How to travel safely with dogs or other pets in your car. 16/09/15
Thousands of people every day are unaware that they could actually breaking the law by driving their vehicles whilst accompanied by an unrestrained pet.
The Highway Code states 'When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly'.
Having an unrestrained animal in your vehicle may seem harmless enough, but there are many situations where where animals can become distressed and agitated when travelling in a vehicle. If someone is driving and their dog gets agitated and starts moving around the vehicle and barking loudly, this can distract the driver and potentially lead to a road accident.
Just as a driver without a seat belt can be seriously injured if the vehilce stops suddenly, so can an unrestrained pet.
It is recommended that large pets such as dogs have some sort of harness, travel cage or dog guard that keeps the them restricted to the rear of the vehicle.
Cats and smaller pets should be kept in travel baskets/cages or special cardboard animal carriers.
Any restraint should of course be chosen carefully to ensure the animal is as comfortable possible during the journey. Remember too that animals also need 'comfort' breaks just as we do and should never be left alone in hot vehicles for any length of time.
No need to claim on your insurance
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
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
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
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
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
