Pet travel safety and insurance basics in 2025
According to the latest U.S. pet ownership research, about 66% of households — roughly 86.9 million — have at least one pet, with dogs and cats the most common companions (APPA). Younger adults are especially likely to have pets, a pattern confirmed by national surveys (Pew Research Center). Responsible pet ownership on the road means planning for both safety and how coverage works if your pet is hurt in a crash.
You may be a good, responsible driver, but accidents happen. Auto insurance can cover people and property after a crash — and many carriers now include limited “pet injury” benefits for dogs and cats when you carry collision coverage. These benefits typically apply only if your pet was inside your covered vehicle during a covered collision and generally exclude animals you don’t own and species other than dogs/cats (Insurance Information Institute; Progressive). Know your policy’s triggers, limits, and state availability before you drive with your pet.
Prevention is key. Restraints and safe-driving habits reduce injuries. When prevention isn’t enough, pet injury benefits with collision often pay up to $500–$1,000 per accident depending on the insurer and state (examples: Liberty Mutual up to $1,000; American Family up to $1,000; ERIE $500 per pet/$1,000 per accident; NJM up to $1,000; GEICO notes pet injury in many states). For broader medical protection (illness, non-auto injuries), compare auto benefits with standalone pet insurance.
Common auto emergencies with pets — and how to reduce risk
Possible emergency situations with pets in your car are endless, but let’s cover some of the most common scenarios.
Most dogs absolutely love the open road. Once that window is down, that head pops out, and it’s all ears and tongues flapping in the wind. But letting pets ride with their heads outside the vehicle increases the risk of eye/ear injuries and can distract the driver. Veterinary guidance advises keeping pets in the back seat, properly restrained, and inside the vehicle at all times (AVMA).
Debris, insects, and other foreign objects can cause havoc when they hit your dog’s eyes, ears, or mouth. At highway speeds, even small objects can injure pets — and sudden pet movement can increase crash risk by diverting driver attention (IIHS).
Open car windows also create an opportunity for your pet to jump or fall out of the vehicle. Needless to say, once that happens, your pet faces serious dangers that are entirely out of your control. They could get hit by oncoming traffic or run away and get lost. Proper restraints and locked windows lower this risk (Center for Pet Safety).
Choking on treats or toys is another danger your pet faces. You may think treats and chew toys are great for distracting your pet in the car, but dogs are as likely to choke on foreign objects while driving as they are anywhere else. The only difference is you may not notice if your attention is focused on the road — prioritize secure restraint over in-car snacking (AVMA).
Why restraint matters (evidence-based)
A AAA-sponsored survey found a substantial share of pet owners travel with pets unrestrained. Unrestrained animals can become projectiles in a crash, injure occupants, or bolt from the vehicle afterward. There’s no federal performance standard for pet restraints, so rely on independently verified options; the Center for Pet Safety (CPS) maintains current lists of crash-tested harnesses, carriers, and crates.
An accident or other emergencies are scary for everyone, including your pet. If your pet isn’t restrained, chances are they will get startled and run away after the accident. This creates secondary dangers near roadways. Keeping pets secured improves post-crash control so you can render care and get to a veterinarian promptly (AVMA).
Lastly, there is the combination of traffic and animals roaming the streets. It’s a recipe for disaster. An animal in the road poses a safety threat to itself, motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. In distraction-related crashes, about one in five people killed are outside the vehicle — pedestrians, cyclists, and others — underscoring the risk of hazards on the roadway (CDC).
Does auto insurance cover pets after a crash?
Collisions, distraction, and what coverage usually looks like
Auto insurance helps cover the financial consequences of crashes and other covered losses. In 2025, several major U.S. auto insurers advertise pet injury coverage for dogs and cats when you carry collision coverage — often included at no extra cost. Typical structures: up to $1,000 per accident (e.g., Liberty Mutual, American Family, many GEICO states) or $500 per pet/$1,000 per accident (ERIE). Key mechanics: your pet must be inside your insured vehicle during a covered collision; benefits are generally limited to dogs/cats you own; third‑party pets and exotic animals are typically excluded; availability varies by state and program (Progressive; NJM; III).
We’ve heard it a thousand times: distracted driving is a common cause of accidents on the road. In 2022, 3,308 people were killed — about 8% of all U.S. traffic deaths — and an estimated 289,310 were injured in police‑reported crashes involving a distracted driver (NHTSA; state-by-state overview). For authoritative state comparisons and trends, consult IIHS and NHTSA.
