Does Farmers Insurance car insurance cover damage caused by a collision with an animal if I only have liability coverage?
Does Farmers Insurance car insurance provide coverage for animal collisions if I only have liability insurance? Find out if your policy protects you from damage caused by accidents with animals.
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Schimri Yoyo
Licensed Agent & Financial Advisor
Schimri Yoyo is a financial advisor with active insurance licenses in seven states and over 20 years of professional experience. During his career, he has held roles at Foresters Financial, Strayer University, Minnesota Life, Securian Financial Services, Delaware Valley Advisors, Bridgemark Wealth Management, and Fidelity. Schimri is an educator eager to assist individuals and families in ach...
Licensed Agent & Financial Advisor
UPDATED: Aug 7, 2023
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about car insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything car insurance-related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by car insurance experts.
UPDATED: Aug 7, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our car insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different car insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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As a car owner, one of the things you’ll need to consider when purchasing car insurance is collision coverage. Collision coverage, as the name implies, provides protection against damage to your vehicle caused by a collision with another object or car. However, what happens if you’re involved in an accident with an animal such as a deer, moose, or cow? Does Farmers Insurance car insurance cover such incidents if you only have liability coverage?
Understanding Liability Coverage In Farmers Insurance Car Insurance
Before we dive into understanding whether Farmers Insurance car insurance covers animal collisions if you only have liability coverage, let’s break down what liability coverage is.
Liability coverage in car insurance provides protection against damage or injury that you, the policyholder, may cause to another person, vehicle, or property.
For instance, if you’re involved in an accident where you’re at fault, and the other party files a claim, your liability coverage can help pay for the medical bills, car repair costs, and other damages that the other driver and their passengers incurred.
It’s important to note that liability coverage does not cover damages to your own vehicle or injuries you may sustain in an accident. For that, you would need additional coverage such as collision or personal injury protection.
When it comes to animal collisions, Farmers Insurance liability coverage may not cover the damages to your vehicle if you hit a deer or other animal. However, if you hit another car while swerving to avoid hitting an animal, your liability coverage can help cover the damages to the other vehicle and any injuries sustained by the other driver and passengers.
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The Difference Between Liability And Comprehensive Coverage In Farmers Insurance
In contrast to liability coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage provide protection against damage to your car. Collision coverage covers damage resulting from a collision with another object or car, while comprehensive coverage covers non-collision events like theft, natural disasters, and animal collisions.
With this in mind, let’s examine whether Farmers Insurance car insurance covers animal collisions with liability coverage alone.
Unfortunately, liability coverage alone does not cover animal collisions. If you hit a deer or other animal while driving, you would need to have comprehensive coverage to be protected. This is because liability coverage only covers damage to other people’s property or injuries they sustain in an accident where you are at fault.
It’s important to note that comprehensive coverage is not required by law, but it can provide valuable protection in situations where liability coverage falls short. If you live in an area with a high risk of animal collisions or natural disasters, it may be worth considering adding comprehensive coverage to your Farmers Insurance policy.
What To Do If You Have A Collision With An Animal And Only Have Liability Coverage In Farmers Insurance
If you’re involved in an accident with an animal and you only have liability coverage on your Farmers Insurance policy, you may not be covered for damages to your car.
In this instance, you’ll need to rely on your collision coverage to cover the cost of repairing your vehicle. However, the insurance company will only pay up to the policy’s limits.
But what if you don’t have collision coverage?
In this case, you’ll be responsible for paying for repairs out of your pocket. It’s important to note that it’s not recommended to drive or operate a vehicle without collision coverage.
It’s also important to remember that collisions with animals can be dangerous and unpredictable. If you’re involved in an accident with an animal, make sure to pull over to a safe location and assess any injuries to yourself or passengers. If necessary, seek medical attention immediately. Additionally, it’s important to report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you’ll be covered for damages. They may be able to provide assistance or guidance on next steps.
How Much Coverage Is Needed To Protect You From Collision With Animal Damage In Farmers Insurance?
If you live in an area with high animal collision risks, then it’s recommended to get comprehensive coverage to protect you from animal-related damages.
Comprehensive coverage will ensure that your Farmers Insurance policy covers the cost of animal collision damages and other losses not caused by collision.
The cost of comprehensive coverage varies depending on several factors, including your deductible amount, the age of your car, your car’s make and model, your driving history, and your location.
It’s important to note that collision coverage alone may not be enough to cover damages caused by animal collisions. Collision coverage typically only covers damages caused by collisions with other vehicles or objects, not animals.
Therefore, if you live in an area with high animal collision risks, it’s recommended to add comprehensive coverage to your policy to ensure that you’re fully protected in case of an animal-related accident.
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Is It Worth Upgrading Your Farmers Insurance Policy To Include Comprehensive Coverage?
If you’re in an area prone to animal collisions, then it’s recommended to upgrade your Farmers Insurance policy to include comprehensive coverage. This way, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your policy will cover damages caused by animals and other non-collision accidents.
Before you upgrade your policy, it’s important to consult with your insurance agent to understand the cost implications and to determine the best coverage for your situation.
Another factor to consider when deciding whether to upgrade your Farmers Insurance policy to include comprehensive coverage is the value of your vehicle. If you have a newer or more expensive car, it may be worth the extra cost to have comprehensive coverage in case of theft or vandalism. On the other hand, if you have an older or less valuable car, it may not be necessary to have comprehensive coverage.
It’s also important to note that comprehensive coverage typically has a deductible, which is the amount you’ll have to pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. Make sure you understand your deductible and are comfortable with the amount before upgrading your policy.
