Changes in handling animal-related accidents: Police will no longer always respond
From April 1, 2025, a significant change in police procedure for collisions with animals will come into effect. In some cases, police patrols will no longer respond to such incidents, and drivers will have to document the scene of the collision themselves. However, the police will still provide a confirmation of the incident report, which you can request electronically.
Two Key Changes in 2025
This year will bring two important new rules regarding traffic accidents:
- The damage limit for mandatory police notification in an accident increases from CZK 100,000 to CZK 200,000 (expected to be effective from July 1, 2025).
- Police will not respond to collisions with animals (with exceptions listed below)
When is a collision with an animal considered a traffic accident?
A collision with an animal is classified as a traffic accident and, in certain situations, must be reported to the police. The obligation to call the police applies if:
- a person was injured or killed,
- vehicle damage exceeds CZK 100,000 (from July 2025, this will be CZK 200,000),
- infrastructure, such as a bollard or guardrail, was damaged,
- the vehicle or the struck animal creates an obstruction to traffic,
- damage occurred to the property of a third party (excluding the vehicle of the accident participant or their transported belongings).
Therefore, you don't always have to call the police in the event of a collision with an animal. If none of the above conditions are met, reporting the accident is at your discretion.
What to do in case of a collision with an animal?
If you decide not to call the police, it is recommended to at least report the incident by phone. The police can then contact the local hunting association, which will take care of the struck animal. This is especially important on expressways and highways, where a deceased animal can pose a significant danger to other drivers.
If you collide with a domestic animal (such as a dog, horse, or cow), you must always call the police. These animals have owners who are responsible for any potential damages.
How to obtain a confirmation for the insurance company?
If the police do not respond to the accident, you will have to document the situation yourself – take photos or videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage and any traces of the collision. Subsequently, you can fill out a request for an event notification confirmation on the police website. The document will then be sent to you electronically via email or data box.
A new amendment to the law is coming, but insurance policy conditions remain unchanged for now. If you do not prove that the collision with an animal was reported to the Czech Police, you will not be entitled to an insurance payout, as the obligations dictated by the insurance terms and conditions, which you accepted when concluding the insurance contract, will not be met.
Summary: What to watch out for?
- From April 2025, the police will no longer automatically respond to all animal-related accidents.
- If the conditions for mandatory reporting are not met, documentation will be your responsibility.
- Event notification confirmation can be obtained electronically – Request it from the Czech Police.
- In the event of a collision with a domestic animal, you must always call the police.
Exercise increased caution while driving, especially in forested areas and places with frequent wildlife presence. The correct reaction in the event of a collision can significantly reduce the risk of an accident and its consequences.
Author
Let's talk about protecting your business and organizations.
Effective insurance starts with understanding risks. We help clients identify, assess, and manage risks so that their insurance strategy aligns with their real-world operations and long-term vision. Our insurance consulting connects detailed analysis with executive-level decision-making processes.
