Are Pets Covered by Car 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. 

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.

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.