Finder makes money from featured partners, but editorial opinions are our own.
Does insurance cover hitting an animal?
Yes, car insurance covers hitting an animal, but only if you have a comprehensive policy.
Car insurance can cover hitting a kangaroo or other animal in Australia. Given no one else can be held accountable for the accident, it's likely you will have to pay an excess for the claim. However, depending on the severity of the damage, it could be worth it.
Making an insurance claim after hitting an animal
Like any accident, the first step is to make sure yourself and any other people involved are safe. Then you need to document the accident by taking photos of the damage and noting down the time and place of the incident. If there were any other drivers or witnesses involved then it's best to get their name and number too, as this could help with the claiming process.
If necessary, you could also call your local wildlife rescue organisation. This is good to do if the animal is alive but injured.
Does hitting an animal raise your insurance?
Unfortunately, it can. Given this is still classified as an accident, this could raise your premiums in the future.
This is why it may be worth getting quotes to fix the damage without having to go through your insurance. Looking at how severe the damage is and the cost of repairs can help you decide if you want to make a claim or not.
Finder survey: How many Australians have hit animals while driving?
| Response | |
|---|---|
| No | 65.21% |
| Yes | 33% |
| I have never driven before | 1.79% |
Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1006 Australians, December 2023
Why you can trust Finder's car insurance experts
You pay nothing. Finder is free to use. And you pay the same as going direct. No markups, no hidden fees.
You save time. We spend 100s of hours researching car insurance so you can sort the gold from the junk faster.
You can trust us. We say it like it is. We aren't owned by an insurer and our opinions are our own.
More resources on Finder
More guides on Finder
-
High-risk car insurance
Learn the factors that may cause you to be considered a high-risk driver and whether you might be eligible for cover.
-
Multi-policy discounts with car insurance
What you need to know about getting a multi-policy discount with your car insurance.
-
RAC car insurance review
Only available in WA, RAC car insurance offers some strong benefits and its premiums are about average for the state.
-
What is a no claim bonus?
Your questions about no claim bonuses answered, including whether it's worth paying to protect your bonus, the NCD rating, and what you can claim.
-
Rideshare car insurance
Find out what car insurance options are available for rideshare drivers, including Ubers.
-
Car insurance for drink drivers Australia
Your guide to car insurance when you've been convicted of drink driving.
-
Short term car insurance Australia
Find out what short term car insurance options are available in Australia.
-
Car insurance for P-platers
Find affordable and comprehensive car insurance for P-platers with this handy guide.
-
Australia Post car insurance review
Compare Australia Post car insurance policies and get the right cover.
-
Best car insurance – so good, it’ll give you whiplash
Explore our analysis and see how you can find the best car insurance for your needs.
Ask a question
In NSW can a driver claim on CTP if they hit a kangaroo?
Hi Marilyn,
Thanks for reaching out to Finder.
Standard car insurance (CTP) does not cover damage caused by hitting a kangaroo with your car. In the event that an animal hits your car (or you hit an animal on the road), you will only be covered if you have a comprehensive insurance.
Please review the fine print of your car insurance policy or speak with your insurer directly for further assistance.
Cheers,
Charisse