CarInsurance.com Insights
- Even if you have full coverage, pet injury protection isn’t automatically included by every insurer.
- Always confirm that your policy specifically lists pet injury coverage before assuming your furry companion is protected.
- If you frequently travel with your pets, look for an insurer that automatically includes this protection. It typically costs less than $2 per month and can save thousands in veterinary care after a crash.
For many drivers, pets are family — and they often ride along for errands, road trips, or even the daily commute. But if you’re in an accident, does your car insurance protect your furry passenger the same way it protects you?
Most drivers assume the answer is yes, but it’s not that simple. Standard car insurance doesn’t automatically cover vet bills or injuries to your pet after a crash. However, several insurers now include or offer pet injury coverage, which can reimburse you for veterinary care, medical costs, or even burial expenses if your pet is hurt or killed in an accident.
Does car insurance cover pets in an accident?
In most cases, standard auto insurance policies do not cover pets. That’s because, under most state laws, pets are considered personal property, not passengers. As a result, coverages like personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments (MedPay) — which pay for human injuries — don’t extend to animals.
However, there are exceptions. If you carry collision coverage, a few insurers automatically include pet injury protection as part of that policy. This benefit pays for your dog’s or cat’s veterinary bills (and in some cases, burial costs) if they’re injured in a covered crash while inside your vehicle.
Here’s what pet injury coverage typically includes:
- Veterinary treatment costs up to a certain limit (usually $500–$2,500 per pet)
- Medication or surgery related to accident injuries
- Death benefit if the pet is killed in a covered crash
- No deductible applied in many cases
Keep in mind that pet injury coverage only applies when your pet is inside the insured vehicle at the time of the accident. It doesn’t cover pets left in parked cars, injuries outside the car or non-accident medical expenses.
Smart Stats
In 2025, more insurers are adding pet protection to their auto policies as pet ownership rises — now topping 71% of U.S. households, according to the American Pet Products Association.
What is pet injury coverage?
Some insurance companies offer pet injury coverage as part of their auto policies.
Usually, this amounts to anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $1,000 or more in coverage for injuries or burial costs for pets that are hurt while they are in your car.
Lemonade offers an endorsement to its car insurance policy that provides up to $1,000 for injuries to your pets that result from them being in your car at the time of an accident, says Yael Cohen, pet company lead at Lemonade Insurance.
“A base pet insurance accident and illness policy is very likely to cover treatments related to your pet being injured in a car accident,” Cohen says. “There are lots of ways to customize your coverages to give your pet truly tailored protection,” Cohen says.
Which car insurance companies cover pets in 2025?
Not all insurers offer pet injury protection, but several major companies now include it automatically or as an optional endorsement. Following are some of the companies that offer pet injury protection coverage as part of their auto insurance policies:
- Erie Insurance: An auto policy offers pet injury protection of up to $500 per pet, $1,000 total.
- The Hanover Insurance Group: Offers up to $2,500 to cover injury or burial costs for dogs involved in a covered auto accident. No deductible is charged.
- Lemonade: Up to $1,000 in pet injury protection coverage for dogs and cats is included in comprehensive and collision coverage; varies by state.
- Metromile: Up to $1,000 in pet injury protection coverage for dogs and cats is included in comprehensive and collision coverage; varies by state.
- Progressive: Protecting your pets is part of the company’s auto collision coverage. If your dog or cat is injured in an accident, this coverage pays for up to $1,000 in medical care.
- Safeco: Safeco offers pet accident coverage as an optional add-on with separate limits. Ask your agent for more information.
| Company | Pet injury coverage limit | Included or optional | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erie Insurance | Up to $500 per pet, $1,000 total | Included with auto policy | Automatically applies if you have collision coverage |
| Hanover Insurance Group | Up to $2,500 | Included only on eligible policies | Covers injury or burial costs for dogs in covered accidents; no deductible |
| Lemonade | Up to $1,000 | Included with comprehensive and collision | Not available in all states |
| Metromile | Up to $1,000 | Included with comprehensive and collision | Not available in all states |
| Progressive | Up to $1,000 | Included with collision coverage | Covers dogs and cats; available in most states |
| Safeco | Separate limits | Optional add-on | Ask your agent for details |
Note: Coverage is subject to state availability and is only available with certain coverages. Limits may vary.
Speak with a friendly agent and get your quote in minutes!
Does liability or comprehensive coverage protect pets?
Not usually. If you only carry liability insurance, your policy won’t pay for any damage to your own vehicle — or injuries to your pet. Liability coverage only protects other people and their property when you’re at fault in an accident. Since pets are legally considered property, not passengers, their injuries aren’t covered under this part of your policy.
