Accidents involving wildlife are not just isolated to rural areas. Wild boar, deer or rabbits can also cross your path near cities. Drivers must react quickly when wild animals get too close. You can reduce your risk of an accident by following a few simple driving rules.
Wildlife crossing: greatest risk during rush-hour traffic
- Mornings between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and
- Evenings from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Hazardous areas: increased wildlife activity
- Roads near forests, meadows and fields
- Blind spots with hedges and high grain fields
Avoid risks: drive carefully
- Heed warning signs
- Slow down
- Keep checking the sides of the road
Wildlife in sight: react quickly
- Apply the brakes, dip the headlights and honk your horn
- Keep the steering wheel straight if you need to slam on the brakes
- Do not swerve; this increases the risk of personal injury
- Warning: expect other animals to be nearby
After an accident involving wildlife: 8-point plan
- Stay calm
- Turn on your hazard lights and put on your warning vest
- Secure the accident area with a warning triangle
- Take care of any injured persons
- Notify the police: emergency number 117
- Contact your insurance
- Take pictures of the scene, of the accident and of the damage to your vehicle
- Fill out the wildlife collision report form with the assistance of the police (and forester/gamekeeper)
Prevention: take out accidental damage insurance
Partial or full accidental damage insurance reimburses damage to your vehicle. In cases of emergency, remember to report the accident to the police and have them officially record it.
Please note: your service as a Generali customer
If you have accidental damage insurance (partial or full) with Generali, we will cover the repair costs and breakdown assistance.
We are there for you around the clock. Report your claim online or by telephone at 0800 82 84 86. Find out more here about our claims service.