Does car insurance cover pets in the car?

Key takeaways

• Car insurance typically doesn't cover vet bills if your pet is injured in a car accident. A separate pet insurance policy is recommended to cover emergency treatments

• It's important to properly restrain pets in the car to comply with the Highway Code

• Your car insurance claim might be rejected if your pet wasn't properly restrained

Can I get insurance for transporting pets?

Most car insurance policies allow pets in the car but your insurance provider is unlikely to pay for any veterinary bills you incur if your pet is injured while travelling in your car.

To avoid being caught off-guard by unexpected expenses, it's wise to consider a separate pet insurance policy that covers emergency treatment due to accidents.

If you have a pet transport or pet taxi service you should look at a type of business insurance called pet taxi insurance, which should include public liability cover. Public liability insurance is also important if you have a kennels or cattery or other type of pet business such as a dog walking or grooming.

If you’re planning to travel abroad with your pet, consider pet travel insurance.

📣Did you know? More than half (51%) of UK adults own a pet, with 28% having a dog, 24% having a cat and 2% having a rabbit, according to a 2024 survey by PDSA, the vet charity for pets in need.

What does car insurance typically cover?

With fully comprehensive car insurance, you will be protected against damage to your car or injury to yourself or other passengers while driving. However, your insurer is unlikely to define your pet as a ‘passenger’.

Similarly, while some comprehensive policies may extend cover to personal property or personal belongings this is typically to cover items like a laptop being stolen from your car rather than a cat or dog.

What does the Highway Code say about driving with pets?

Rule 57 of the Highway Code requires dogs and other animals to be suitably restrained in a vehicle to avoid distracting you while you’re driving and reduce the risk of injury to you or your pet if you have to stop quickly.

There is no direct penalty for failing to follow this rule but if you’re pet distracts you while you’re driving and you’re stopped by the police you could be fined up to £1,000 for driving without proper control.

If you’re considered to have been driving ‘without due care and attention’ you could receive a fine of up to £5,000 and nine penalty points on your licence if the case goes to court.

How can I restrain my pet in my car?

• Seat belt harnesses

• Pet carriers

• A guard separating the boot from the passenger area

Can my pet travel in the front seat of my car?

It's generally advised against having pets in the front seat due to the danger posed by airbags. If it's absolutely necessary for a pet to be in the front seat, ensure they are restrained and the airbag is disabled to prevent injury.

When should a pet not travel in my car?

It's important to consider the well-being of your pet before deciding to take them on a journey. They should not travel if:

• They have recently given birth

• They are severely ill

Will my insurance claim be affected if I have a pet in the car?

Your claim is likely to be rejected if your pet was not restrained at the time of the accident, in accordance with the Highway Code. Unrestrained pets can distract the driver and increase the risk of accidents, which is why insurers take this rule seriously.

You should also make sure there are no policy exclusions regarding having a pet in your car.

What happens if my car is damaged by an animal?

If your car is damaged by an animal, such as a deer, then claims can usually be made under accidental damage. However, if you hit a domestic animal, the costs are generally considered the responsibility of the animal's owner, not your insurance.

Can I drive abroad with my pet?

If you want to take your pet with you on a road trip to an EU country, it will need:

• An animal health certificate, replacing the old pet passport

• Proof of a valid rabies vaccination

• A microchip for identification purposes

• Tapeworm treatment for dogs if you're travelling to certain countries

The rules are different if you’re travelling to Northern Ireland or a non-EU country.

You can find out more about travelling overseas with a dog, cat, or ferret on GOV.UK

Tips for travelling safely with your pet

• Ensure you have all necessary items for your pet's journey

• Avoid your animal having a large meal just before and make sure it’s been to the toilet

• Provide reassurance to your pet during the journey

• Be mindful of window safety to prevent your pet from jumping out or getting injured

• Never leave your pet alone in a parked car, especially in hot weather

• Keep your pet on the passenger side to avoid traffic when exiting the vehicle

• Use air conditioning and take breaks to keep your pet safe and comfortable if you’re travelling in hot weather