Let’s start with a few numbers. Nearly one in three French people regularly transport a dog or cat in a car; however, nearly one in two does not know good transport practices.
Pets in cars are the third leading cause of distracted driving after children and cell phones; some go so far as to stroke them or feed them while driving; others drive with their favorite animal on their lap.
No one is safe from a violent brake blow, which will transform the hairball into a missile.
Good travel practices
Two articles of the Highway Code stipulate that the driver and the passengers of a vehicle must wear a seat belt, and that the possibilities of movement and the field of vision of a driver must not be restricted by passengers or passengers. objects transported.
The term “passenger” can be extended to include pets. Safety harness, transport bag, metal cage, partition wall between the trunk of a station wagon and the passenger space are some of the accessories that will prevent your animal from causing discomfort for the driver.
Unclear legislation
The driver of an automobile must be kept in a constant state and in a position to carry out conveniently and without delay all the maneuvers incumbent on him (art. R412.6 of the Highway Code).
In the event of a control, a police officer may consider your animal to be a nuisance and issue you a fine of € 35. However, the transport of animals is not clearly regulated by legislation.
You are under no obligation to take out specific insurance for your animal.
The role of comprehensive home insurance
In fact, your civil liability (generally included in your home insurance) covers the risks of damage caused to a third party by your animal; whether it escapes during a stop or bites a third person.
In the absence of insurance, the owner of the animal will have to pay for the repairs of the damage caused himself.
The interest of the declaration to the insurer
You can mention your animal when taking out the civil liability contract (or have an addendum added during the exercise of this one), possibly specifying its breed.
Please note, deductibles may apply, your premium amount may increase for pet coverage and the precise extent of coverage must be understood.
This guarantee only concerned third parties. For family members, it will be necessary to take out a life accident guarantee contract.