Driving on the road can be unpredictable, and it’s not uncommon to encounter wild animals such as raccoons. Hitting a raccoon while driving can be a scary experience, and it’s natural to wonder if your car insurance will cover the damages. In this article, we’ll discuss whether car insurance covers hitting a raccoon and what steps you should take if you encounter this situation.
Comprehensive Coverage
The short answer is that car insurance typically covers hitting a raccoon under comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage is an optional coverage that provides protection for damages to your vehicle that are not related to a collision. Examples of damages covered under comprehensive coverage include theft, vandalism, and animal collisions.
It’s important to note that comprehensive coverage is not required by law, but it may be required by your lender if you have a car loan. If you’re unsure whether you have comprehensive coverage, check your insurance policy or contact your insurance provider.
What Does Comprehensive Coverage Cover?
Comprehensive coverage typically covers damages to your vehicle caused by events outside of your control. This can include hitting a raccoon, as well as other animal collisions such as deer or cows. Comprehensive coverage may also cover damages caused by natural disasters, such as floods or earthquakes.
It’s important to note that comprehensive coverage does not cover damages caused by a collision with another vehicle. For that, you would need collision coverage, which is a separate coverage option.
What Should You Do If You Hit a Raccoon?
If you hit a raccoon while driving, there are several steps you should take. First, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.
Next, move your vehicle to a safe location off the road. If the raccoon is still alive, do not attempt to touch or move it. Wild animals can be unpredictable and may bite or scratch if they feel threatened.
Once you’re in a safe location, assess the damage to your vehicle. Take pictures of the damages and document the scene with as much detail as possible. This information will be helpful when filing a claim with your insurance provider.
How to File a Claim
If you have comprehensive coverage and need to file a claim for damages caused by hitting a raccoon, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. Provide them with all the information you gathered at the scene, including pictures of the damages and any documentation of the accident.
Your insurance provider will then assess the damages and determine whether they are covered under your policy. If the damages are covered, your insurance provider will pay for the cost of repairs, minus your deductible.
Conclusion
While hitting a raccoon can be a scary experience, it’s important to know that car insurance typically covers damages caused by hitting a raccoon under comprehensive coverage. If you encounter this situation, make sure to follow the steps outlined in this article and contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to file a claim.
