“Is my dog covered if he/she is in the car and I have an accident?” is a question we have been asked numerous time. The answer is not straightforward, as it depends on various factors and companies have different ways of approaching this .
Ohio, like many other states, has laws and regulations in place to ensure that car accident victims are protected and compensated for their injuries and damages. But what about pets? Are they covered in auto accidents in the state of Ohio?
First, it is essential to note that Ohio is a "fault" state when it comes to car accidents. This means that the at-fault driver and their insurance company are responsible for paying for the damages and injuries resulting from the accident. So if you were involved in an accident caused by another driver, you would typically file a claim with their insurance company to seek compensation.
Now, let's consider the scenario where you were traveling with your pet in the car and were involved in an accident. If your pet suffered injuries in the accident, you may be able to seek compensation for their veterinary bills and any other related expenses, such as medication or therapy.
However, whether your pet is covered in an auto accident largely depends on the insurance policy you have. Some insurance companies offer pet injury coverage as an optional add-on to their policy, while others may include it as part of their standard coverage.
If you have pet injury coverage, it will typically provide a limited amount of coverage for your pet's medical expenses in the event of an accident. The coverage amount can vary depending on the insurer and the policy, so it's essential to check the terms and conditions of your policy carefully.
If your insurance policy does not include pet injury coverage, you may still be able to seek compensation for your pet's injuries by filing a claim with the at-fault driver's insurance company. However, keep in mind that this can be a challenging process, and there is no guarantee that you will be successful.
It's worth noting that the compensation for your pet's injuries is typically separate from the compensation you may receive for your own injuries and damages. So, even if your insurance policy does not cover your pet's injuries, you may still be eligible for compensation for your own injuries and damages.
In conclusion, whether pets are covered in auto accidents in the state of Ohio depends on various factors, such as the insurance policy you have and the circumstances of the accident. If you have a pet and frequently travel with them in the car, it's essential to review your insurance policy and consider adding pet injury coverage to protect your furry friend in the event of an accident.
On a side note, get a harness or a dog car seat that buckles both to the dog and the seatbelt to prevent causing you to have an accident. Learn more. I have a booster seat and it helps me to not be distracted while letting her see out the window. You would be surprised how often having an animal in the car causes an accident. Our agency also sells pet insurance to help pay for all those puppy visits. The younger the dog, the cheaper the pet insurance.