Does American National Insurance car insurance cover damage caused by a collision with an animal if I only have liability coverage?

Car accidents are unfortunately all too common on America’s roads, and with many drivers sharing the highways with a range of different animals including deer, moose, and even the occasional cow, collisions with animals are not uncommon.

If you are involved in a collision with an animal while driving, the damage caused to your car, and any injuries sustained by you or your passengers can be significant. So, what should you do if this happens to you, and does your American National Insurance policy cover the cost of any damages incurred?

Understanding Car Insurance Liability Coverage

Before we delve into the specifics of American National Insurance coverage, it’s important to understand the difference between liability coverage and comprehensive coverage. Liability coverage is mandatory in most states and covers the cost of any damage you may cause to other people’s property or well-being while operating your vehicle.

Comprehensive coverage, on the other hand, is optional and covers the cost of damage to your own vehicle if you are in an accident, regardless of fault.

It’s important to note that liability coverage has limits, meaning that it will only cover up to a certain amount of damages. If the damages exceed the coverage limit, you may be responsible for paying the remaining costs out of pocket. It’s important to carefully consider your coverage limits when selecting a car insurance policy.

Additionally, liability coverage typically does not cover intentional acts or criminal behavior while driving. If you are found to be driving under the influence or intentionally causing harm to others, your liability coverage may not apply and you may face legal and financial consequences.

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What Is American National Insurance And How Does It Work?

Founded in 1905, American National Insurance is one of the largest insurance providers in the United States. They offer a range of different insurance policies, including auto insurance coverage. In the event of an accident or collision, policyholders should contact American National Insurance to file a claim and receive compensation.

In addition to auto insurance, American National Insurance also offers life insurance, health insurance, and property insurance policies. These policies provide coverage for a variety of different situations, such as unexpected medical expenses, damage to your home or property, and the loss of a loved one.

When you purchase a policy from American National Insurance, you will be assigned a dedicated agent who will work with you to customize your coverage and ensure that you have the protection you need. You can also manage your policy online, making it easy to make payments, update your information, and file claims.

Collision with an Animal: Common Scenarios and What to Expect

If you are involved in a collision with an animal while driving, there are a range of common scenarios that can play out. In most cases, the animal will be killed or injured, and your vehicle will likely require repairs. If you have liability coverage only, American National Insurance will not cover the cost of any damage incurred by your vehicle.

One common scenario is hitting a deer, which can cause significant damage to your vehicle and potentially injure you or your passengers. It is important to stay calm and pull over to a safe location if possible. Contact local law enforcement and your insurance company to report the incident.

Another scenario is hitting a smaller animal, such as a raccoon or squirrel. While these collisions may not cause as much damage to your vehicle, they can still be dangerous and result in the animal being killed or injured. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and drive cautiously, especially in areas where wildlife is known to be present.

Comprehensive Coverage and its Importance in Car Insurance

Comprehensive coverage is a vital component of any car insurance policy, particularly if you live in an area with a high risk of collisions with animals. If you have comprehensive coverage in addition to liability coverage, American National Insurance should cover the cost of any damages caused to your vehicle by a collision with an animal, regardless of fault.

Additionally, comprehensive coverage can also protect your vehicle from non-collision incidents such as theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. This means that if your car is stolen or damaged in a hailstorm, for example, your comprehensive coverage can help cover the cost of repairs or replacement.

It’s important to note that comprehensive coverage is typically optional and may come with a deductible, so it’s important to carefully consider your coverage needs and budget when selecting a car insurance policy.

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Liability Coverage Vs Comprehensive Coverage: Which One Do You Need?

The answer to this question largely depends on a range of personal factors, including your budget, location, and personal priorities. Liability coverage is mandatory in most states, so you will need this coverage regardless of whether you opt for additional comprehensive coverage or not.

However, it’s generally advisable to add comprehensive coverage to your policy if you live in an area with a high risk of collisions with animals or want extra protection for your vehicle.

Comprehensive coverage can also provide coverage for non-collision incidents, such as theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. If you live in an area prone to severe weather, such as hurricanes or tornadoes, comprehensive coverage can help cover the cost of repairs or replacement if your vehicle is damaged or destroyed.

Additionally, if you have a newer or more expensive vehicle, comprehensive coverage can provide peace of mind knowing that you are protected in the event of unexpected damage or loss.

What To Do If You Hit An Animal While Driving?

