10.002 Car Insurance and Animal Accidents in Tulsa: What’s Covered and What’s Not
10.002 What Car Insurance Covers in Animal Accidents in Tulsa and Oklahoma City
Animal accidents are not something every driver anticipates, but they are more common than you might think, especially in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Whether you hit a deer, a horse, or a dog, understanding how your car insurance responds in these situations is essential.
1. Comprehensive Coverage: Protecting Your Vehicle from Animal Damage
Comprehensive car insurance is the most common type of coverage for animal accidents. If you’re driving in Tulsa or Oklahoma City and accidentally collide with a deer, horse, or other animals, comprehensive coverage will typically cover the damages to your vehicle.
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What’s Covered: If your car is damaged by hitting an animal, comprehensive coverage will typically cover repairs. This includes damage caused by wildlife such as deer, raccoons, and even larger animals like horses.
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What’s Not Covered: Comprehensive insurance does not cover the animal’s medical bills or its value. If the animal is injured, those costs fall to the owner, not the driver.
Given that Tulsa and Oklahoma City have rural and wildlife-heavy areas, comprehensive coverage is highly recommended for anyone who drives these roads regularly.
2. Collision Coverage: Vehicle Damage Regardless of Fault
Collision coverage is another option for protecting your car after an animal accident. While comprehensive coverage applies to non-collision incidents, collision coverage is designed to cover damage from crashes, including those involving animals. This is a good option for those who want more comprehensive protection.
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What’s Covered: Collision coverage will help pay for repairs to your vehicle after hitting an animal. This can apply even if the animal causes damage that results from swerving to avoid it or in an unusual collision scenario.
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What’s Not Covered: Like comprehensive coverage, collision insurance does not cover the animal’s medical bills or its owner’s damages. If the accident results in property damage, you may need liability insurance.
3. Liability Insurance: When You’re Responsible for the Accident
If you hit an animal and cause damage to someone else’s property (e.g., the animal’s owner’s fence or barn), liability insurance will help cover the costs of that damage. However, liability insurance will not cover the repair costs for your own car after hitting an animal.
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What’s Covered: Liability coverage covers any property damage or injuries caused to others in the accident. If the owner of the animal sues you for damages to their animal or property, this coverage would help.
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What’s Not Covered: Liability insurance does not cover your own vehicle’s damage or injuries sustained by you or your passengers.
What’s Not Covered by Car Insurance in Animal Accidents
While car insurance is critical for dealing with accidents, there are some exclusions when it comes to animal accidents. Here’s what your policy won’t cover in Tulsa and Oklahoma City:
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Veterinary Bills: If you hit an animal and it’s injured, car insurance will not pay for the veterinary bills. This is the responsibility of the animal’s owner.
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The Value of the Animal: Whether you hit a deer or a horse, your insurance won’t cover the value of the animal. If the animal is valuable or rare, like a racehorse, those costs fall to the animal’s owner, not your car insurance.
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Damage to Property Not Related to the Animal: If the animal damages other property (e.g., knocking down fences or hitting other vehicles), only liability insurance will apply, and only if the accident was deemed your fault.
Recent Car and Animal Accidents in Tulsa
In Tulsa, accidents involving animals, particularly horses, have become more frequent. A recent example involved a car hitting a horse and its rider, highlighting the dangers that arise when animals are on the road. As reported by Fox23 News, a vehicle collided with a horse and its rider, emphasizing the importance of understanding your car insurance policy when it comes to animal accidents. This incident shows the need for drivers to be vigilant and for car owners to ensure they have the proper car insurance coverage to protect themselves in such scenarios.
Get the Best Car Insurance Quote in Tulsa and Oklahoma City
If you live in Tulsa or Oklahoma City and are concerned about how animal accidents could affect your car, it's essential to get the best car insurance coverage. Fortunately, Cheapest Car Insurance Tulsa offers free car insurance quotations for drivers in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. You can easily compare quotes from different providers to find the best rates and the coverage you need. Visit their website at Cheapest Car Insurance Tulsa to get a free quote today and make sure you’re covered in case of an animal accident.
Final Thoughts: How to Protect Yourself from Animal Accidents in Tulsa and Oklahoma City
Accidents involving animals in Tulsa and Oklahoma City can happen at any time, and the consequences can be expensive. To ensure that you’re adequately protected, consider adding comprehensive coverage and collision coverage to your car insurance policy. These types of coverage will protect you from financial hardship if you hit an animal, whether in an urban area or while traveling through rural Oklahoma.
Make sure to review your policy regularly and speak to an agent about car insurance options that fit your needs. If you haven’t done so yet, visit Cheapest Car Insurance Tulsa for a free quote and ensure that you’re properly covered for any unexpected accidents.
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