Good news, Fido. Tough break, turkey: Some auto insurance
But just as dogs and cats rule the roost at home, they also top the insurance pecking order. The handful of insurers that offer the coverage with comprehensive collision policies are drawing the line at cows, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys and other animals kept for profit or food -- although Farmers Insurance Group will cover ferrets, rodents and reptiles.
The coverage reflects what pet owners have known for years and some corporations are just now realizing: The bonds run deep with fluffy friends. Even if they do soil the carpet now and again.
"People love their pets and regard them as part of the family," said Lori Conarton, communications director for the Insurance Institute of Michigan, which represents 38 companies writing 74 percent of auto insurance policies
"Given that the insurance industry is pretty competitive and market driven, if this coverage is well received, I'm sure other companies will add it as well."
With little fanfare, AAA-Michigan began offering the coverage -- at no charge in March to all customers with comprehensive collision. The coverage pays $500 per incident for medical bills or $500 for so-called replacement animals if they die in crashes.
"This was an opportunity to provide a new coverage that we believe was right for the market. We believe it's a good benefit for our policy holders and we're happy to provide it," said Anthony Ptasznik, vice president for membership and insurance produce management at AAA-Michigan, the state's second-largest provider of auto insurance.
Insurers say although there are few claims, the new pet policies are a low-cost way to try to attract customers.
The market is huge: Michiganians keep 2.18 million dogs and 2.47 million cats, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Pet auto insurance coverage was pioneered nationally by Progressive Corp. in September 2007. The insurer, based in suburban Cleveland, sells policies in all 50 states.
"We know how much our customers love their cats and dogs and many of us have pets, too," said Miriam Deitcher, director of targeted marketing at Progressive. She has a beagle puppy who loves to tag along on car rides.
"This coverage provides a comfort, and we're really thrilled we led the way in offering it," said Deitcher, who declined to say how many claims have been made.Jerry Davies, a spokesman for Los Angeles-based Farmers, said the verbal feedback he's heard has been positive since it began offering the insurance in June.
Dog owner Lynda Broughman says she doesn't have the coverage, but likes the idea.
She said $500 might not go far given that the medical bill for an animal involved in an automobile accident could easily reach several thousand dollars. And she notes that replacing her English bull dog would cost $1,800 or more.
"It still would be nice to have that coverage, $500 is a lot better than nothing," said Broughman, who works in the student accounting office at Jackson Public Schools.
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