Does Car Insurance Cover Pets?

What Is Pet Injury Coverage?

Some auto insurance policies have pet injury coverage, which helps pay for your pet's vet bills if they're hurt in a car accident. Policies that cover pet injuries often do so through collision or comprehensive coverage. Coverage usually only applies to dogs and cats, and it doesn't kick in if your pet gets hit by a car.

Policy limits for pet injury coverage are usually around $1,000. Some plans may also pay out a death benefit if your pet doesn't survive the crash. If you're unsure whether you have this type of coverage, ask your insurance company or check your policy.

Tip: Since limits are low, pet injury coverage may not provide adequate protection if your pet is in a serious accident. Consider pet insurance for added protection.

Learn more: Does Pet Insurance Cover Emergencies?

How Can I File a Claim to Cover Vet Bills From a Car Accident?

If your policy includes pet injury coverage, you can file a claim for your vet bills just as you would any other type of claim.

1. Contact your insurer. Insurers often have online, phone and mobile app claim-filing options. It's best to file your claim right away so you don't miss the deadline for your insurer's reporting requirements.
2. Submit documentation. You may need to provide a copy of the accident report, vet bills, treatment plans and more, depending on your insurer's requirements.
3. Wait for your payment. The insurance company will review your claim. If it's approved, they'll cover the cost of your pet's vet bills, up to the policy's limit. The review process may take several weeks, but you can typically check the status of your claim at any time.

Tip: Insurers consider pets property. If another driver is at fault for the accident, you may be able to file a claim with the other driver's insurance company under their property damage liability coverage.

What Are Other Ways to Save on Vet Bills?

Planning ahead when you have a pet can help you avoid disruptions to your budget. If you don't have pet injury coverage, here are some ways to reduce your out-of-pocket costs and help ensure you can pay the bills when they pop up.

• Consider pet insurance. Pet insurance can help pay a portion of your vet bills. Policies cover a percentage of the bill (reimbursement rate), and you are responsible for the remaining amount. Most pet insurance companies offer multiple reimbursement rates, allowing you to choose the one that fits your budget. Pet insurance can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses if your pet is seriously injured and help you avoid taking on high-interest debt to cover the bills.
• Seek out nonprofits. Nonprofit organizations like Red Rover Relief and the Brown Dog Foundation provide financial assistance for life-saving treatment to pet owners who are strapped for cash. Pet owners must meet income and other eligibility requirements to qualify.
• Tap your emergency fund. Just like you need an emergency fund in case of a medical emergency, so does your pet. Consider creating a pet savings fund that's separate from your household emergency fund to give you the financial cushion you need to pay the vet bills in cash. A high-yield savings account is a safe and easily accessible place to stash funds.
• Use a 0% intro APR credit card. If you're in a pinch and can't pay for your pet's treatment with cash, a 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR) credit card can help you avoid paying interest on the bills as long as you pay off the full balance before the introductory period expires—typically 12 to 21 months. Cards with 0% interest intro offers often have stricter requirements for approval. You may need good or excellent credit to qualify.
• Apply for financing. If you have no other options, consider applying for a personal loan or specialty financing. Companies like CareCredit and ScratchPay offer financing for vet bills. You may even qualify for a 0% APR if you meet certain conditions.

Tip: Keep in mind that applying for new credit to pay your vet bills may result in a drop in your credit scores because it generates a hard credit inquiry, changes the age of your credit history and affects your credit utilization ratio.

Learn more: Survey: Most Pet Owners Who Have Pet Insurance Say It's Worth the Cost

Get the Coverage You Need to Protect Your Finances

Having the right type of insurance coverage and a dedicated pet savings account can help protect your finances and your pet's health if the unthinkable happens. Begin by reviewing your existing auto insurance policy to determine if it covers pet injuries after an accident.

Don't forget to factor in the cost of vehicle safety items when budgeting for your pet. Investing in products like harnesses, raised pet seats and secured crates upfront could help protect your pet from serious injury in the event of an accident.