A bird may seem like a small, simple animal. However, it can cause damage to your assets including your car. If you have bird-related damage to your car, your auto insurance policy may cover it. Whether you have coverage depends on many factors. Among them is what type of coverage you have. Take a closer look at when you may be able to file a claim for bird damage with your car insurance.
What Damage Can a Bird Do To Your Car?
Birds are wild animals. If your vehicle is in their way, they may do damage to it. For example, a bird may damage the paint on your car with their beak. More commonly, you may strike a larger bird, such as a Canadian goose. This can create damage to the front or side of the car. Bird droppings rarely damage cars, but they may in some cases. Other times, they can get into the vehicle’s engine and cause damage there. This is rare, however.
How to Determine If You Can File a Claim With Your Auto Insurance
No matter what the damage is, your first step should be to determine if you have car insurance for it.
First, only comprehensive car insurance will cover bird-related damage. It covers most types of animal-related losses. This is not a required type of auto insurance. That means you may not have it.
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, the next step is to determine the amount of damage you have. Most policies have a deductible. The damage to your car should be above that deductible. If it is not, you may not be able to receive any funds.
A bird damaging your paint, for example, may only cause $300 worth of damage. However, if your deductible is $500, you would not receive anything from the insurer. On the other hand, damage from hitting a bird could do $1200 worth of damage. In this case, you are responsible for the first $500 and the auto insurance company pays the remaining $700.
If you can file a claim based on these factors, call your car insurance provider. He or she will gather information from you to process the claim. You may need to show pictures of the damage. An explanation is usually necessary. They will then submit the claim, get estimates for the damage, and process your funds.
Birds can be dangerous. If they cause damage to your car, be sure to work with your agent to file a claim for those losses. It can be a critical step to maintain the value of your car.
FAQ’s About Your Auto Insurance May Cover Damage Caused by Birds
What types of bird damages are typically covered by auto insurance?
Auto insurance policies usually cover damages caused by bird droppings, collisions with birds, and other types of bird-related damages.
Will my auto insurance rates increase if I file a claim for bird damage?
It depends on your insurance provider and policy. Some insurance providers may increase your rates if you file a claim for bird damage, while others may not.
How do I file a claim for bird damage with my auto insurance provider?
To file a claim for bird damage, you should contact your insurance provider and provide them with details about the damage, including photos and any relevant information.
Is there a deductible for bird damage claims?
Yes, most auto insurance policies have a deductible for bird damage claims. The amount of the deductible will depend on your policy.
Can I prevent bird damage to my car?
Yes, there are several ways to prevent bird damage to your car, including parking in a covered area, using a car cover, and cleaning bird droppings off your car as soon as possible.
What should I do if I notice bird damage to my car?
If you notice bird damage to your car, you should take photos of the damage and contact your insurance provider to file a claim.
How long does it take to process a bird damage claim with my auto insurance provider?
The time it takes to process a bird damage claim will depend on your insurance provider and the specific details of your claim.
Will my auto insurance policy cover all the costs of repairing bird damage to my car?
It depends on your policy. Some policies may cover the full cost of repairs, while others may only cover a portion of the cost.
Can I choose where to have my car repaired after bird damage?
It depends on your insurance provider and policy. Some insurance providers may require you to use a specific repair shop, while others may allow you to choose your own.
Can car insurance cover damage caused by bird droppings?
Yes, car insurance can cover damage caused by bird droppings. Typically, comprehensive car insurance policies include coverage for such damages as they protect your car from non-collision-related incidents. Remember, coverage for bird droppings or other animal damage largely depends on the specific policy and its coverage limits.
Is bird damage included in comprehensive car insurance policies?
Indeed, comprehensive car insurance policies often encompass coverage for bird damage. These policies cover a wide range of non-collision damages, including animal-related damages like bird droppings or even hitting a deer. However, it is crucial to review your policy’s details and confirm with your insurance provider to ensure that bird damage is explicitly covered.