Does Hitting a Deer Raise Your Insurance?

Colliding with a deer can be a startling and damaging experience, leading many drivers to wonder how it affects their car insurance and premiums. This article clarifies the insurance processes and considerations following a deer collision.

Impact on Insurance Premiums

A deer collision claim is considered “not-at-fault” because the driver is not responsible for the animal appearing on the roadway, making these claims less likely to significantly increase insurance premiums compared to at-fault accidents. Damage from hitting a deer falls under your comprehensive insurance coverage, which handles events beyond your control.

While a single comprehensive claim for a deer strike might not significantly raise rates, several factors influence premiums. Insurers consider your overall claims history. Filing multiple comprehensive claims, even if not-at-fault, could increase rates upon policy renewal or even non-renewal. Some insurance companies view a history of claims, regardless of fault, as an indicator of higher risk.

Your insurance provider’s specific policies also play a role, as each company assesses risk and sets rates differently. Some insurers offer accident forgiveness programs that could prevent a rate hike after a comprehensive claim, though this varies by policy and insurer. The damage severity and claim’s payout amount can also factor into how an insurer adjusts future premiums. If a rate increase occurs after a not-at-fault comprehensive claim, it is less substantial than one from an at-fault collision.

Understanding Relevant Coverage

Comprehensive insurance covers damage when a vehicle collides with a deer. This coverage protects your vehicle from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and animal strikes. Comprehensive coverage is distinct from collision coverage, addressing damage not caused by an impact with another vehicle or object. If you swerve to avoid a deer but hit another object or vehicle instead, that incident falls under collision coverage, not comprehensive.

Collision coverage pays for damage to your vehicle from an impact with another vehicle or object, or if your car overturns. While comprehensive coverage is not legally required, it is important for protection against deer-related damages. Without it, you are responsible for all repair costs out-of-pocket after hitting a deer.

Both comprehensive and collision coverages involve a deductible. This is the amount you pay towards a covered claim before your insurer pays the remainder. For example, if your car sustains $2,000 in damage from a deer with a $500 comprehensive deductible, your insurer pays $1,500 after your portion. The deductible amount is chosen when you purchase the policy and directly affects your out-of-pocket expense.

Actions After a Deer Collision

Immediately following a deer collision, prioritizing safety is most important. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location off the roadway and activate your hazard lights. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries; if hurt, promptly call 911 for medical assistance.

After ensuring safety, contact local law enforcement or the game warden, especially if the deer blocks traffic or significant damage occurred. While not always legally required, an official police report can be valuable for your insurance claim, providing documented verification. This report can help streamline the claims process and address any disputes.

Documenting the scene thoroughly is an important step for your insurance claim. Take photographs of your vehicle’s damage, the surrounding area, and if safe, the deer itself. Include images of visible broken parts, dents, shattered glass, road conditions, or relevant signs. Finally, report the incident to your insurance company as soon as possible, providing all gathered information and documentation.