If you're camping and an animal dents, scratches or otherwise harms your RV or camper, does your vehicle insurance cover it?

Camping season has arrived, which means people are taking their RVs and campers out and hitting the road for weekend excursions in the woods. Coexisting with wildlife is expected when you rough it — even if only for a day — so what happens if one of nature's creatures takes a liking to your RV or camper and causes a little damage to it? Does your insurance cover it?

There's no solid yes or no to this question, as insurance claims vary greatly depending on the situation. Generally, though, damage caused by animals would be covered by your vehicle insurance if you have the proper coverage. Here's what you need, what you should remember and why.

Choose Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage applies to claims involving animals and your vehicle. Your policy most likely states that sudden, accidental losses caused by contact with an animal are covered by Comprehensive coverage. So, if a deer, moose, bear or even a bird runs into your RV or camper, Comprehensive should apply to the damage. Coverage may not apply if you have left your RV or camper unoccupied for a long period, such as more than two weeks.

Let's say you leave your camper or RV behind while you take a long hike. When you return to your campsite, you discover a wild animal has not only broken through the door of your vehicle, but it's ransacked the inside and damaged the cushions, windows and cupboards in a quest for food.

Would your Comprehensive coverage apply in this situation? Most likely it would because it falls within your policy's definition of Comprehensive coverage.

Keep in mind that it's possible your insurance company may require you to purchase both Comprehensive and Collision coverage together for an RV policy instead of just one or the other. Make sure you check with your company to see what options are available.

With Comprehensive coverage, you choose a deductible amount that you'll pay before your insurance kicks in. For instance, if you have a $250 Comprehensive deductible, you'd be responsible for the first $250 in damage to your vehicle and your insurance would pay for any remaining damage related to the claim.

With RVs or campers, damage can add up quickly, so choosing this coverage may benefit you in the long run — especially if you may encounter wildlife.

Damage From Your Pets Is Covered

One thing to remember is that sudden, accidental damage from your own pets is covered, too. When you purchase Comprehensive and Collision coverages, you can use the coverage regardless of what animal is at fault for the damage. So if your dog accidentally damages your vehicle by suddenly chewing the dashboard, fixtures or tires, the damage most likely would be covered by Comprehensive coverage.

File Claims ASAP

If your vehicle is damaged while you're out camping, make sure you report the claim as soon as you can safely do so. Reporting claims in a timely manner can help you in the long run, as repairs can be completed sooner. This is especially important if the damage leaves your vehicle vulnerable to outsiders.

For instance, if a window is broken or a door is dented and can't be locked, you may want to fix it as soon as possible. If you report your claim sooner rather than later, payments can be made and repairs can be arranged as quickly as possible and the contents in your RV or camper can be kept safer.

If you have any questions about animal claims or want to update your coverage, be sure to contact your insurance company. Staying safe applies to adventures in the woods, too!