In many countries around the world, collisions with animals are a reality for motorists. And we're not talking about frogs and squirrels here. What we mean are the deer, kangaroo and even bears who stray onto roads and get hit by a car. When a car hits an animal weighing hundreds of kilos, it will be akin to hitting a wall. Vehicle damage is usually extensive, although the danger of dying from hitting an animal has been mitigated by the collision protection features that modern-day cars have. With collision insurance, the expense for repairing a damage vehicle are also greatly reduced.
The chances of hitting a large animal on the road may be seasonal, but the areas where they appear are generally known. Over time, authorities have come to recognize this, so when you see those road signs that warn of the danger of animals on the road, do take heed and slow down. Be especially careful around bends, and while in the area, drive as if an animal may suddenly dart towards you from the side of the road. The eye is naturally drawn to movement, so scan both the left and right shoulders of the road far ahead for signs of movement. At night, use your high beams if possible and dim the interior of the car as much as possible. This will help you see the eyes of animals which reflect the lights of your car. Startled animals can change direction suddenly, so it's better to brake, rather than attempt to swerve around it. If hitting an animal cannot be avoided, slow down as much as you can but don't wrench the wheel in another direction, as you may lose control or get into an even bigger accident.
For motorists who don't encounter animals on the road, paying for wildlife collision insurance is a waste of money. But for car owners who see them on the road with regular frequency, this type of insurance is practically a must. Hitting even a relatively small animal can cause severe damage to a vehicle, and if the animal tumbles onto the windshield and strikes the glass, injuries to the car's occupants can even result. Remember, damage is inevitable when hitting even a small animal, and the amount to have that damage repaired will cost you a few thousand dollars at the very least.
Comprehensive car insurance normally covers wildlife collisions, liability insurance does not. Check your collision insurance coverage to make sure that you're not caught with a large expense with no chance of filing a claim. Government regulations will dictate if your future premiums will rise when you make a claim, but that is a topic for another time.
