts.
What if Animal Attack Isn’t Covered in Your Car Insurance?
In some cases, if your car insurance does not include comprehensive cover, damages caused by animal attacks may not be reimbursed. Here’s what you can do:
- Upgrade to Comprehensive Cover
If you currently hold a basic third-party policy, consider upgrading to comprehensive car insurance coverage. This policyance cover. It offers peace of mind to various damages, including those caused by animals.
- Preventive Measures
Prevention is always considered to be the best thing. Here are some tips to reduce the risk of animal-related damages:
- Avoid feeding animals near your car, especially in parking lots.
- Park in secure and enclosed areas to minimise exposure to stray animals.
- Use car covers to protect your vehicle’s exterior from scratches or bites.
- Know Your Policy Exclusions
Even with comprehensive cover, some exclusions, such as intentional damage or neglect, may apply. Always review your policy terms for clarity.
Benefits of Having a Comprehensive Car Insurance
The advantages of comprehensive car insurance cover include all-around protection for your vehicle. Comprehensive car insurance covers unexpected situations like animal attacks, theft, and natural disasters. Here’s a breakdown of how it compares to third-party insurance:
| Feature | Third-party Insurance | Comprehensive Cover |
| Covers animal attack damages | No | Yes |
| Protection against theft | No | Yes |
| Third-party liabilities | Yes | Yes |
| Personal accident cover | No | Yes (with add-ons available) |
Add-on Options to Enhance Protection
You can consider add-ons such as:
- Engine Protection Cover: For damages caused by animals chewing wires or entering the engine compartment.
- Zero Depreciation Cover: Ensures full claim settlement without considering depreciation.
Protecting your car from unexpected events is crucial, and car insurance’s comprehensive cover protects you against animal attacks. Whether a stray dog scratching your car or a deer collision on a highway, having the right policy ensures financial security and peace of mind. Review your policy, understand its inclusions, and make necessary upgrades to prepare for every situation.