Does National General Insurance car insurance cover damage caused by a collision with an animal if I only have liability coverage?
Does National General Insurance car insurance provide coverage for damage caused by a collision with an animal if I have only opted for liability coverage? Find out what protection you have in case of such incidents with National General Insurance.
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Tonya Sisler
Content Team Lead
Tonya Sisler has been a technical insurance writer for over five years. She uses her extensive insurance and finance knowledge to write informative articles that answer readers' top questions. Her mission is to provide readers with timely, accurate information that allows them to determine their insurance needs and choose the best coverage. Tonya currently leads a team of 10 insurance copywri...
Content Team Lead
UPDATED: Aug 22, 2023
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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.
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 22, 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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If you have National General Insurance car insurance with liability coverage, you may be wondering if you are covered for damage that occurs in a collision with an animal. This article will explore all the aspects of liability coverage in your policy and provide answers to your questions about animal collisions and liability coverage.
What Is Liability Coverage In National General Insurance Car Insurance?
Liability coverage is required by law in most states in the US. This type of coverage is designed to protect you from financial repercussions if you are responsible for causing an accident. Liability coverage includes two types of coverage – bodily injury liability and property damage liability.
Bodily injury liability coverage pays for medical expenses of any other individuals who are injured in an accident caused by your vehicle. Property damage liability coverage pays for any repairs to the other person’s car or other property caused by your vehicle.
It is important to note that liability coverage does not cover any damages or injuries that you may sustain in an accident. For this reason, it is recommended that you also consider purchasing personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage to ensure that you are fully protected in the event of an accident. Additionally, it is important to review your liability coverage limits to ensure that they are adequate for your needs and the potential costs of an accident.
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What Is Collision Coverage And How Does It Work?
Collision coverage is a type of coverage that pays for the damage to your own car in an accident caused by your vehicle. Collision coverage is not included in liability coverage, and is often an optional coverage that you can choose to add to your policy.
If you have collision coverage, you are covered for damages to your own vehicle in the event of a collision with an animal. If you only have liability coverage, however, you will not be covered for any damages that occur to your own vehicle in an animal collision.
It is important to note that collision coverage typically comes with a deductible, which is the amount you will have to pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. The higher your deductible, the lower your monthly premium will be. However, it is important to choose a deductible that you can afford in the event of an accident.
Understanding Comprehensive Coverage In National General Insurance Car Insurance
Comprehensive coverage is another optional coverage in your car insurance policy. Comprehensive coverage, unlike collision coverage, may cover damage to your car caused by other events other than collision such as theft or hail damage. Comprehensive coverage may also pay for damages caused by collision with an animal.
If you have comprehensive coverage, you may be covered for damages to your own vehicle caused by a collision with an animal. However, if you only have liability coverage, you will not be covered for damages to your own vehicle in an animal collision.
It is important to note that comprehensive coverage may also cover damages caused by natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes. This coverage may also extend to cover damages caused by falling objects or vandalism.
It is recommended that you carefully review your car insurance policy to understand the extent of your comprehensive coverage. You may also want to consider adding this coverage to your policy if you live in an area prone to natural disasters or have concerns about theft or vandalism.
What Does National General Insurance Car Insurance Cover And Not Cover In Liability Coverage?
Liability coverage only covers the damages that are caused to someone else’s property or injury to another person in an accident for which you are responsible. Liability only covers the cost of the damages to the other person’s property or the medical bill of the individual that you harmed. If you only have liability coverage, you will not be covered for any damages that occur to your own vehicle in an animal collision.
It is important to note that liability coverage also has limits. The coverage limit is the maximum amount that the insurance company will pay for damages or injuries caused by you in an accident. If the damages or injuries exceed the coverage limit, you will be responsible for paying the remaining amount out of pocket.
Additionally, liability coverage does not cover intentional acts or criminal behavior. If you intentionally cause an accident or commit a crime while driving, your liability coverage will not apply. It is important to always drive responsibly and follow traffic laws to avoid any legal or financial consequences.
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Collision With An Animal: Are You Covered By National General Insurance Car Insurance?
If you were driving with only liability coverage and you hit an animal, the cost of the damage to your vehcile would be your responsibility to cover. Additionally, you would be responsible for any damage to another person’s property or injury to another individual in the accident.
However, if you decide to add comprehensive coverage to your policy, you would be insured for damages caused by collision with an animal.
It’s important to note that comprehensive coverage not only covers damages caused by collision with an animal, but also covers damages caused by other non-collision incidents such as theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. This type of coverage can provide peace of mind and financial protection in a variety of situations.
It’s also worth mentioning that some states have specific laws regarding collisions with animals. For example, in some states, if you hit a deer, you may be required to report the incident to the authorities and obtain a permit to keep the deer. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the laws in your state to ensure you are following proper procedures in the event of a collision with an animal.
Can You Add Collision Coverage To Your Liability-Only Policy In National General Insurance Car Insurance?
Yes, you can. Comprehensive and collision coverage are optional coverages that you can add to your policy to be covered for damages to your own vehicle caused by collision with an animal.
It is important to note that adding collision coverage to your liability-only policy will increase your premium. However, it may be worth it if you want to protect your vehicle from damages caused by collisions with other vehicles or objects, such as trees or guardrails. Additionally, collision coverage may also cover damages caused by hit-and-run accidents, which can be helpful if the other driver cannot be identified or does not have insurance.
What To Do If You Have A Collision With An Animal While Driving With Liability Coverage.