If you hit an animal while driving, there are a range of steps you should take to ensure the safety of yourself and others. Firstly, you should pull over to the side of the road as soon as it’s safe to do so. You should assess any damage caused to your vehicle and call for emergency services if anyone has been injured. You should also contact American National Insurance to report the accident and file a claim.

After ensuring the safety of yourself and others, you should check on the animal that was hit. If the animal is still alive, you should contact a local animal rescue organization or wildlife rehabilitation center to provide assistance. If the animal has died, you should contact the local animal control agency to remove the animal from the road.

It’s important to remember that hitting an animal while driving can be a traumatic experience. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or distressed, it’s important to seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional. Additionally, taking steps to prevent future accidents, such as driving at a safe speed and being aware of your surroundings, can help reduce the risk of hitting an animal while driving.

How to file a claim for car insurance damage caused by a collision with an animal

To file a claim with American National Insurance for damages caused by a collision with an animal, you should contact their customer service department as soon as possible. You will need to provide them with your policy number, the location where the accident occurred, and the details of any other people or animals involved in the accident. You should also provide any relevant photographs or documents to support your claim.

It is important to note that some insurance policies may have specific exclusions or limitations when it comes to animal collisions. For example, some policies may not cover collisions with certain types of animals, such as deer or wild boars. It is important to review your policy carefully and understand any limitations or exclusions before filing a claim.

In addition, if you are involved in a collision with an animal, it is important to take certain steps to ensure your safety and the safety of others. This may include pulling over to the side of the road, turning on your hazard lights, and contacting local law enforcement or animal control if necessary. It is also important to avoid approaching or attempting to move any injured animals, as they may be dangerous or in distress.

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Tips for avoiding accidents involving animals on the road

While it’s not always possible to avoid collisions with animals on the road, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of being involved in an accident. Firstly, always pay attention to road signs and any marked animal crossing areas. You should also slow down and use your high beams when driving at night to increase your visibility. Finally, always be prepared for sudden animal movements and take evasive action if necessary.

Another important tip is to avoid distractions while driving, such as using your phone or eating. This will allow you to stay focused on the road and any potential hazards. Additionally, it’s important to be aware of the time of day and season, as certain animals are more active during certain times of the year. For example, deer are more active during mating season in the fall.

If you do encounter an animal on the road, it’s important to stay calm and avoid swerving, as this can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Instead, brake firmly and try to steer straight ahead. If you do hit an animal, pull over to a safe location and contact the authorities to report the incident. Remember, it’s always better to be cautious and take preventative measures to avoid accidents involving animals on the road.

Factors that impact your car insurance rates after hitting an animal

If you are involved in a collision with an animal and file a claim with American National Insurance, your car insurance rates may increase as a result. This is because you are now considered a higher risk driver and are more likely to file future claims. However, the exact impact on your rates will depend on a range of factors, including your driving history, age, and location.

Another factor that can impact your car insurance rates after hitting an animal is the type of animal involved in the collision. For example, hitting a deer can cause more damage to your car than hitting a smaller animal, such as a rabbit.

As a result, your insurance company may view hitting a deer as a more serious incident and increase your rates accordingly. Additionally, if you live in an area with a high risk of animal collisions, such as a rural area with a lot of wildlife, your rates may be higher than someone who lives in a city with less animal activity.

Does American National Insurance Offer Any Discounts For Car Insurance?

American National Insurance offers a range of discounts to help drivers save money on their car insurance policy. These include safe driver discounts, multi-policy discounts, and discounts for students and seniors. You should contact their customer service team to find out more about available discounts and how to apply.

In addition to the discounts mentioned above, American National Insurance also offers a loyalty discount for customers who have been with them for a certain number of years. This discount can help long-term customers save even more on their car insurance premiums.

Furthermore, American National Insurance provides a discount for drivers who have completed a defensive driving course. This discount is designed to encourage safe driving habits and can be a great way to save money on your car insurance policy while also improving your driving skills.

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Comparison of American National Insurance with other car insurance providers

When choosing a car insurance provider, it’s important to shop around and compare different policies and rates. American National Insurance is one of several providers offering car insurance coverage in the United States. Other top providers include Allstate, State Farm, GEICO, and Progressive. You should compare policies and rates from several different providers to find the best coverage and value for your needs.

In conclusion, while American National Insurance liability coverage does not cover damage caused to your vehicle in a collision with an animal, adding comprehensive coverage to your policy can provide important protection and coverage.

Always follow proper safety measures to avoid getting into accidents or collisions in the first place, and contact the customer service team at American National Insurance for more information on available coverage options and discounts.

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