The situation when bird hits carIt may seem funny or insignificant at first glance, but it often turns into serious problems for the driver. A sudden blow of a feathered body against the windshield can leave a chip, which will quickly turn into a crack, or completely break the "foreman" to smithereens. What’s more, a collision with a large waterfowl or bird of prey at high speed can lead to deformation of the hood, damage to the radiator and even an emergency on the road.
Many car owners are lost in such moments: is it an accident, is it a payment for insurance and how to fix the damage? The answers to these questions depend on the specific circumstances of the incident, the type of bird and the impact of the impact. In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions, legal subtleties and technical aspects of recovery after such an incident.
The most important thing is to keep your cool. Even if the incident occurred at speed, it is necessary to correctly assess the situation. If the consequences of the impact are visible visually, you can not ignore them, as this can affect the safety of further movement. Windshield With a crack in the area of work of wipers or in front of the driver's eyes - this is a direct way to fine or ban the operation of the vehicle.
Damage assessment and traffic safety
The first thing to do immediately after the characteristic sound of the impact is to stop safely. Do not attempt to drive to the garage or service "as is" if there is a suspicion of serious damage. Evaluate the nature of the impact: was it a light spanking of a small bird or a powerful blow of a large individual capable of deforming the metal. If only glass is affected, the risk may be minimal, but if damaged, it may be a risk. radiator or cooling-system Further travel is strictly prohibited.
The visual examination should be thorough. Check the integrity of the hood, bumper and, of course, the glass. Often, a bird crashes, leaving not only dents, but also biological traces that can make it difficult to see. If the impact was in the zone windshieldCheck it carefully for any slacks. Even microscopic damage caused by vibration and temperature changes tends to grow.
⚠️ Note: If the impact occurred in the area of the windshield and a crack formed, blocking the driver's view or falling into the cleaning zone of the windshield wiper, further movement on the car is prohibited by traffic rules.
It is also important to check whether the bird has been caught in the carcass. air-intake. Closing air access to the engine can cause it to overheat, which will lead to major repairs of the engine. In some cases, the remains of the bird can get stuck in the mechanism of the wipers, which will lead to their breakage at the first turn on.
Use gloves when removing the remains of poultry from the body – droppings and biological tissues can contain dangerous bacteria and acids that corrode the paintwork.
Legal Status: Is it considered an accident?
The question is whether a collision with a bird is traffic accidentIt's often controversial. According to traffic rules, an accident is an event that occurred during the movement on the road of the vehicle and is associated with it. The key factor here is the presence of damage and the involvement of the vehicle. If a bird crashes into a standing car in a parking lot, it is usually not an accident, but damage to a foreign object (or animals).
However, if the car was moving and the collision caused material damage or injury, the situation can be classified as an accident. This is especially true if due to the impact of the driver lost control and crashed into a breaker or other car. In this case, a chain of events is recorded. Insurance companies often try to classify such cases as “an event not an apparent accident,” which can affect the size of the payouts and whether a deductible is available.
To receive payments for CASCO The status of the incident plays a secondary role in comparison with the fact of the damage. However, OSAGO The situation is more complicated: if there is no second participant (another car), there will be no payment for the “auto-citizen” because the bird is not an insured person. The only exception is if you crashed into a bird, dodged and damaged your car against the fence, but this will already be considered an accident.
It is important to understand the difference between a wild bird and a domestic bird. If you hit a chicken or goose belonging to a farm, it can be regarded as damage to property, which entails civil liability. In such cases, the call of the police is mandatory to record the circumstances.
Procedure for collision
The algorithm of the driver depends on the scale of the accident. If you were driving on the highway and felt a blow, but the car continues to go normally, do not brake sharply in the middle of high-speed flow. Turn on the alarm and smoothly adjust to the side of the road. If the impact was strong and you hear foreign sounds or feel loss of control, stop immediately, observing safety measures.
After stopping and placing the emergency stop sign, it is necessary to record the incident. Take photos of the event site, the overall plan of the car, close-up damage and, if possible, the bird itself (or its remnants). These materials will be crucial for communication with the insurance company. Do not remove the carcass of the bird immediately if you plan to call traffic police officers to draw up a protocol.
- 📸 Take photos and videos of all damage from different angles in good lighting.
- 🚔 Call the traffic police if you plan to receive payments or there are controversial issues.
- 📞 Contact your insurance company for advice on further action.
- 🧤 Carefully remove the residues of the bird so that they do not damage the paint or machinery.
☑️ Checklist for damage fixation
If you decide not to call the police (which is permissible in the absence of disputes and the presence of a full CASCO covering such cases without certificates), be sure to draw up a European protocol or a statement of direct damages, clearly describing the circumstances: “Moving along the highway, a sudden collision with a bird, damage to the windshield.” Avoid wording that can be interpreted in two ways.