If you and your pet are in an auto collision, and your pet runs away, stay calm. Don’t blindly run after your pet, and straight into traffic. See which direction your pet is heading in, and when it’s safe, follow. Use a calm voice to coax them back, and use treats or toys if available. Keep pets leashed or crated during transport to reduce the chance of flight (AVMA).
If your pet does get lost, your first port of call is social media. Post pictures of your pet on local “lost & found” groups and animal welfare pages with a description of your pet, where they were last seen, and your contact details. Microchipping and keeping registration current improve return‑to‑owner outcomes; bring recent photos and proof of ownership when you search (Ready.gov).
Visit animal shelters daily and look for your pet. Print “lost” flyers (preferably waterproof) and hand them out in the area. Give a copy to law enforcement agencies, veterinarians, animal care or control officials, and local businesses.
If your dog has a microchip, remember to visit the website with which you registered your pet’s microchip and list your pet as “missing.” Keep your microchip registration and contact info up to date (AVMA).
Bad weather and natural disasters
Auto insurance coverage for bad weather and natural disasters is especially important in states that are prone to wildfires, hurricanes, tornados, or landslides. The U.S. has experienced a high frequency of billion‑dollar disasters in recent years, complicating animal evacuation and sheltering (NOAA NCEI). If disaster threatens, evacuate with your pets — if it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for them (Ready.gov; AVMA).
Snow, heavy rainfall, sleet, and heavy winds also often cause road accidents. Driving in bad weather means slippery roads, reduced visibility, extreme temperatures, and the potential danger of getting stuck in a traffic standstill for a prolonged period of time. Pack extra water and supplies for pets and people; never leave pets in parked cars (CDC).
When it comes to natural disasters, there are a few simple safety tips to follow. Get off the road as soon as it is safe to do so. Don’t find shelter in tunnels, under bridges, or any other structure that might come down or get flooded. Keep yourself, your pet, and other passengers as low down in the vehicle as possible. Identify pet‑friendly shelters/hotels in advance and travel with carriers and vaccination records (Ready.gov).
Pet locked in the car
Locking your pet in the car (along with your keys) is a very dangerous situation, especially in extreme weather conditions. Interior temperatures in parked vehicles can rise rapidly — even on mild days — placing pets at risk of heat stroke. Never leave pets unattended in vehicles; act immediately if an animal is trapped (AVMA; CDC).
If your pet is locked in the car, you need to get a window open. Even if that means smashing it. A dog trapped in a hot car needs hydration and to be cooled down (slowly). Follow veterinary guidance and seek urgent care (AVMA).
Vehicle submerged in water
It may come as a surprise, but many insurance companies have a plan that covers this scenario. Anyone who loses control of their vehicle near a large body of water risks heading straight into it. Heavy rainfall and flash floods also pose a threat. Regardless of the cause, there are simple yet effective steps you can take to get everyone out of the car.
According to cold water submersion expert Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht, the simple mantra “Seatbelts, Windows, Out (Children First)” can save your (and your pet’s) life.
- Seatbelts: Take your seatbelt off the moment you hit the water.
- Window: If you can’t open the windows, break them. Always go for the driver or passenger windows first.
- Out (Children First): Unbuckle kids (oldest to youngest) and your pets, and push them out of the open window.
Always call 911 first in the event of an emergency. If your pet is injured, call your vet or emergency animal hospital and then contact your auto insurance company to file a claim. If your policy includes pet injury coverage with collision, ask whether the payment applies without a deductible and what documentation is required (III). If your pet is not covered by your auto insurance you can always look into pet insurance.
Auto insurers that do cover pets (verify details in your state)
Fortunately for pet parents, there are auto insurance companies that do cover pets. However, you should never simply assume that your insurance does. Unless your policy or plan clearly states that it covers pets in case of an accident (personal or 3rd party), you’ll need to read the fine print to find out whether pets are specifically excluded before you submit a claim. In 2025, several carriers advertise pet injury coverage included when you carry collision: examples include Progressive, GEICO, Liberty Mutual, American Family, ERIE, and NJM. Coverage generally applies to dogs/cats riding in your insured vehicle during a covered collision, with typical limits up to $500–$1,000 per accident.
Here are some auto insurance companies that do cover pets:
Chubb
Chubb has offered pet‑related injury benefits on select auto programs. Terms, limits, and availability vary by state and policy; confirm whether dogs/cats in your insured vehicle are covered during a covered collision and what per‑accident limits apply in your state.
Erie
Erie Auto Insurance is not available in all states, but their policies do include pet coverage. However, their payout limit is restricted to $500 per cat or dog, and their overall payout for medical expenses and vet bills is $1,000. For current details and state availability, see ERIE’s page on Pet Coverage.
