What risk is associated with contact with a bird or animal in an auto policy?

The association of contact with a bird or animal in an auto policy falls under other-than-collision coverage. This type of coverage is designed to handle damage incurred from incidents that do not involve another vehicle or collision with an object. When a vehicle collides with a bird or an animal, it does not fit the typical definitions of collision, which is generally limited to impacts with other vehicles or fixed objects. Instead, these types of incidents are classified under comprehensive or other-than-collision coverage because they can occur without the involvement of another driver or object, and they address a wide range of risks, including wildlife encounters.

This classification is crucial in understanding how insurance policies are structured, allowing policyholders to recognize which incidents are covered under specific circumstances.