Are Animal Attacks Covered Under Car Insurance?

Common Types of Damages Due to Animals

Animal attacks comprise both visible and internal damage to vehicles. The following types of damages are most common due to animals:

• Physical Collision with Large Animals

People driving in rural or semi-urban areas may accidentally hit a stray cow, dog, bull, or even wild boar on highways. Such collisions with large animals can damage your car’s bumper, headlights, bonnet, windshield, and other car parts. 

• Rodent-Related Wiring and Engine Damage

If you don’t drive your car frequently, it can become the perfect home space for rodents like rats and mice. They generally crawl into car engine bays during long periods of inactivity and cause internal damage by chewing through wiring harnesses, brake fluid pipes, air filters, and even rubber insulation. It can lead to major electrical and safety failures. 

• Interior & Exterior Damage

Driving in areas with a high monkey population or common sightings near roads can lead to severe car damage. They might climb over your parked car, scratch body paint, damage the wipers, and even tear seat covers if you accidentally leave the windows or sunroof open. Fortunately, Comprehensive Car Insurance covers animal damage.

• Scratches and Bites by Stray Animals

Stray dogs and cats often take shelter under parked cars to escape extreme weather conditions. However, they may ultimately damage the car’s underbody components. In some cases, dogs may chew on mud flaps or tear off plastic trims, causing considerable damage.
 

How to Claim a Car Insurance for Animal Attack Damages?

Drivers with Car Insurance coverage for animal attacks can file claims immediately after the attack. If you’ve taken a comprehensive motor insurance from Shriram General Insurance, you can file a claim in two simple steps.

Step 1

Register your claim through the MYSGI app/website or by calling at 1800-300-3000 or 1800-103-3009

Step 2

Submit the required documents, such as accident or attack description details, valid address for primary vehicle inspection, and other specified documents.

Once the second step is complete, the insurer will verify your claim and disburse funds on successful verification.
 

How to Prevent Animal Attacks on Cars?

While animal damage coverage in Car Insurance can help vehicle owners recover the damage cost, it’s smarter to prevent the damage in the first place. The following steps are recommended to minimise or avert animal attacks on your car:

• Avoid Leaving Food Inside

Food smells attract rodents, dogs, and other animals, so avoid keeping any food inside your car for a prolonged duration. Even empty wrappers and beverage cups can increase the possibility of an animal attack. Every car owner should make it a habit to clean their cabin regularly, especially if they park their cars outdoors or in public spaces. 

• Keep Windows and Sunroof Closed

Animals like monkeys, cats, and birds can easily get inside the car through open windows and sunroofs (even if they’re slightly open). Hence, double-check before closing your car.

• Park Indoors in Covered Spaces

Always look for covered parking spaces, as open areas tend to be high-risk zones for animal activities and damage. 

• Use Rodent Repellents or Rat Mats

This is a must for car owners who don’t use their cars frequently. Use anti-rodent sprays, peppermint oil pouches, and other repellents to deter rats. You can also place a rodent mesh in your car’s engine bay or a rat mat under the vehicle for protection during long periods of inactivity. 

• Start Your Car Engine Regularly

Unused cars for extended periods are the prime targets for nesting rodents and birds. Even if you don’t have to drive it regularly, simply start the engine for a brief moment to generate heat and vibration. It will discourage animals from settling inside.
 

Examples of Animal Attack Scenarios Covered

Anyone wondering if Car Insurance covers animal damage in different situations, the answer is yes. The following are a few examples of animal attacks covered under Comprehensive Motor Insurance:

• Your parked car getting damaged after a stray cow hit its front bumper
• Rats chewing through brake lines and ignition wires
• Your pet dog scratching the car’s leather seats while you briefly left them unattended 
• A monkey climbing and jumping on your car’s roof, scratching the hood, breaking the antenna, etc. 
• Birds entering through an open window and damaging the interiors

While numerous scenarios are covered, deliberate negligence can result in partial or complete claim rejections.
 

Which Type of Insurance Will Cover Animal Attacks on Cars?

Comprehensive Motor Insurance covers financial damages caused to cars during animal attacks. If you’re looking for reliable coverage, consider investing in Shriram General Insurance’s Comprehensive Car Insurance. Its extensive coverage provides a higher level of financial protection in case of unforeseen damages.
 

Conclusion

Animal-related car damage may seem unusual, but it’s more common than you think. Since individuals can easily spot animals, such as cows, bulls, stray dogs, cats, and monkeys, near roads in some locations, the likelihood of an animal attacking a vehicle is high. Thankfully, individuals can secure their vehicles under Comprehensive Motor Insurance to recover any financial damages caused by animal attacks. 

You can choose Shriram General Insurance for Comprehensive Car Insurance Policy as it covers various events that may cause damages or losses to the vehicle. It features affordable premiums, roadside assistance, extensive add-on options, and several other benefits. Should an animal ever attack your car, adhere to the claim-filing process for expedited fund disbursements. You can also follow the preventive measures discussed in this blog to lessen the likelihood of an animal attack on your vehicle.
 

FAQs

Do all Car Insurance policies cover damages caused by animal attacks?

No, only comprehensive policies cover such damages.
 

Can rodent damage to engine wiring or brake pipes be claimed under Car Insurance?

Yes, Comprehensive Motor Insurance allows policyholders to file such claims.
 

Do I need to file an FIR for claiming animal-related damages?

FIRs are mostly required for serious accidents, especially when a third-party injury occurs. For minor damages such as chewed wires, you don’t necessarily need an FIR to file a claim.
 

What proof is needed to support a claim for animal damage?

Clear photographs of visible damage, an elaborate attack description, repair estimates, and sometimes physical evidence are required to support a claim. However, different insurers may require different proofs, so check with your particular insurer.