Documentation for insurance
to successfully obtain compensation for CASCO Documents must be properly prepared. Insurers require proof that the event actually occurred during the period of the contract and falls under insurance risks. Usually, the risk of “animal collision” or “object fall” is covered by the policy, but sometimes a separate option is required.
In the certificate from the traffic police or in the notice of an accident (if issued without the police) should be clearly indicated the cause of damage. The phrase “hitting an obstacle” can raise questions, so it is better to use the phrase “hitting a bird” or “hitting a foreign object”. If the bird was a large one (swan, eagle), it can be qualified as an encounter with an animal, which is also an insured event.
| Type of document | When required | Who's giving it away? | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate of accident (Form No. 154) | When calling the traffic police | Police officers | Contains a diagram and description of the circumstances |
| Europrotocol | In the absence of disputes and damages up to the limit | Drivers (self-driving) | Only possible if there is a second participant (rarely for birds) |
| Statement of insurance event | Always when applying to the SC | Insurer | Written in free form or according to the template of the SK |
| Act of inspection | For damage assessment | Insurance expert | Fixes the cost of repairs |
⚠️ Please note: Do not delay your contact with the insurance company. The standard notice period for an insured event is 3 to 5 days from the time of the incident, depending on your insurance company's rules.
If only you OSAGOUnfortunately, you won’t get paid for your broken bumper or glass, as this type of insurance covers liability to third parties, not your own damage. In this case, the repair will have to be done at your own expense.
What to do if the insurance company refuses?
Insurance companies often refuse if the policy does not specify the risk of “collision with animals” or if the case is recognized as non-insured (for example, the driver provoked the collision). In this case, request a written refusal with justification. If you consider the refusal illegal, you can apply to the RSA (Russian Union of Motor Insurers) or to the court, providing photo and video materials, as well as witness statements.
Technical implications and repairs
The impact of the attack can be different. Small birds (sparrows, pigeons) most often leave dents on the hood or break glass at high speed. Large birds (geese, swans, predators) can cause serious damage: bend the edge of the hood, damage the grille, break headlights or even break through the windshield.
Repairs windshield It depends on the nature of the damage. Chipped chips can be tried to seal with a polymer if they are small and not on the edge. Cracks, especially those coming from the edge or crossing the viewing area, require a complete replacement of the glass. Modern glass often has rain sensors and cameras, calibration of which after replacement is a mandatory and expensive procedure.
- 🚗 Body repairs: The dents on the hood may require re-distillation or digestion if the metal is severely deformed.
- 💡 Optics: Cracks on the headlights are not repaired, the block headlights are required to be replaced.
- ❄️ Radiator: A broken cooling radiator leads to leakage of antifreeze and overheating of the engine.
Special attention should be paid air-conditioning. If a bird gets into the air intake, the residues can clog the evaporator or damage the fan. This can lead to an unpleasant smell in the cabin or failure of the cooling system of the cabin.
Timely replacement of damaged glass or restoration of LCP prevents corrosion and ensures safety, so do not postpone repairs in a long drawer.
Prevention and protection of the vehicle
It is impossible to completely insure yourself against a bird encounter, but you can minimize the risks. First of all, it is compliance with the speed regime, especially in forest zones, near water bodies and on migratory routes of birds. At high speeds, even a small bird turns into a projectile with destructive energy.
Protective films can be used to protect paint and glass. Anti-gravel film On the hood and front of the roof is able to take a hit, keeping the metal intact. For headlights, there are special transparent armored films that prevent chipping from stones and bird strikes.
You should also be careful when parking. Do not leave your car under trees in nesting areas or under power lines where birds often sit. Bird droppings, if not removed in time, corrodes the varnish and paint in a matter of days, especially in summer under the influence of the sun.
Have in the glove compartment wet wipes and a means to remove biological contaminants. Fresh droppings or bird residues are easy to wash off until they have dried up and grazed into the coating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the OSAGO cover the damage if I crashed into a bird?
No, CTP insures your civil liability to third parties. If you only damaged your car, the OSAGO will not pay compensation. You will need a CASCO policy with the appropriate risk or repair at your own expense.
Do I need to call the traffic police if only the glass is broken?
A traffic police call is necessary if you want to get a certificate for insurance (if the rules of your policy require it) or if there are controversial points. Many CASCO policies allow you to make out minor damages (like glass) without police certificates, photo fixation through the insurance application.
Can a bird break through the windshield?
Yes, a large bird (swan, goose, eagle) in a collision at a speed of over 80-100 km / h has enough kinetic energy to penetrate hardened or triplex glass through, which creates a direct threat to the driver's life.
What to do if after the impact the light bulb of the engine overheating lit?
Stop immediately and shut off the engine. It is likely that the bird or its remnants damaged the radiator or shut down the air. Trying to continue driving will lead to a jamming of the engine. Call the tow truck.