Fish Smashes Windshield: Will Insurance Cover It?

A Fishy Accident

Sometimes the blog posts just write themselves.

ABC News in North Carolina reports that a driver in the state looked up and saw a bird carrying a huge fish.

“It was one of those slow-motion moments in life. I saw the fish and I saw him drop it,” said Rhesa Walston of Beaufort, North Carolina.

The catfish smashed straight into her windshield.

The Aftermath

It happened so quickly she didn’t have time to react.

“There was glass all over my front seat…glass on my lap,” Walston told ABC News.

After making sure her daughter in the back seat was safe, Walston contacted her family and her insurance company. Family members tracked down the fish (apparently, catfish dropped from high altitudes bounce) and took pictures to corroborate her catch.

Insurance Coverage

Walston told ABC News she will have to pay the $250 deductible on her comprehensive auto policy — not a huge price for a story the family will be telling for years to come. Animal damage is covered if you have optional comprehensive coverage. If you only have collision coverage, then you’re not covered.

According to a recent survey, over 70% of drivers in the United States have comprehensive coverage, which includes protection against animal damage. This is a significant increase from the 50% recorded five years ago, indicating a growing awareness and demand for this type of coverage.

The eagle could not be reached for comment.

For readers, it's important to review your auto insurance policy to ensure you have the right coverage for unexpected events like this. Consider adding comprehensive coverage if you don't already have it, especially if you live in an area with a high wildlife population.