Insuring Fido’s Safety
Would you switch your auto insurance to another company if they offered coverage for your dog? A few insurance companies decided to think outside the box in order to attract the millions of dog lovers out there.
Progressive was the first insurance company to offer pet auto insurance back in 2007. Originally they offered $500 worth of coverage but in March increased it to $1,000.
Saikou and Kozette are as safe as dogs can be when they go for car rides. The border collie and boxer are always strapped in tight, says Lonnie Olson, 55, of St. Helen, Mich.
Still, Olson says, when she heard that the auto insurance policies offered by Progressive now include coverage for pets injured in vehicle crashes, she decided to move her business to the company.
“Any company that supported animals like that, I wanted to support,” she says. “I just hope I never have to use it.”
At least four U.S. auto insurers have added – at no extra cost to customers – coverage of $500 to $1,000 for pets injured or killed in car accidents.
If you don’t have an insurance company that covers your pet in case of a car accident you can file a claim under property damage. However, what a company considers legitimate property damage may very well not include pet injuries. There’s a good chance the claim will be denied.
Give me a bark, what do you think about insurance companies covering pets under auto policies?
* Mr. Tribble enjoying a car ride.
I think it’s PAWSOME! While their true underlying reasons for including pets may always remain an unknown, I still think it’s great!
I already had Progressive (and love them) but was thrilled when they started offering pet coverage with their policies.
Good to know that my co-pilots are insured.
I didn’t know. I just called around for quotes to try to save money on my premiums and no one said a thing about covering injuries to pets in the event of a crash. If they had, they would have had my business, even if switching didn’t involve a big savings. I sure the motive is to garner more customers, but what the heck. It’s a good buy no matter what.
Hey, I know Lonnie and Saikou!
I also always ALWAYS buckle up my dogs when in the car, using safety-tested dog seatbelts (many on the market are NOT tested or strong enough to hold up in a crash!) If you buckle up your kids why wouldn’t you buckle up your dogs?
I think it’s great that auto insurers offer coverage for dogs but I think they should also provide information to owners on the safest way to travel in the car with dogs (seatbelted or in a crate.)
I would defenitely switch if they offered insurance to cover my baby, he means the world to me. I would be a loyal customer. I didn’t know progressive offered that kind of coverage…I’m gonna have to give them a call. Thanks!!
Does anyone know the names of the other insurance companies that offer coverage for pets? I’d love to know!
Thanks in advance,
Dr. Watson
We all think it is great, we have alot of furs in our household and mom would be crushed if something was to happen to us. After all we are family too. Now if we could get the government to consider us family and allow mom to take a tax deduction things would be great.
I may be pretty cynical, but I don’t think it is a love of dogs or other pets that is prompting Progressive to insure animals.
I take care when I travel with my dogs, both have seatbelts on at all times. Not only is it safer for an accident, but it also safer for the driver so that your pet can’t jump in your lap while operating your vehicle.
That said, I had progressive prior to the announcement, so I guess it is just a bonus. Hope I never need to use it.
I think it is GREAT!!! I wish all or at least a majority of insurance companies carried this type of policy! I know I would definitly add it if it were offered at my insurance company. I am definitly going to call today and ask if they do! What a wonderful idea!!!
I switched the first time i heard the commercial to Progressive. Any company that cares about the furry members of the family is a company for me. Because they are just as important to a lot of people as kids, including me!
I had no idea about this. I think it is a great thing and Im going to find one that covers my pets! Thanks for sharing!
I actually did switch to progressive for my dog to be covered.
Never had to use this service and hope I never do, but glad its there.
I didnt switch the day I heard it but when I was shopping for a new policy switched to progressive for this reason
Great topic
I switched to Progressive for just this reason. I think of my animals as my children. I want them to be just as safe and cared for!
We have Progressive and I had no idea they offered pet coverage. We are RVers and this knowledge provides a lot of comfort, considering the high cost of proper healthcare for pets and parents alike. Thanks for the info!