The 12 most unusual car insurance claims

Admiral Insurance has released details of the 12 most unusual car insurance claims they have handled over the last two years.

These have included a car being attacked by a group of escaped peacocks, mice destroying a car’s leather upholstery and a driver who hit a telegraph pole after trying to swat a fly that was inside their vehicle.

Dave Halliday, Admiral managing director, said, "We asked our claims handlers to tell us about any unusual claims they had dealt with that really stood out for them and found that animals featured in the most memorable ones.

"Although amusing to read about now, any incident is distressing for those involved and our handlers are trained to be understanding and professional. However, it goes to show car insurance is not always as dull as you may think!"

The 12 most unusual animal claims Admiral has handled are:

The front seat passenger had a puppy on their lap which jumped down from the seat. The passenger reached down to pick up the puppy but accidently pulled up the handbrake causing the car to skid into another vehicle.

A car was damaged at a village fete when a miniature pony broke loose and climbed over the bonnet.

A car was damaged by a peacock which on seeing its reflection, clawed the car.

A driver was distracted by a camel and an elephant tethered at the side of the road and collided with a bollard.

A driver drove into a telephone pole while trying to swat a fly inside the vehicle.

A rare show car, a Lancia Delta Intergrale, was destroyed while in storage by a nest of mice which chewed through the leather and foam of the two front seats, partially devoured the rear seats and completely stripped the leather from all four door interiors.

A car was damaged by a group of peacocks which escaped from the owner's neighbour's garden.

While driving, a man leaned over to stroke his dog, got distracted and crashed his car.

A driver caused a multi car shunt after being startled by a spider dangling from the rear view mirror.

A car was parked in a woodland car park and was damaged by a male peacock which took a dislike to the vehicle.

A car was damaged by rats which entered the engine compartment and chewed through internal parts.

A car was damaged while parked in a hotel car park after it was attacked by a peacock owned by the hotel.

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