Is Hitting a Deer Covered by Insurance? Decoding the Collision Conundrum

The short answer? Yes, hitting a deer is typically covered by insurance, but with a significant “but.” Coverage usually falls under your comprehensive coverage, sometimes also referred to as “other than collision” coverage. However, the devil is in the details, and understanding those details can save you a lot of headache and heartache after an unfortunate encounter with Bambi’s family.

Understanding the Coverage Landscape

Navigating the world of insurance can feel like traversing a dense forest. Let’s shed some light on the key coverage types that come into play when you hit a deer.

Comprehensive Coverage: Your First Line of Defense

Comprehensive coverage is designed to protect your vehicle from damage caused by events outside of collisions with other vehicles or objects. Think of things like hail, vandalism, theft, and, yes, animal strikes. Hitting a deer almost always falls under comprehensive coverage.

• Deductible: This is the amount you’ll pay out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in. If your deductible is $500 and the damage is $1,500, you’ll pay $500, and your insurance will cover the remaining $1,000. Choosing a higher deductible generally results in lower premiums, but you’ll need to be prepared to pay more upfront in the event of a claim.
• Premiums: Your premium is the amount you pay regularly (monthly, quarterly, annually) for your insurance coverage. Premiums are influenced by various factors, including your driving history, the type of vehicle you drive, your location, and your chosen deductible.

Collision Coverage: When It Might Not Apply

Collision coverage protects your vehicle when you collide with another vehicle or object. While it might seem relevant, hitting a deer is generally considered an event covered by comprehensive, not collision, coverage. This is because insurance companies classify deer strikes as an incident outside of your control, like an “act of nature.”

Liability Coverage: Absolutely Not Applicable

Liability coverage only covers damage you cause to someone else. If you swerve to avoid a deer and hit another car, liability coverage would cover the damage to the other car, but it wouldn’t cover the damage to your vehicle.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Irrelevant Here

This coverage protects you if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages. It’s not relevant to hitting a deer.

Before You Call Your Insurance Company: Document, Document, Document!

So, you’ve hit a deer. After ensuring everyone is safe, the next crucial step is documentation. This will be invaluable when filing your claim.

• Take Photos: Capture the damage to your vehicle, the location of the incident, and, if possible (and safe), any evidence of the deer. Photos are your best friend in proving your claim.
• Call the Police: A police report can provide official documentation of the incident. Even if they don’t physically come to the scene, a report can be filed online or over the phone.
• Gather Witnesses: If there were witnesses, get their contact information. Their statements can support your claim.
• Keep Records: Keep a record of all your communications with the insurance company, repair shops, and anyone else involved in the process.

The Claims Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the incident as soon as possible. Be prepared to provide details about the time, location, and circumstances of the accident.
2. Claims Adjuster Assessment: An insurance adjuster will be assigned to your case. They will investigate the claim and assess the damage to your vehicle.
3. Vehicle Inspection: The adjuster may want to inspect your vehicle personally or request that you take it to a specific repair shop for an estimate.
4. Repair or Total Loss: Based on the damage assessment, the adjuster will determine if your vehicle can be repaired or if it’s a total loss. If it’s repairable, they’ll authorize the repairs. If it’s a total loss, they’ll offer you a settlement based on the vehicle’s market value.
5. Settlement and Payment: Once you agree to the settlement (for a total loss) or the repair estimate, the insurance company will issue payment, minus your deductible.

Will Hitting a Deer Increase My Insurance Rates?

This is the million-dollar question, isn’t it? The good news is that filing a comprehensive claim for hitting a deer typically does NOT increase your insurance rates. Why? Because it’s considered an “act of nature” or an unavoidable incident. Insurance companies generally don’t penalize you for events outside of your control. However, it’s always a good idea to confirm this with your specific insurance provider, as policies and practices can vary slightly.

Caveats and Considerations

• State Laws: Insurance laws vary by state. Some states have specific regulations regarding animal collisions.
• Policy Exclusions: Always review your policy for any exclusions that might apply.
• Prior Accidents: If you have a history of accidents, even if they weren’t your fault, your insurance company might be more hesitant to cover your claim without increasing your rates.
• False Claims: Never attempt to file a false claim or exaggerate the damage. This is insurance fraud and can have serious consequences.

FAQs: Hitting Deer & Insurance, Decoded

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the topic:

1. What happens if I only have liability insurance and hit a deer?

If you only have liability insurance, it will not cover the damage to your vehicle if you hit a deer. Liability insurance only covers damages you cause to others. You will be responsible for all repair costs out of pocket.

2. Does hitting a deer count as an at-fault accident?

No, hitting a deer is generally not considered an at-fault accident because it’s viewed as an unavoidable incident, an “act of nature.”

3. If I swerve to avoid a deer and crash into a tree, is it still covered under comprehensive?

Yes, in most cases, if you swerve to avoid hitting a deer and subsequently hit a tree, the damage to your vehicle should still be covered under your comprehensive coverage, as the incident was initiated by the attempt to avoid an animal.

4. What if the deer runs away after I hit it? Do I still need a police report?

Yes, it’s still recommended to file a police report even if the deer runs away. The police report provides official documentation of the incident and can support your insurance claim.

5. My insurance company wants to total my car after hitting a deer, but I want to repair it. Can I do that?

You have the right to get a second opinion and obtain your own repair estimates. However, if the insurance company deems the vehicle a total loss based on its market value and repair costs exceeding a certain threshold (typically 70-80% of the vehicle’s value), they may not be willing to pay for repairs. You can choose to keep the vehicle and pay for the repairs yourself, but the insurance company will only pay you the total loss value minus the salvage value.

6. Can I choose any repair shop, or does my insurance company dictate where I take my car?

You generally have the right to choose any repair shop you prefer. However, some insurance companies have “preferred” repair shops, and using one of these shops might streamline the claims process.

7. If I hit a deer and damage another person’s property, will my insurance cover that?

If you damage another person’s property (e.g., a fence or mailbox) while trying to avoid a deer, your liability coverage would likely cover those damages.

8. What if I have a very high deductible? Is it even worth filing a claim?

Whether it’s worth filing a claim depends on the extent of the damage and your deductible. If the damage is less than your deductible, there’s no point in filing a claim. Get an estimate and compare it to your deductible to decide if filing a claim is financially worthwhile.

9. Does my insurance cover injuries if I’m hurt in a deer-related accident?

Your medical payments coverage (MedPay) or personal injury protection (PIP), if you have it, would help cover your medical expenses. If the accident was caused by another driver (e.g., they swerved and hit you), their liability insurance might cover your injuries.

10. Are there any preventative measures I can take to avoid hitting a deer?

Yes, being vigilant during dawn and dusk (when deer are most active), using your high beams when appropriate, and being aware of deer crossing signs can help reduce your risk of a collision.

11. My insurance company is denying my claim for hitting a deer. What are my options?

If your claim is denied, first, understand the reason for the denial. Review your policy carefully. If you believe the denial is unjustified, you can appeal the decision with your insurance company. If that fails, you can consider contacting your state’s insurance regulator or consulting with an attorney.

12. How long do I have to file a claim after hitting a deer?

The timeframe for filing a claim varies by state and insurance company, but it’s generally best to file a claim as soon as possible after the incident. Check your policy for specific deadlines, but delaying could jeopardize your claim.

Hitting a deer is a stressful and unfortunate event. By understanding your insurance coverage, documenting the incident thoroughly, and following the claims process diligently, you can navigate this situation with greater confidence and minimize the financial impact. Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to insurance.