Herbstgefahren: Diese Versicherungen können Wildschäden regulieren

Autumn brings an increased risk of wildlife accidents, due to factors such as early darkness, fog, and breeding season for many animals. Safety measures like keeping a hand off the gas pedal and driving with extra caution on rural roads become even more important. However, what happens when an accident does occur? If the driver only has compulsory third-party car insurance, they will have to pay for the damage out of their own pocket.

But wildlife accidents can be covered by an existing collision insurance policy, explained the Association of the Insured (BdV). Deer, rabbit, deer, and roe - but not always all animals. Even in this case, the fine print of the individual contract comes into play. Collisions with small wild animals are covered under both third-party and comprehensive insurance policies.

These include foxes, hares, deer, and roe, as well as wild boar. Now comes the possible catch: Accidents involving utility and domestic animals, or collisions with game birds, wolves, or squirrels are not always covered. The BdV stated that the subsequent costs are only covered by the third-party insurance if the so-called extended wildlife damage clause is included in the contract.

If this clause is not in the contract, the driver can only rely on possibly existing comprehensive insurance. In either case, two points are essential for the processing of the damage with the insurance: on the spot - after securing the crash site and summoning the police, take a few photos: of the crash site, the damage to the car, and the animal struck.

This supports a quick damage processing. Obtaining a wildlife accident certificate from the police called and reporting the accident to the insurance company promptly are also important.