The Weirdest Things Car Insurance Actually Covers

Car insurance is designed to cover the obvious stuff — accidents, theft, storm damage. But look a little closer, and you may find your policy includes protection for situations that seem unusual, unexpected, or downright strange.

From animal encounters to falling space debris, here are some of the most surprising things your auto insurance might actually cover — as long as you have the right type of protection in place.

Meteorites and Falling Space Debris

It might sound far-fetched, but if your vehicle is struck by a meteorite, satellite fragment, or other debris falling from space, your comprehensive coverage may apply. This part of your policy is designed to handle “falling objects,” whether it’s a tree branch, a piece of an aircraft, or a chunk of metal from orbit.

Though rare, claims involving falling objects have occurred — and comprehensive coverage is often the only line of defense in these outlier situations. If the damage is sudden, accidental, and beyond your control, there’s a good chance your insurer will take it seriously.

Bear Damage

In certain areas, particularly those near forests or mountains, bears have been known to break into cars searching for food. The damage they cause can be extensive — ripped doors, shattered windows, torn-up interiors — and often looks like the aftermath of a major collision.

If your vehicle is damaged by a bear or another wild animal, comprehensive insurance generally applies. While policies vary, most consider this a covered peril, especially when there’s clear evidence of animal involvement.

Falling Livestock Accidents

As strange as it may seem, incidents involving livestock falling onto vehicles have been reported — including one case where a cow fell off a hillside onto a parked car. Though extreme, these types of accidents are still categorized as “falling objects” or “animal collisions,” and comprehensive coverage may apply.

Even if you don’t live near farms or rural cliffs, this example highlights how flexible comprehensive coverage can be when unexpected hazards arise.

Vandalism by Children

Most drivers know that comprehensive coverage protects against vandalism, but not everyone realizes it may also apply when the damage is caused by a child — whether intentional or accidental. For example, a young child scratching paint with a toy or covering the vehicle in permanent marker could qualify as a vandalism claim.

Policies vary on how “vandalism” is defined, but damage caused by someone outside of your control — even a child — may be covered under certain circumstances.

Rodent and Animal Chewing Damage

Small animals like mice, rats, or raccoons can find their way into engine compartments and cause significant damage. Chewed wires, shredded insulation, and contaminated air filters are all common outcomes — and the repair costs can be substantial.

Many comprehensive policies include coverage for animal damage, though some may have exclusions or require documentation. This type of claim is especially common in colder climates or in vehicles that have been sitting unused for extended periods.

Damage From a Malfunctioning Car Wash

If an automatic car wash malfunctions and damages your vehicle — whether through mechanical error or equipment failure — your collision coverage may apply. This includes situations where brushes scrape the paint, rails misguide your tires, or moving parts dent your vehicle.

In some cases, the car wash business may take responsibility, but if they deny fault or you can’t recover damages through them, your insurer may step in. It's one more example of how your policy can protect against unlikely but frustrating incidents.

The Bottom Line

Your car insurance may cover far more than you think — especially if you carry comprehensive coverage. From wildlife damage to falling objects and mechanical mishaps, understanding what’s included in your policy can help you stay prepared for the unexpected.

And while you’re reviewing your coverage, this is a smart time to compare quotes or update your policy. Your needs may have changed, and a quick review could uncover savings or better protection for the road ahead.