Although you might treat your pet as a family member, the situation is different when it comes to car insurance policies. When it comes to auto insurance carriers, pets are more likely to be treated as personal properties. Below are some of the things you should know about pet injury coverage by auto insurance policies.
Coverage Varies By Carrier
The first thing you should know is that insurance coverage varies widely by carrier, and this includes pet coverage. What is true for one company is not necessarily true for another company. Some auto insurance companies include pet coverage in their policies while others exclude pet injuries. Therefore, you need to compare coverage widely to have a true picture of the industry.
Collision And Comprehensive Coverage Apply
For those insurance companies that include pet coverage, it is the optional collision and comprehensive coverage that apply. Collision coverage will come to your rescue if you collide with another car or object. Comprehensive coverage kicks in in case the pet is injured in an accident that doesn't fall under collision coverage. Therefore, you will probably be out of luck if your pet is injured and you don't have the right coverage.
Coverage Sub-Limits Apply
All forms of insurance coverage have their limits. For example, if you have insured your car comprehensively for $50,000, then that is the maximum you can get in case of a comprehensive claim. However, your pet injury claim is likely to have a sub-limit much lower than that. For example, your pet injury claim may be limited at $1,000, which may be enough for minor to moderate injuries but might not be enough for extensive injuries (such as those that call for surgery) or fatal injuries.
Some Pets Are Excluded
The word "pet" has a broad meaning that can include almost every animal on the planet. When it comes to auto insurance coverage, however, the term takes a much more limited meaning. For example, some auto insurance companies will only accept a pet injury claim if the injured animal is a dog or a cat. Even the most generous insurance companies are likely to exclude exotic animals in this coverage.
Additional Coverage Is Possible
Even though pet coverage might be limited, you usually have the option to purchase additional coverage. Companies that include pet injuries in their auto insurance policies usually offer additional coverage in the form of a rider or add on. Consider such additional coverage if you frequently travel with your pet. Speak with an auto insurance agent like those at Nelson Insurance Agency to learn more.
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