Is hitting a kangaroo an 'at fault' accident? No, it is not considered an at fault accident.
Drivers aren't expected to give first aid, but they should call the relevant local wildlife rescue organisation and seek their advice on how to safely help or ease the pain of an injured animal. If a kangaroo sadly hasn't survived, make conditions safe for other drivers by moving it to the side of the road.
Is hitting an animal an at-fault accident? Thankfully, no. If you accidentally hit an animal with your vehicle, your insurance agency will not find you at fault. There are other things that can void your car insurance, for example, if you are intoxicated or driving irresponsibly.
Ordinarily, it is illegal to kill, buy, sell or possess a kangaroo in Australia. However, in response to the growing kangaroo population, the Australian government permits licence holders to 'cull' or shoot kangaroos.
If you come across a kangaroo, brake to avoid a collision – don't swerve. If you're in an accident prioritise safety, call 000 if needed, then contact your insurer. If you hit a kangaroo, contact a wildlife rescue organisation or the local police.
Report injured wildlife – call WIRES on 1300 094 737 or use the IFAW Wildlife rescue app to find a suitable wildlife rescue organisation for your location.
Yes, car insurance covers hitting an animal, but only if you have a comprehensive policy.
In case a kangaroo inevitably jumps in front of your vehicle, it is best to just brake heavily instead of trying to swerve to avoid them. The best advice is to just slow down and try braking in a straight line. You should only try swerving once your vehicle has slowed down sufficiently.
Report the incident
Contact RSPCA ACT 02 6287 8100 (during business hours), or WIRES (NSW Wildlife Information and Rescue Education Service) on 1300 094 737.
If you are attacked, drop to the ground and curl into a ball with your hands protecting your face and throat. Try to remain calm and still until the animal moves away, or if you can, keep low to the ground and move behind some form of cover.
AAMI Comprehensive Car Insurance may cover damage to your car in the event of a collision with animals and wildlife, such as kangaroos, wallabies and more, if the collision wasn't intentional. You will be insured up to the amount covered of your car, as listed on your Certificate of Insurance.
Kangaroos collisions can cost up to $5,000 in damages. In extreme cases, you may have to write off your car, as the cost of repairs can exceed the car's value.
Kangaroos are getting into the most trouble on the roads, with 7,992 kangaroo collision AAMI claims in the recorded year between March 2018 and February 2019. Roos made up a whopping 83% of all animal collisions. Wallabies were next with 392 collisions.
If you have a comprehensive car insurance policy, depending upon the insurer and the policy, you may be covered if you hit an animal on the road such as a kangaroo. It would be advisable to have photographs of the scene in the event that there is any dispute about how the damage to your vehicle occurred.
A kangaroo would win a fight against a human being.
This will inflict devastating wounds on a human being or even disembowel them. Without weapons and armor, humans are fragile to these wild animals. Meanwhile, humans would have to attack the kangaroo's head.
If you head into an area where kangaroos are known to live, you'll likely see a sign with a recommended speed limit as well. But since kangaroos can hit a top speed of up to 70 km/h, you should safely slow down if you come across one unexpectedly.
If you do have an accident with a kangaroo please pull over safely. When you have checked everyone in the car is safe, put your hazard lights on, and give us a call. Even if the kangaroo appears okay and jumps away it will probably be injured and need assistance.
A kangaroo collision can cause many different types of damage to your vehicle. These could be as relatively insignificant as a smashed headlight or cracked bumper, to a serious head-on collision that results in a crumpled-up bonnet and internal damage, potentially with your engine.
safe on the road. Kangaroos travel in large groups. Fast vehicles with headlights on will startle them, causing them to frantically hop in random directions. Kangaroos are most active at dusk and dawn, when they're hardest to see.
Gum leaves are unpalatable to kangaroos in the garden and perform well in the regions roamed by these large marsupials. Other excellent choices are: Eucalyptus. Bottlebrush.
Who to call if you hit a kangaroo? To find your nearest wildlife rescue organisation, take a look at the following list: New South Wales: WIRES – 1300 094 737.
Kangaroo Coverage (Kangaroo Coverage provides support for life's little accident. As a Kangaroo Member, you'll get access to protection for $1,000 worth of Theft + Damage per year.) 1 Complete Protect Plan can cover 3 Cameras (Doorbell Camera, Privacy Camera, Indoor + Outdoor Camera or Video Doorbell Camera)
Colliding with an animal
If a native animal has been hurt, you should contact the wildlife authorities in the state you are in, such as Wildlife and Information Rescue Service (WIRES) in NSW.