Your auto insurance carrier has handled countless claims, and not all of them involve humans. Whether you're taking your dog to the park or your cat to the vet, your pets are vulnerable to the road in many of the same ways that any passenger would be. If you're interested in knowing if your car insurance covers pets, learn more about how plans are written and whether you can file a claim.

The Majority of Policies 

Most auto insurance policies are not designed to cover pets, and if they do, it's often the most common types of domestic animals (e.g., dogs and cats). This is a generalization only based on the average plan. It's not unusual to see pets covered in a standard plan up to $1,000 or so.

You will need to check your plan to determine whether you're covered and the limits of that coverage. If you do have this provision under your policy, it will usually cover general medical expenses up until a certain price point. If you don't have this provision, consider getting an endorsement in case your pet is hurt during a collision of any kind.

Personal Property and Your Pet 

If you're involved in an accident that wasn't your fault, the auto insurance carrier of the at-fault party is liable for your pet's injuries. This is covered under the property clause of a policy, meaning that your pet will be treated as a personal possession. Ultimately, you'll need to file the expenses under the other party's insurance policy. (There may come a day where there are more specific terms in the case of your furry friends, but for now, this is the best way to get them the care they need.)

All pet owners are encouraged to practice safe driving habits when they're with their beloved companions, such as securing your dog in the car rather than having them ride in your lap. Crates, safety belts and pet carriers can work wonders for keeping everyone safe on the road — including other drivers. You may also want to consider additional pet insurance if you tend to take your pets wherever you happen to be. Car insurance is just one way to protect them and may not cover as much of their medical bills as you think it will.