Which animals do you have to report if you hit them?
In many states, youre required to stop and call the police or other local authority if you hit a domestic animal, such as a dog or cat. If you dont stop, you could be charged with animal cruelty or failing to notify owners of property damage.
Does auto insurance cover hitting dogs?
You will need comprehensive or collision coverage in place to file a car insurance claim if you hit a dog while driving. You will not be able to file a claim if you only have liability insurance.
Whether you need comprehensive or collision depends on the nature of the accident and if the animal was alive and moving at the time of the crash.
Unfortunately, liability insurance by itself will not pay for damage to your vehicle if you hit a dog. It will not cover vet bills or other costs either, as car insurance companies do not provide insurance for pet injuries.
This is different from a crash involving a pedestrian. If you hit a pedestrian, your bodily injury liability coverage would pay for their medical treatment if you were at fault for failing to yield. Insurance companies consider an animal to be personal property instead.
What to do if you hit a dog while driving
Every situation can be different, but there are a few general steps you can take to help:
Dont move the dog, if possible: Injured dogs can be aggressive, and their actions can be unpredictable. If possible, dont move the dog, as you could end up being bitten or doing more damage to the dog. If the dog must be moved out of the road, put a blanket, jacket, or other covering over it to help protect the dog and yourself.
Call the police: You should never leave the accident until youve contacted the police or animal control. This is a legal requirement in many states, and you could end up in legal trouble if you simply drive away. Pets are considered personal property in most states, so if youre responsible for a hit and run involving a pet, any injuries or the loss of the pet could be regarded as property damage. In addition, you could be charged with animal cruelty if you leave the scene after hitting a pet. The police will tell you how to proceed and file a police report if they deem it necessary. Animal control should aid the animal if the owner cant be located.
Contact the owner: If the dog has a tag with contact information on it, you should contact the owner and inform them of the accident. The police may also contact the owner on your behalf.
Notify your insurer: If your car has been damaged and you wish to file a claim for the damage, youll need to notify your insurer of the accident. Theyll ask for details of the accident, including photos of the damage. Even if your vehicle wasnt damaged, its still a good idea to notify your insurer of the accident.