From safety to insurance claims: Handling an animal collision with your car

Animal collision in the Philippines - An overview

Let us first discuss the common animals that a driver typically encounters in the Philippines.

What are some of the common road animals in the country? To begin with, there are the dogs and cats that roam around freely, even on some of the busiest roads in Manila and other Philippine cities. Furthermore, when driving along rural roads, one is most likely to encounter livestock, such as cows and goats. As for pigs and chickens, they are most common near farmlands. Not forgetting the monkeys and snakes that pay a visit to the roads of certain provinces.

Next up, why are animal collisions so common in the Philippines? Several factors contribute to the high number of animal collision cases, including poor road lighting (especially on highways), inadequate fencing (in rural areas), drivers not adhering to speed limits, and an increasing stray animal population.

Are there any legal implications of hitting animals while driving? Certainly yes. Under Philippine law, the legal consequences of hitting an animal while driving depend on several factors, including whether the animal is a pet or a stray, the driver's intent, and the driver’s actions following the incident. Some of the key laws include the Animal Welfare Act (R.A. 8485), the New Civil Code of the Philippines, and the Revised Penal Code.

Here’s what the law states… (in brief)

• If you hit a stray purely by accident and the collision was unavoidable, you won’t be held liable.
• If you hit and run a stray on the road in a way that is a hazard for other motorists, it may be considered negligence on your part, and this can increase your liability.
• If you hit a stray animal intentionally, you could be charged under the Animal Welfare Act (regardless of the animal).
• If you hit a pet animal due to negligence or reckless driving, you may be held liable for the damage caused to the pet owner under the New Civil Code.
• If you hit a pet intentionally, you may be held liable under both the Civil Code and the Revised Penal Code.
• If you have an animal (pet or otherwise) and take further cruel actions, it would lead to severe penalties.

Hit an animal on the road? Here’s what you should immediately do

Here are the first things a car driver is recommended to do immediately after an animal collision -

Ensure everyone's safety

First things first, check for everyone’s safety, including your passengers and yourself. Next, inspect your car and try moving it to a safe spot.

Secure the accident scene

Turn on the vehicle’s hazard lights, use warning triangles, and avoid sudden actions that could cause further accidents.

Assess the animal’s condition

If possible, check if the animal is dead or alive. Be cautious, as injured animals can be unpredictable and may scratch or bite. As soon as possible, call the nearest animal rescue centre.

Notify local authorities

Ensure that you inform the police authorities about the collision, particularly if it is significant and involves property damage or severe injuries. Ensure you obtain a police report, as it will be helpful in the claims process.

How to handle an animal collision - Key safety guidelines

Here are the must-follow safety guidelines for drivers involved in animal collisions -

• If the animal is alive, call the local vet immediately.
• Do not swerve abruptly, as it could worsen the condition.
• If possible, keep the animal safe until help arrives.

Car damage assessment & documentation post collision

Let us first examine some of the most common types of car damage resulting from animal collisions - broken bumpers, cracked windshields, dented hoods, and shattered headlights.

Regarding documentation of the collision scene, you should take clear photos of the vehicle damage, the animal, the road condition, and any witnesses (if possible). Note: Collecting photo evidence is crucial for filing a claim.

Animal collision & car insurance

Do standard car insurance policies cover animal collisions? CTPL insurance does not cover animal collision; it only covers third-party bodily injury or death. Usually, comprehensive insurance covers damages caused by an animal collision.

Note: It is recommended to read the fine print. Some insurers do not cover damages from negligence.

Filing a claim against an animal collision - Guide, requirements, & timeline

Starting with the step-by-step guide to file a claim -

Step 1: Report the collision to your insurance provider (call the insurer’s 24/7 hotline number)
Step 2: Call the local police authorities and secure a police report
Step 3: Gather the required documents
Step 4: Click photos of the vehicle damage, animal, and collision scene
Step 5: Wait for the adjuster to assess the collision and estimate the repair cost
Step 6: Get insurer’s decision - approval or denial of claim

Required documents for filing a claim

• Copy of your car insurance policy
• Driver’s license
• OR/CR of the vehicle
• Necessary photos of the damage
• Police report

Timeline for claim processing

Any car insurance claim, such as an animal collision in this case, can take from a few days to a few weeks to process, depending on the insurance provider, the completion of documentation, and the claim amount.

