What Happens When My Pet Is Also Involved In A Car Accident?
Michael Babboni
Law
There are a lot of beautiful places in St. Petersburg, Florida and sometimes, a trip is not complete if you do not bring your pets with you. However, when your pets join you in your vehicle, they can most definitely get involved and be injured when a car accident happens.It is a known fact that auto accidents can cause a lot of damage to the people involved. As a no-fault state, car owners in Florida are automatically covered by their Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance and can receive immediate medical attention. But what about your pets? Here are the things you need to know when your pet gets involved in a car accident with you.
Are My Pets Covered By My Insurance Plans?
With the various insurance coverage plans you can avail of to secure your health and safety, unfortunately, they usually do not involve care for your pets. For instance, Florida’s PIP policy focuses on the well-being of the drivers and passengers under its coverage and is limited to treating your injuries and your hospital bills.
Many insurance companies extend their benefits to your family members and even friends. However, no matter how much you see your pets as family, they will not be considered as such. Instead, your pets may be seen as part of your property. This still does not entitle them to insurance coverage on property damages unless otherwise specifically stated on your agreement. Insurance plans that take care of property damage are limited to cases of theft, car repairs, and the like.
Can I Ask My Insurance Provider To Include My Pet?
There is also an option to discuss your insurance coverage with your provider and see if they can include your pets in the plan. Insurance companies may ask for additional payment for including your pets in your coverage. If this is what you choose to do, it is better to consult with a lawyer first to check the fairness and lawfulness of the plan that you are agreeing to.
What Can I Do To Ensure My Pet’s Safety When A Car Accident Happens?
The good news is there are actually pet insurance coverage plans that you can avail of. The best part is that pet insurance usually covers everything about your pets, whether they are injured from an auto accident or not. This includes veterinary bills when they get sick or are harmed in some other way.
Remember that your insurance does not guarantee your pet’s coverage and this goes the same for the insurance plans of other drivers involved. Even if the other party is found at fault, their insurance policy will cover compensation for you only and may omit your pets.
Alas, the best way to find out if your pets are covered by your insurance is to ask your provider. You can also consult an auto accident lawyer to help you understand your insurance policies and avoid being taken advantage of.