Driving with pets in the car




We often consider our pets to be part of the family and there is no reason why you should not take it with you if you are travelling within the UK in your car. This of course means that you will have to take steps to ensure that your pet is comfortable and does not undergo undue stress as a result of the journey.

In addition to this you must ensure that the animal is securely but humanely restrained to prevent it from causing a hazard to the driver or passengers and possibly causing an accident.

Before you leave

  • Your pet needs to be restrained for the journey for their own safety and yours. Don't try to carry a large dog in a small car, the dog should at least be able to stand up easily. Get advice from a pet shop for a suitable size of pet carrier or for an estate car a correctly fitting guard for the boot area

  • Reduce the risk of stress and travel sickness to your pet by getting them used to the travel container before you go

  • It might be an idea to take your pet on some short journeys first, to get them used to the experience

  • Keep the number of your local vet on your phone and when you get to your destination, make a note of the local vet there too

  • If you are having a holiday, ensure that pet's are welcome at the place you intend to stay

  • Check DEFRA’s rules for transporting domestic pets to make sure that you stay within the law

When driving in your car

  • Travel can make pets nervous so take some of their toys and treats with you, these will help keep them calm.

  • Cats and dogs like routine, so try to stop and feed or excercise them at their usual times.

  • For dogs in particular, try to stop every couple of hours, walk the dog on it's lead and give it a drink of water

  • Don't leave animals alone in a hot car. If you have to, then leave several windows slightly open for ventilation and don't leave them alone for more than about 10 minutes at a time

If you have been involved in a car accident that was not your fault, we can help you get a replacement vehicle, car repairs, legal assistance and injury compensation.

Please give us a call on 02392 484 244 , and one of our experienced claims advisors will be happy to assist you.



No need to claim on your insurance

Anyone who has been involved in a road accident has the right to choose who repairs their vehicle. If you were responsible for the accident you were involved in, the company that insures your vehicle would normally deal with your accident claim.

However if you were not at-fault for the accident, you can choose to either claim on your own insurance policy or make a claim independently of your insurer. To find out more call 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.

We and our partners help thousands of people make independent accident claims. Our service enables motorists to get the help and assistance they need to resolve their accident related issues, with the costs being recovered directly from the at-fault driver on your behalf.

No excess to pay

Unfortunately even if an accident was not your fault, your insurer will almost certainly require you to pay your excess before any repair is started on your car.

This money should of course be recovered by an insurer at a later date, but with our service - you do not have to pay it at all.

By using our independent claims service, you are not making a claim on your insurance policy and so you will have no excess to pay.

Receive a comparable replacement hire vehicle

Not all insurance policies will include a replacement hire-car for you to use if yours is damaged and unroadworthy. In fact it is typically an 'optional extra' on your policy.

Other policies may offer a 'courtesy car' but this is often just a 'basic' saloon or hatchback which may not be suitable for your needs.

Car Call and its partners will provide a comparable replacement vehicle as part of our service. This means we will endeavour to supply a hire-vehicle that similar to your own in terms of its type, make and engine size.

So whether you drive a small hatchback or a prestige sports car, we will look to provide a similar hire-vehicle that suits your needs.

Manufacturer approved vehicle repairs

If you have been involved in a car accident, the last thing you want to have to worry about is the quality of the repairs to your car. We have a UK wide network of partner approved Accident Repair Centres available to all of our customers.

Many of our accident repair centres are have manufacturer approvals for specific brands, so if you require a manufacturer approved repair centre, simply tell your personal claim handler and they will ensure your vehicle goes to an approved repairer.

Want you vehicle repaired by a specific garage? No problem, we can alternatively use a repairer that you specify.

Legal Assistance

Our partner solicitors provide legal assistance as part of our service. They specialise in motor claims related issues, so you can be assured of the best possible advice and assistance.

They issues they can assist you with include:

  • Recovery of the cost of the replacement hire-vehicle
  • Recovery of the cost of uplifting your damaged vehicle
  • Recovery of all repair costs
  • Recovery of the cost of damaged of personal items
  • Seeking financial compensation for an injury