Tips for quick & smooth insurance claim approval

• Always be truthful in your claim form; do not hide any information.
• Try reporting the collision as soon as possible.
• Submit all the required documents.
• Fully cooperate with the insurance adjuster.

Tips to prevent animal collisions

• Drive slowly during night or poorly lit areas.
• In rural areas, drive cautiously.
• Look out for animal crossing signs.

Also Read: Top car insurance worries Filipino drivers face - and how to fix them

Bottom line

Animal collisions are a harsh reality of our roads. Without a doubt, such a situation is stressful for the car owner; however, it is essential to know the steps to follow in the event of an unfortunate occurrence. This includes knowing how insurance can help, required coverage, claim filing process & requirments, and the mistakes to avoid. Believe us, all this knowledge can make a huge difference and substantially reduce your financial & emotional stress levels.

We’d like to end by saying, drive carefully and secure optimum insurance coverage - for driving more confidently and with less stress.

FAQs

Q1. Am I legally required to stop after hitting an animal in the Philippines?
Ans. Yes, under the Animal Welfare Act, a driver is prohibited from abandoning an injured animal on the road after hitting it. Failing to do so may be considered neglect.

Q2. If I hit a stray dog/cat on the road, what should be done next?
Ans. Make sure to stop the car, turn on the hazard lights, and analyse the situation. If the animal is alive, contact the local vet for help. Also, make sure to document the collision scene, in case the car has incurred any damage.

Q3. Do I need to file a police report after an animal collision?
Ans. It depends on the intensity of the collision. If it is a minor collision, there’s no need for a police report. However, if the damage to the car is significant and you plan to file a claim, a police report is recommended.

Q4. Can the animal owner sue me after hitting their pet?
Ans. Yes, if the collision was due to your negligence, like overspeeding or reckless driving. However, if the pet was found roaming freely on the road due to the owner's lack of supervision, they may also be held at fault.

Q5. Is hitting a stray treated differently than hitting a pet/livestock?
Ans. Sadly yes. While hitting livestock may involve a financial liability discussion with the owner. On the other hand, for strays, the legal responsibility is not defined.

Q6. Does CTPL insurance cover animal collisions?
Ans. CTPL insurance only offers coverage against third-party bodily injury or death. It provides no financial protection against animal, vehicle, or property damage.

Q7. I have comprehensive coverage. Will it cover animal collisions?
Ans. Yes. Comprehensive insurance offers wide coverage to the car owner, including Acts of God and animal collision. However, it is recommended to confirm the coverage inclusions and exclusions.

Q8. Will my insurance claim get denied if I am at fault?
Ans. Only if you have no valid driver’s license, have driven under the influence, or have violated traffic laws.

Q9. Will my insurance premium increase if I file for an animal collision claim?
Ans. Sometimes insurance providers hike the policyholder’s premium when they frequently file claims.

Q10. In terms of coverage, are wildlife and livestock collisions treated the same?
Ans. Yes, be it a stray or a wild animal, comprehensive insurance treats both the same under collision damage.

Q11. Will a witness statement help obtain claim settlement?
Ans. While a witness statement is not a must, it might help support your claim application by supporting your vision of the event.

Q12. Can I file a claim for minor scratches that occurred due to an animal collision?
Ans. Yes, while you can file a claim for minor repairs and scratches, it is recommended that you pay for such maintenance from your pocket, especially if the cost is less or close to your deductible amount.

Q13. What documents are required to file an animal collision claim?
Ans. Usually, you would be required to submit the following documents: a copy of the insurance policy, driver’s license, OR/CR, photo of vehicle damage and accident scene, and police report.

Q14. How long does it take to process a car insurance claim in the Philippines?
Ans. The timeline for insurance claim settlement depends on factors like the insurance provider and coverage. While small claims get settled in a week, larger ones can take up to several weeks.

Q15. My animal collision claim got denied. What should I do?
Ans. In such a case, you can start by asking your insurer for a written explanation for the denial and offer additional documentation or evidence. If that doesn’t work, you can file an appeal, and if that doesn’t work, you can take the matter to the Insurance Commission.

Also Read: Filing a car insurance claim: Key coverage you’ll need after an accident