What Insurance Covers Hitting a Deer? A Deep Dive for Drivers

Let’s cut straight to the chase: Hitting a deer with your car is typically covered by your comprehensive insurance coverage. This is the portion of your auto insurance policy that protects you from damage to your vehicle caused by events other than a collision with another vehicle.

Understanding Comprehensive Coverage

Now, before you breathe a sigh of relief, let’s unpack what “comprehensive” actually entails. Think of it as your “act of God” or “unforeseen circumstance” protection. It generally covers damage from things like:

• Natural disasters: Hail, flooding, earthquakes (depending on your location).
• Vandalism and theft: Damage caused by vandals or the theft of your vehicle.
• Fire: Damage from a fire, regardless of the cause.
• Falling objects: Like a tree branch crushing your roof.
• Animal Damage: Including that unfortunate encounter with Bambi’s cousin.

The key takeaway here is that comprehensive coverage doesn’t care who is at fault. It simply covers the damage to your vehicle, regardless of whether you could have avoided the incident (within reason, of course – purposefully swerving into a deer would raise some eyebrows).

Why Not Collision Coverage?

You might be wondering, “Why isn’t this covered by my collision insurance?”. Collision coverage is specifically designed to cover damage sustained when your vehicle collides with another vehicle or object. While technically you are colliding with an object (the deer), insurance companies generally categorize animal strikes under comprehensive coverage. This is significant because it often impacts your deductible and potentially, your premium.

The Dreaded Deductible and Premium Hike

Here’s where things get a little less rosy. Like most insurance policies, comprehensive coverage usually comes with a deductible. This is the amount you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in to cover the remaining repair costs.

For example, if you have a $500 deductible and the damage to your car is $2,000, you’ll pay $500, and your insurance company will cover the remaining $1,500.

Now, the question on everyone’s mind: Will my rates go up if I file a claim for hitting a deer? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t always straightforward.

Generally, because a deer strike is considered an “act of God” and not your fault, it shouldn’t significantly impact your rates. However, insurance companies use complex algorithms to assess risk, and factors like the number of claims in your area, your driving history, and even your credit score (in some states) can influence your premium.

It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance agent before filing a claim to get a better understanding of how it might affect your rates. They can run scenarios and provide personalized advice.

What To Do After Hitting a Deer

Okay, so you’ve just had an unexpected encounter with wildlife. What’s next? Here’s a quick checklist:

1. Safety First: Pull over to a safe location, turn on your hazard lights, and check yourself and any passengers for injuries.
2. Call the Authorities: Contact the police or highway patrol to report the incident. This is important for insurance purposes and also helps with tracking deer-related accidents in the area.
3. Document Everything: Take photos of the damage to your vehicle, the location of the accident, and, if possible, the deer (if it’s safe to do so).
4. Exchange Information (If Applicable): If another vehicle was involved (e.g., you swerved to avoid the deer and hit another car), exchange insurance information with the other driver.
5. Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the incident to your insurance company as soon as possible. They will guide you through the claims process.
6. Get an Estimate: Obtain a repair estimate from a reputable body shop. Your insurance company may have preferred shops they work with.
7. Cooperate with the Adjuster: Work with your insurance adjuster to ensure a smooth claims process. Provide them with all the necessary documentation and information.

Preventative Measures: Avoiding Deer Collisions

While insurance can help cover the costs, avoiding a deer collision altogether is obviously the best-case scenario. Here are some tips to reduce your risk:

• Be Aware at Dawn and Dusk: Deer are most active during these times.
• Watch for Deer Crossing Signs: Heed these warnings and be extra vigilant.
• Reduce Your Speed: This gives you more time to react if a deer enters the road.
• Use Your High Beams (When Safe): This can help you spot deer earlier, but be sure to dim them when approaching other vehicles.
• If You See One Deer, Expect More: Deer often travel in groups.
• Don’t Swerve Excessively: Swerving can cause you to lose control of your vehicle or hit another object or vehicle. Brake firmly and try to stay in your lane.
• Consider Deer Whistles (With a Grain of Salt): While their effectiveness is debated, some drivers believe deer whistles can help deter deer.

In Conclusion

Hitting a deer is an unfortunate event that can cause significant damage to your vehicle. Thankfully, comprehensive insurance coverage is designed to help you recover financially from such incidents. By understanding your policy, knowing what to do after an accident, and taking preventative measures, you can minimize the risk and stress associated with deer collisions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will hitting a deer be considered an at-fault accident?

No, hitting a deer is generally considered a not-at-fault accident. This is because it’s classified as an “act of God” or an unavoidable incident, rather than resulting from your negligence or error.

2. How long do I have to report hitting a deer to my insurance company?

While there isn’t a universal deadline, it’s best to report the incident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Delays can sometimes complicate the claims process. Check your policy for specific reporting requirements.

3. If the damage is less than my deductible, should I still file a claim?

Generally, no. If the repair cost is less than your deductible, you’ll be paying for the entire repair out-of-pocket. Filing a claim in this scenario is unnecessary and could potentially impact your rates in the future, however slightly.

4. What if I only have liability insurance?

Liability insurance only covers damages you cause to other people or their property. It does not cover damage to your own vehicle. Therefore, if you only have liability insurance, you will be responsible for paying for the repairs yourself.

5. Does comprehensive insurance cover injuries I sustain in a deer collision?

No, comprehensive insurance typically covers damage to your vehicle, not injuries. Injuries would usually be covered by your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage (if you have it) or your health insurance.

6. What if the deer dies on my property after running away from the road?

Contact your local animal control or wildlife agency. They can handle the removal of the deer’s carcass. This scenario typically wouldn’t involve an insurance claim unless your property was also damaged.

7. Can I keep the deer meat if I hit it?

Regulations regarding keeping the deer meat vary by state. Some states allow you to keep the deer meat with a permit, while others prohibit it. Check your local wildlife regulations before taking possession of the deer.

8. What if I swerve to avoid a deer and hit another car?

In this case, the accident would likely be considered a collision, and your collision coverage would come into play. Liability for the accident would depend on the specific circumstances and applicable traffic laws.

9. My insurance company says they need a police report. What if I didn’t file one?

Contact the police department or highway patrol in the area where the accident occurred. They may be able to create a report retroactively, especially if you can provide details about the incident, such as the time, location, and your vehicle information. If they can’t, your insurance company might still proceed with the claim, but it could complicate the process.

10. What happens if I hit a domesticated animal like a cow or horse?

The coverage is very similar; comprehensive insurance would still apply if it’s roaming free through no fault of your own. But it’s likely that police will be involved and the investigation will aim to determine who is liable for the animal being in the roadway. It’s important to have the appropriate documentation and contact law enforcement to create a formal accident report.

11. Can my insurance company total my car if I hit a deer?

Yes, if the cost to repair the damage from hitting a deer exceeds a certain percentage of your vehicle’s value (determined by your insurance company and state regulations), your insurance company may declare your car a total loss.

12. What if I have modifications on my car? Will my insurance cover those?

Whether modifications are covered depends on your insurance policy. Standard policies typically only cover the value of the car in its original factory condition. To ensure modifications are covered, you may need to purchase additional coverage or a rider specifically for aftermarket parts. It’s best to inform your insurance company of any modifications you make to your vehicle.