Comprehensive insurance, on the other hand, pays for non-collision events such as theft, vandalism, or storm damage. While it can cover harm to your car — like a tree branch falling on it — it doesn’t cover injuries to pets unless your insurer explicitly includes pet injury protection as part of comprehensive coverage.
The one exception is when you carry a full coverage policy (liability + collision + comprehensive) with a pet injury endorsement. In that case, your collision coverage portion — not liability or comprehensive — is what typically pays for vet bills or a death benefit if your pet is injured in a covered crash.
How can I keep my pets safe in the car?
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends placing the pet in a crate or carrier with sufficient ventilation and ample room for the pet to stand, lie down or turn around. The crate should be secured so it will not slide around. Alternatively, use a pet seat belt to restrain your pet.
Other tips for traveling with pets:
- Never leave your pet alone in a car.
- Keep pets out of the front seat and away from airbags.
- Never let a dog ride with its head out the window.
- Take breaks during long trips for hydration and rest.
- Keep to a routine regarding your pet’s meal times.
- Pack enough food, so you don’t run out while traveling. Bring a water bowl and fresh water to give your pet regular hydration breaks during trips.
- Give your pet regular bathroom breaks – make sure to travel equipped with plenty of plastic bags or a litter box with cleanup materials.
What should I do if my pet is injured in a car accident?
When an accident happens, your pet’s safety comes first. Here’s what experts recommend doing right away if your dog or cat is hurt in a crash:
- Ensure everyone’s safety first: Move to a secure area away from traffic. Turn on hazard lights and call emergency services if needed.
- Seek veterinary care immediately: Even if your pet seems fine, internal injuries may not be visible. A prompt vet visit also provides official documentation for insurance purposes.
- Document the scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, your pet’s restraint system (if used), and visible injuries. Keep all receipts, medical records, and invoices.
- Notify your insurance company: Report the incident as soon as possible, specifying that a pet injury claim may apply. If your insurer offers this benefit, they’ll guide you through the process.
- Contact your pet insurance provider (if you have one): If your auto policy doesn’t include pet injury coverage, your pet health insurance may help pay for treatment. Provide the vet’s documentation when filing a claim.
- Monitor your pet’s recovery: Follow up with your veterinarian for ongoing care and keep all medical documentation until the claim is closed.
Frequently Asked Questions: Car insurance coverage for pets
Does car insurance cover pets injured in a car accident?
In most cases, standard auto insurance doesn’t automatically cover pets injured in a crash. However, some insurers offer pet injury coverage as part of a full coverage policy (which includes collision and comprehensive). This endorsement can pay veterinary bills or provide compensation if your pet is injured or killed in an accident while inside your vehicle.
Does comprehensive coverage pay if my pet is hurt during a non-crash event?
No. Comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision events like theft, weather damage or fire — but it does not extend to pet injuries unless your insurer explicitly offers that feature. Only collision coverage with a pet injury endorsement will pay for veterinary expenses related to an auto accident.
Does pet insurance cover car accident injuries?
Yes, most pet health insurance policies cover injuries from car accidents, regardless of who was at fault. If your car insurance doesn’t include pet injury coverage, a standalone pet insurance plan can help cover vet visits, X-rays and surgeries after an accident.
Is pet injury coverage worth adding to my car insurance policy?
Yes — especially if you often travel with your pet. Pet injury coverage typically costs just a few extra dollars per month and can reimburse hundreds or even thousands of dollars in veterinary expenses after an accident. For pet owners, it’s a small investment that offers peace of mind.
How much does pet injury coverage pay?
Coverage limits vary by insurer but generally range from $500 to $2,000 per pet. Some policies also include a death benefit if the pet is killed in an accident, helping cover cremation or replacement costs.
Are pets considered passengers for insurance purposes?
No. Pets are classified as personal property in most states, not passengers. That’s why medical payments (MedPay) or personal injury protection (PIP) coverage for humans doesn’t apply to animals — you need specific pet injury coverage for them to be protected.
How do you know if your policy has pet injury coverage?
Asking your insurance company agent or representative is the best way to determine if this coverage is included in your auto insurance policy.
If it is not and the coverage is essential, you might want to shop around and see if you can find another insurer that offers it. Or, you can purchase a separate pet insurance policy.
Sources
- American Pet Products Association. “2025 State of the Industry Report.” Accessed October 2025.
- ASPCA. “Travel Safety Tips.” Accessed October 2025.
Still have a question? Ask our experts
Get advice from an experienced insurance professional. Our experts will help you navigate your insurance questions with clarity and confidence.
Browse all FAQs
