Does Insurance Pay for Deer Accidents? Your Comprehensive Guide

Yes, insurance typically pays for deer accidents, but the specific coverage depends heavily on your insurance policy and the circumstances of the collision. Generally, if you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance will cover the damages to your vehicle. However, liability insurance alone will not cover damages to your vehicle in a deer accident. Let’s delve into the nuances.

Understanding Insurance Coverage for Deer Collisions

Deer accidents are a common reality, especially in rural areas and during certain times of the year, like dawn and dusk during mating season. Knowing how your insurance policy applies to these incidents is crucial to navigating the aftermath smoothly. The key takeaway is that the type of coverage you have significantly impacts whether your insurance company will foot the bill for the repairs to your vehicle after a collision with a deer.

Comprehensive Coverage: Your Best Bet

Comprehensive coverage is designed to protect your vehicle from damages resulting from incidents other than collisions with other vehicles. This includes events like theft, vandalism, fire, hail, and, crucially, collisions with animals such as deer. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance company will typically pay for the damages to your vehicle caused by a deer impact, minus your deductible.

Your deductible is the amount you agree to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. For example, if your repair bill is $3,000 and your deductible is $500, you’ll pay $500, and your insurance company will cover the remaining $2,500.

Collision Coverage: Not Always Necessary

While collision coverage might seem like it would apply, it’s generally not the primary coverage used for deer accidents. Collision coverage is typically reserved for accidents where you collide with another vehicle or a stationary object like a tree or a building. However, in some very specific instances, if you swerve to avoid a deer and hit another object, collision coverage might come into play. But in most cases, comprehensive is the appropriate coverage.

Liability Coverage: Insufficient for Your Damages

Liability coverage only covers damages you cause to another person or their property. This means that if you are at fault in an accident, your liability coverage will pay for the other party’s vehicle repairs or medical bills. But if you hit a deer, and there is no other vehicle involved, your liability coverage will not pay for the damage to your own vehicle. It only covers damages you inflict on others. Therefore, relying solely on liability insurance leaves you financially responsible for repairing your car after a deer collision.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Irrelevant in Most Cases

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage protects you if you are hit by another driver who either doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages. Since a deer isn’t a driver, this type of coverage is typically not applicable to deer accidents.

Filing a Claim After a Deer Accident: What to Expect

If you’ve hit a deer and have comprehensive coverage, the next step is to file a claim with your insurance company. Be prepared to provide the following information:

• Date, time, and location of the accident: Be as precise as possible.
• Description of the incident: Clearly explain what happened, focusing on the fact that you collided with a deer.
• Photos of the damage: Take clear photos of the damage to your vehicle, as well as any photos of the deer if it’s safe to do so.
• Police report (if applicable): In some states, you may be required to file a police report after hitting a deer.

Once you file a claim, your insurance company will likely assign an adjuster to your case. The adjuster will assess the damage to your vehicle and determine the amount of the payout. You may be required to take your vehicle to a specific repair shop or to obtain multiple estimates.

Is It Worth Filing a Claim? Weighing the Pros and Cons

Deciding whether to file a claim after hitting a deer involves weighing the cost of the repairs against your deductible and the potential impact on your insurance premiums.

• Cost of repairs: Obtain an estimate from a reputable repair shop.
• Your deductible: Consider how much you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket.
• Potential premium increase: Ask your insurance company how filing the claim might affect your future premiums. Remember that in many states, insurance companies are prohibited from raising your rates after a deer collision because it is considered an “act of God” and not your fault.

If the cost of repairs is only slightly higher than your deductible, it might not be worth filing a claim, as the potential premium increase could offset the savings. However, if the damage is significant, filing a claim is likely the best course of action.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Insurance and Deer Accidents

Here are some frequently asked questions to provide further clarity on this topic:

1. Will my insurance rates go up if I hit a deer?

In many states, insurance companies cannot raise your rates for a deer accident because it is typically considered a non-preventable incident. However, it’s always wise to check with your specific insurance company and review your state’s regulations. Some companies may still raise rates under certain circumstances, even for non-fault accidents.

2. What if I swerve to avoid a deer and hit something else?

If you swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or object, the coverage that applies depends on the specifics of the incident. If you hit another car, collision coverage would likely apply, and you might be considered at fault. If you hit a stationary object, collision coverage would again be the likely coverage. The circumstances of the accident will be evaluated to determine fault.

3. Do I need to file a police report after hitting a deer?

Whether you need to file a police report depends on your state’s laws and your insurance company’s requirements. Some states require a police report if the damage exceeds a certain amount, while others do not require it at all for animal collisions. It’s always a good idea to check your state’s laws and your insurance policy to be sure.

4. What if the deer is injured but still alive after the accident?

If the deer is injured but alive after the accident, contact your local animal control or wildlife authorities. Do not attempt to move the deer yourself, as it could be dangerous. These authorities are equipped to handle the situation safely and humanely.

5. Can I keep the deer if it dies in the accident?

The legality of keeping a deer that dies in a car accident varies by state. Some states allow you to keep the deer, while others require you to obtain a permit or notify the authorities. Check your state’s hunting regulations to determine the legality of keeping the deer. Also be aware that, regardless of legality, handling a dead animal poses potential health risks.

6. What if I only have liability insurance?

If you only have liability insurance, your insurance will not cover the damages to your vehicle caused by a deer accident. You will be responsible for paying for the repairs out-of-pocket. This is why comprehensive coverage is so important, especially if you live in an area with a high deer population.

7. How can I prevent deer accidents?

While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk of a deer accident, there are steps you can take to reduce your chances:

• Be especially cautious at dawn and dusk: Deer are most active during these times.
• Slow down in areas with deer crossing signs: These signs are there for a reason.
• Use your high beams when possible: This can help you see deer earlier.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Scan the sides of the road for deer.
• If you see one deer, expect more: Deer often travel in groups.

8. What happens if I have modifications on my car?

If your car has aftermarket modifications, whether they are covered by your insurance depends on the type of modification and your insurance policy. Some policies automatically cover certain modifications, while others require you to specifically declare them. Check your policy details or talk to your insurance agent.

9. How long do I have to file a claim after a deer accident?

The time you have to file a claim after a deer accident varies by state and insurance company. However, it’s generally best to file a claim as soon as possible after the incident. Waiting too long could jeopardize your claim.

10. What if my insurance company denies my claim?

If your insurance company denies your claim, you have the right to appeal their decision. Start by understanding the reason for the denial and gathering any additional evidence that supports your claim. You can also consult with an attorney to discuss your options.

11. Does insurance cover rental car fees while my car is being repaired?

Whether your insurance covers rental car fees while your car is being repaired depends on whether you have rental reimbursement coverage. This is an optional coverage that you can add to your policy. If you have it, your insurance company will pay for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered loss.

12. What documentation should I keep after a deer accident?

After a deer accident, it’s important to keep all documentation related to the incident, including:

• Police report (if applicable)
• Photos of the damage
• Repair estimates
• Insurance claim documents
• Rental car agreements (if applicable)

Keeping these documents organized will help you navigate the claims process smoothly.