Car accidents caused by animals




Stray animals cause hundreds of accidents every year on our roads. Although the general rule is that you should only try to avoid it if it is safe to do so, many people instinctively try to swerve around them and sometimes into the path of other vehicles.

Accidents caused by wild animals

If it was a wild animal that caused the accident, and you swerved to avoid it then you will be liable. Because a wild animal has no owner and no one responsible for keeping it under control, then there will also be no one to claim against.

Accidents caused by livestock

Anyone who owns animals has a legal responsibility to ensure that they are contained securely and are prevented from escaping into public areas. If they escape and cause a road accident then you have a legal right to claim against their owner, provided that you can prove that the owner failed provide suitable containment.

Accidents caused by household pets

If an accident happens as a result of a pet running into the road such as a dog, then you may also be able to make a claim against them. Once again you have to prove that they failed in their responsibility to control the animal. However if it was a cat, then it may not be possible as they are usually free roaming.

Generally a house owner should be covered for such things on their household insurance.

What to do if you hit an animal

  • If the animal is small, injured and causing an obstruction, you could attempt to move it off the road - but be wary, injured wild animals can sometimes be aggressive

  • If the animal is large, do not attempt to move it. If it's obstructing the road, put your hazard lights on and warn other drivers and contact the police

  • For injured pets, you should look for some kind of identity tag and contact the owner

  • For livestock animals or horses you should contact the police. You may have a case to claim for damage to your vehicle, or compensation for injuries

  • Stay with the animal until further assistance arrives


If you have had a car accident that was not your fault, please give us a call us 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