Metromile
Metromile’s collision plan has historically noted pet injury benefits in some programs. Availability and terms can change; verify with the current carrier whether pet injury coverage is offered in your state, what animals are eligible (typically dogs/cats only), and what limits apply (III).
Progressive
The Progressive collision coverage plan includes coverage for injured pets at no additional cost. However, the maximum payout for pet-related damages or vet bills is capped at $1,000. If you have the pet of a family member who lives with you in your car, the plan also covers that pet. For specifics, see Progressive’s page on pet injury coverage and confirm state availability on your policy forms.
Be aware that most auto insurance companies reassess and potentially raise your rate once you have been in an accident and have made a claim.
How insurers treat pets after crashes
You may see them as fur children, but in the eyes of the law, pets are seen as property, which does make them very “insurable.” When a pet gets injured in an auto accident or emergency, that pet is considered “damaged property,” and someone is always liable to pay for those damages.
Whether you or someone else caused the accident, check both parties’ policies. Pet injury benefits are usually tied to collision coverage for your own pets riding in your insured vehicle and generally apply to dogs/cats only; third‑party pets are not typically covered under your pet injury benefit, and liability coverage for another party’s pet varies by carrier and state. Ask your carrier how pet injury interacts with collision vs. comprehensive and whether any deductible applies (III).
Knowing the details of your auto insurance plan can provide peace of mind when it comes to protecting your pets and knowing they’ll be looked after should anything happen.
Proactive steps to keep pets safer in cars
Part of being a responsible pet owner is taking precautions to keep you and your pet safe in the car. Here are some tips that can help:
Restrain your pet every ride
In an auto collision, safely securing your pet in the car can prevent damage and heartbreak. There are various ways to strap your pet in, just make sure you find the best method for your dog or cat. Some tips from The Bark include: for evidence‑based choices, consult the CPS Certified lists and follow manufacturer and vehicle instructions; avoid front seats due to airbag risk (AVMA).
- Use a harness seatbelt
- Secure them with a zipline harness
- Make them travel in a crate
- Put them in a plush carry box
- Use a dog guard in the back of the car
- Put a pet hammock on the back seat
- Use a back seat barrier
Use IDs and tracking
If your pet gets lost, what better tool to help you find them than a collar that sends you their live location! Also: microchip and keep registration current; carry recent photos (including one with you) to prove ownership; and keep vaccination/medical records handy for shelters/hotels (Ready.gov; AVMA).
Carry simple emergency tools
Whether there’s a fire hazard, your car’s submerged in water, or your pet is simply tangled up in harnesses or restraints, glass breaking and seat belt cutting tools are useful in emergency situations. Store tools within the driver’s reach and practice how to use them safely.
Have a backup caregiver
Have a designated person on standby who can take care of your dog in case you have to go to the hospital. Keep a “My pet needs help!” card in your purse with their contact details on it so that emergency services know who to call. Share keys, feeding/medication instructions, and your veterinarian’s info (Ready.gov).
Plan for costs
Even with insurance, additional costs can come up if your pet was injured in an accident and needs extensive treatment. Consider an emergency savings fund and/or a pet insurance policy that fits your budget. Average monthly premiums for accident & illness plans commonly range around $50–60 for dogs and $30–35 for cats (varies by age/breed/location) (NAPHIA). As states adopt the NAIC Pet Insurance Model Act, shopping disclosures and definitions are becoming more standardized.
Pack a first aid kit and go-bag
In case of an emergency, your pet may need first aid. It only takes a little time and effort to get a first aid kit together for your pet, and being prepared can save your pet’s life. Build a go‑bag with at least three days of supplies per pet and keep two weeks of reserves at home (Red Cross; Ready.gov).
Quick checklist (customize for your pet)
- Basic pet first aid kit medical supplies
- Blanket
- Bottled water
- Collapsible food and water bowl
- Collar, leash, harness and spare id tag
- Emergency contacts
- Flashlight
- Medications your dog needs
- Pet treats and food
- Current photo of your pet
- Vet booklet with vaccination records, your pet’s medical history, and their microchip number
- Pet CPR cheat sheet
The bottom line
Pet parents only want what’s best for their furkids, but even those of us with the best intentions can let simple plans and preparations fall through the cracks. We live in a world where there is so much we have no control over. What we can control, however, is how prepared we are to handle what life throws at us. All we need is a plan.
A little preparation — evidence‑based restraints, an emergency go‑bag, and understanding your insurance’s pet injury benefits — goes a long way toward keeping you and your loved ones safer during an auto emergency. Use the linked resources from NHTSA, IIHS, Ready.gov, AVMA, and the Center for Pet Safety to protect your pets in an unpredictable world.