Common Animal Collisions And How They Affect Your Farmers Insurance Policy
Animal collisions are a common occurrence and can cause significant damage to your car. If you live in an area with high animal activity, it’s important to know which animals pose the greatest risk to your vehicle.
For instance, hitting a deer can cause significant damage to your car and may even lead to fatalities. Other animals that could cause damage include moose, cows, and bears.
It’s essential to understand that different types of animals will be charged differently based on the location you live in.
Additionally, it’s important to note that some insurance policies may not cover certain types of animal collisions. For example, if you hit a wild animal such as a raccoon or squirrel, your insurance may not cover the damages. It’s important to review your policy and understand what is and isn’t covered.
Furthermore, taking preventative measures can help reduce the risk of animal collisions. This includes driving at a safe speed, especially in areas with high animal activity, and being aware of your surroundings. Installing deer whistles on your car can also help deter animals from crossing the road in front of you.
How To File A Claim For Damage Caused By A Collision With An Animal In Farmers Insurance
If you’re involved in an accident with an animal, the first thing you’ll want to do is report the incident to your insurance provider. You’ll need to provide them with as much information as possible, including the time and location of the accident, details of the animal involved, and any witnesses.
If you’re uncertain whether your policy covers animal collision damages, it’s also helpful to ask your insurance agent about the policy’s specifics before filing a claim.
Once you’ve reported the incident, your insurance provider will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage to your vehicle. They may also ask for additional information, such as photos of the damage or a police report. It’s important to cooperate with the adjuster and provide them with any requested information to ensure a smooth claims process.
If your claim is approved, your insurance provider will either pay for the repairs to your vehicle or provide you with a settlement to cover the damages. Keep in mind that you may be responsible for paying a deductible before your insurance coverage kicks in. Additionally, if the animal involved in the accident was someone’s pet, you may need to file a separate claim with the pet owner’s insurance provider.
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Factors That Affect The Cost Of Your Farmers Insurance Car Insurance Policy When Covering Collision With Animals
The cost of your Farmers Insurance policy when covering collision with animals will vary depending on several factors. These include your driving history, the cost of your vehicle, the age of your vehicle, your deductible amount, and the location where you typically drive.
It’s essential to discuss these factors with your insurance agent to determine the cost of the policy and how it can fit within your budget.
Another factor that can affect the cost of your Farmers Insurance policy when covering collision with animals is the type of animal involved in the collision. Hitting a deer, for example, can cause more damage to your vehicle than hitting a smaller animal like a raccoon. This can result in a higher cost for repairs and, in turn, a higher insurance premium.
Additionally, the frequency of animal collisions in your area can also impact the cost of your policy. If you live in an area with a high risk of animal collisions, such as a rural area with a lot of wildlife, your insurance premium may be higher than someone who lives in a city with less risk of animal collisions.
Tips For Preventing Accidents With Animals While Driving, and How It Can Affect Your Farmers Insurance Policy
One way to prevent accidents with animals while driving is to pay attention to road signs that alert you of wildlife and animals. Additionally, you can drive at a considered and safe speed, particularly in areas with animal crossings or high animal activity.
Safe driving and avoiding accidents can also help you avoid expensive car insurance premiums. Farmers Insurance and other insurance providers will often offer discounts to drivers with collision-free driving records and those that avoid accidents caused by animal collisions.
In conclusion, Farmers Insurance car insurance does not cover damages caused by animal collisions if you only have liability insurance. Upgrading your policy to comprehensive coverage is the best way to protect yourself from such damages. It’s also essential to take proactive measures to prevent accidents with animals while driving, protecting yourself, and avoiding premium increases.
Another way to prevent accidents with animals while driving is to be aware of the time of day when animals are most active. For example, deer are most active during dawn and dusk, so it’s essential to be extra cautious during these times. Additionally, if you see one animal on the road, there’s a high chance that there are more nearby, so it’s crucial to slow down and be alert.
It’s also important to keep your vehicle in good condition, particularly your headlights and brakes. Properly functioning headlights can help you spot animals on the road, while well-maintained brakes can help you stop quickly in case an animal suddenly appears in front of your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Farmers Insurance car insurance cover damage caused by a collision with an animal if I only have liability coverage?
No, liability coverage only covers damage to other people’s property or injuries they sustain in an accident caused by you. It does not cover damage to your own vehicle.
What type of coverage do I need to have my car repaired if I hit an animal?
To have your car repaired after hitting an animal, you would need comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your vehicle caused by incidents other than collisions, such as hitting an animal, theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
Does Farmers Insurance offer comprehensive coverage?
Yes, Farmers Insurance offers comprehensive coverage as an optional add-on to their car insurance policies. It provides coverage for damage to your vehicle caused by various non-collision incidents, including hitting an animal.
What other situations does comprehensive coverage protect against?
Comprehensive coverage protects against a range of non-collision incidents, such as theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, hail, floods, and natural disasters. It provides additional peace of mind by covering damage to your vehicle in these situations.
Is comprehensive coverage mandatory
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Schimri Yoyo
Licensed Agent & Financial Advisor
Schimri Yoyo is a financial advisor with active insurance licenses in seven states and over 20 years of professional experience. During his career, he has held roles at Foresters Financial, Strayer University, Minnesota Life, Securian Financial Services, Delaware Valley Advisors, Bridgemark Wealth Management, and Fidelity. Schimri is an educator eager to assist individuals and families in ach...
Licensed Agent & Financial Advisor
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about car insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything car insurance-related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by car insurance experts.