It is increasingly common to run over a pet on the road. Or at least that is what the DGT statistics reveal, according to which this type of traffic accidents increased by more than 5% in 2022 compared to the previous year. In total, almost 3,200 dogs and 250 cats were involved in accidents last year, 70% on interurban roads and the majority between 3:00 p.m. and midnight. With this information, what coverage does car insurance offer you if you hit an animal?
Since the reform of the Traffic Law of 2014, responsibility in case of accidents with animals falls on drivers, with few exceptions. Next, we explain the differences with respect to the coverage of accidents caused by domestic animals and hunting animals.
The responsibility for running over a dog varies depending on whether it is properly tied and is passing through a suitable place or not. In the first case, the driver must be responsible for the damages caused, however, the mandatory civil liability insurance offered by his company will cover the compensation.
On the contrary, if the dog is not tied or is not accompanied by its owner, it will be this who assumes the possible damage caused to your vehicle, for which your policy must cover the defense and claim of damage. If the owner of the animal cannot be located, your insurance will only cover the damages if you have comprehensive or third-party coverage with specific coverage for damage due to animal collisions.
Game animals are those related to hunting such as wild boars, roe deer, hares or foxes, among others. In the event that one of these specimens causes an accident, the driver must try to prove the guilt of the owner of the land. Specifically, there are two circumstances in which the accident would not be the driver's responsibility.
In any other case, it will be the driver who must assume the possible damage of the vehicle. That is why, if you live in an area where the transit of wild animals is common, it is advisable to take out third-party or comprehensive insurance that includes specific coverage for damage caused by collision with game species.
