Some dogs love nothing more than a ride in the car—no matter the destination. If you're one of the 56 percent of dog owners who regularly travel with your furry friend, you may not give much thought to safety—other than ensuring that your dog doesn't interfere with your own ability to safely navigate.

However, unrestrained dogs have a higher risk of suffering injuries during an accident than adults and children wearing seatbelts, and your primary auto insurance policy is unlikely to cover these costs. What are the safest ways for a dog to travel in a vehicle? Should you purchase supplemental insurance coverage to ensure that you won't pay out of pocket for injuries your dog suffers due to another driver's negligence? Read on to learn more about physically and financially protecting your dog while traveling together.

How should you secure your dog while traveling in a vehicle?

If your dog's favorite driving activity includes putting his or her head next to an open window, don't worry -- you won't necessarily be forced to relegate your dog to a windowless crate in order to keep him or her safe. The best and safest auto travel options for your dog largely depend on his or her size.

For small dogs, a booster seat that can be secured with your back seat's seatbelt can allow your dog to look out the window safely. These seats may either include their own (dog-sized) seatbelts or a zippered enclosure that will prevent your pet from bouncing around if you are involved in an accident. 

For medium to large dogs, a crate can be the safest option to keep your dog secure and prevent him or her from impeding your ability to drive without distractions. However, these crates need not be jail-like; many have flexible sides, mesh "windows," and can be positioned to allow your dog to look outside or even stick his or her head out the window.

Another option for larger (or nervous) dogs can be a harness or restraint that attaches to your existing seatbelts. These harnesses are designed to secure your dog in one position throughout your ride, and are just as effective as "human" seatbelts during a crash.

Its important to always secure your dog in the back seat, rather than allowing him or her to ride up front. A deploying airbag can cause injuries, even to a dog that is properly restrained.

Should you purchase supplemental auto insurance coverage to help protect your dog?

If you don't want to be faced with the harrowing decision between paying thousands of dollars for life-saving medical treatment or telling your pet goodbye, you may want to investigate an insurance policy that includes medical expenses for pets injured during an auto accident. Although not all policies offer this type of coverage, those that do can provide a tremendous advantage to dog owners who want to protect their pets both physically and financially. You'll generally be able to obtain a lower rate on this type of insurance by showing you have measures in place to ensure your dog is traveling safely.

Purchasing a policy to protect your dog can be a good idea if you don't have the cash reserves to cover an urgent and expensive procedure, or if your pet travels in your vehicle on a frequent basis or often goes on long trips. If you have sufficient cash set aside to help cover emergency veterinary expenses, or if your dog only travels with you occasionally, this coverage may be more than you need. Get a better idea of the coverage you need by contact companies like Harris Insurance Services.

Share