If you are in a collision with an animal while driving with liability coverage, you should assess the damage to your vehicle. If your car is damaged, you can try to claim damages from the owner of the animal or file a comprehensive claim if yo have it on your policy.
It is important to note that liability coverage typically only covers damages to other people’s property or injuries they sustain in an accident that you are at fault for. It does not typically cover damages to your own vehicle or injuries you sustain. Therefore, if you have liability coverage and are in a collision with an animal, you may be responsible for paying for any damages to your own vehicle out of pocket. It is always a good idea to review your insurance policy and consider adding comprehensive coverage to protect yourself in situations like these.
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How To File A Claim For Animal Collision Damage With National General Insurance Car Insurance.
If you have comprehensive coverage, you can file a claim with National General Insurance to be covered for any damages caused by collision with an animal. To file a claim, you need to contact National General Insurance and provide the details of the collision and any other relevant information.
It is important to note that some policies may have specific requirements for filing a claim for animal collision damage. For example, some policies may require that you report the incident to the police or animal control within a certain timeframe. Additionally, some policies may have a deductible that you will need to pay before your coverage kicks in. It is important to review your policy and understand the specific requirements and coverage limits before filing a claim.
Tips For Preventing Collisions With Animals On The Road To Avoid Liability In National General Insurance Car Insurance.
There are certain precautions you can take on the road to avoid collision with animals. Some of the tips to prevent collisions include:
- Hitting your brakes if you see an animal standing on the road or near it to scare it away.
- Scan the road to provide sufficient stopping time if there are animals crossing the road.
- If you are driving through an area known for more animals, slow down to better react to any potential obstacles on the road.
It is important to note that collisions with animals can result in serious injuries or even fatalities. In addition to taking the above precautions, it is also recommended to use high beams when driving at night to increase visibility and watch for any reflective eyes on the side of the road. It is also important to avoid swerving to avoid hitting an animal, as this can cause you to lose control of your vehicle and potentially cause a more serious accident. By taking these precautions, you can help prevent collisions with animals and avoid liability in your National General Insurance car insurance policy.
Understanding The Different Types Of Animal Collisions Covered By National General Insurance Car Insurance.
National General Insurance may provide comprehensive coverage for damages caused by animal hits. However, coverage may differ depending on the animal type. When contacting your insurance provider, it is important to specify the type of animal you hit.
One of the most common types of animal collisions covered by National General Insurance is deer hits. Deer are known to cause significant damage to vehicles, and collisions with them can result in costly repairs. Other types of animal collisions covered by National General Insurance include hits with dogs, cats, birds, and even livestock.
It is important to note that coverage for animal collisions may also depend on the specific policy you have with National General Insurance. Some policies may have exclusions or limitations on coverage for certain types of animals. It is always a good idea to review your policy and speak with your insurance provider to fully understand your coverage in the event of an animal collision.
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The Pros And Cons Of Choosing Liability-Only Coverage In National General Insurance Car Insurance.
The pros of choosing liability only coverage include having lower monthly premiums. On the other hand, choosing liability only coverage means you will not be covered for damages to your own vehicle or for collision with an animal. Instead, you will only be covered for damages caused to another person or property if you are deemed at fault for an accident. When choosing coverage for pet-related incidentals, it is important to evaluate the risks associated with deciding whether or not to add more coverage option to a policy.
It is also important to consider the value of your vehicle when deciding on liability-only coverage. If your car is older and has a lower value, it may not be worth paying for comprehensive coverage. However, if you have a newer or more expensive vehicle, it may be wise to invest in additional coverage to protect your investment. It is important to weigh the potential cost of repairs or replacement against the cost of the additional coverage.
Comparing The Costs Of Liability-Only Vs Comprehensive Coverage For Animal Collisions In National General Insurance Car Insurance.
Comprehensive coverage, which includes collision with an animal, is usually more expensive than liability only coverage. A decision should weigh the risk of collision and potential damage against its cost. If you live in anarea with a high incidence of animal collisions, comprehensive coverage might be a better option. Otherwise, it may be worth just sticking to liability coverage, especially considering the lowered overall monthly premiums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does National General Insurance car insurance cover damage caused by a collision with an animal if I only have liability coverage?
Unfortunately, liability coverage alone does not typically cover damage caused by a collision with an animal. Liability coverage only pays for damages to others involved in the accident, not for damages to your own vehicle. To be covered for animal collisions, you would need to have comprehensive coverage included in your policy.
What is comprehensive coverage in car insurance?
Comprehensive coverage is an optional type of car insurance coverage that helps protect your vehicle from damages caused by incidents other than collisions with another vehicle. This can include damages from animal collisions, theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and more.
Can I add comprehensive coverage to my National General Insurance policy?
Yes, you can typically add comprehensive coverage to your National General Insurance policy. It is advisable to contact your insurance agent or the National General Insurance customer service to inquire about adding comprehensive coverage to your existing policy.
Are there any specific requirements or restrictions for adding comprehensive coverage to my policy?
The specific requirements and restrictions for adding comprehensive coverage may vary depending on your location and the terms of your National General Insurance policy. It
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Tonya Sisler
Content Team Lead
Tonya Sisler has been a technical insurance writer for over five years. She uses her extensive insurance and finance knowledge to write informative articles that answer readers' top questions. Her mission is to provide readers with timely, accurate information that allows them to determine their insurance needs and choose the best coverage. Tonya currently leads a team of 10 insurance copywri...
Content Team Lead
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.