Does Hitting a Deer Affect Your Insurance?

Hitting a deer is a common and often unavoidable experience for drivers, especially in areas with high wildlife populations. These incidents frequently lead to vehicle damage and questions about car insurance policies. Understanding your coverage and the steps to take after an animal collision is important.

Understanding Your Coverage

Damage from hitting a deer is typically covered under the Comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy. Comprehensive coverage addresses damage to your vehicle from events other than collisions with other vehicles or objects, such as theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, or contact with an animal. This coverage is sometimes referred to as “other than collision” due to its broad scope.

Collision coverage, in contrast, covers damage from striking another vehicle or an inanimate object like a tree or guardrail. If a driver swerves to avoid a deer but hits another object or vehicle, the damage generally falls under Collision coverage. Many states only mandate liability coverage, which covers damage to other vehicles or property you harm, not your own car. For your vehicle to be covered, physical contact with the deer is usually required for Comprehensive coverage to apply.

How Deer Accidents Affect Premiums

Claims filed under Comprehensive coverage for deer accidents are generally less likely to cause a direct increase in insurance premiums compared to at-fault collision claims. Insurers often classify these incidents as “no-fault” events, recognizing that drivers typically cannot prevent a wild animal from suddenly entering the roadway.

Despite being considered no-fault, filing a comprehensive claim will be recorded on your insurance history. While a single deer-related claim may not significantly raise your rates, frequent claims could affect future premiums or result in the loss of a claim-free discount. When a claim is filed, a deductible, your out-of-pocket contribution, will apply before the insurance company covers repair costs. Common comprehensive deductibles typically range from $100 to $2,000.

Immediate Actions After an Incident

Ensuring safety is the immediate priority after hitting a deer. If possible and safe, move your vehicle off the road to a secure location and activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries, contacting 911 if medical attention is needed.

Avoid approaching a wounded deer, as injured animals can be unpredictable and dangerous. Contact law enforcement to report the incident; a police report can be valuable for your insurance claim. Document the scene thoroughly by taking photographs of vehicle damage, the animal if safe, and surrounding road conditions. Gathering witness contact information can further support your claim.

The Claims Process

After addressing safety concerns and documenting the scene, contact your insurance company. Report the accident promptly, providing all gathered details and documentation, including the police report number and photographs. Your insurer will assign an adjuster to assess vehicle damage and determine repair costs.

Once the claim is approved, your comprehensive deductible will apply, and you will pay this amount directly. The insurance company will then cover remaining repair expenses up to policy limits or the vehicle’s actual cash value if it is a total loss. The repair process will typically proceed at a repair shop.