Does Your Car Insurance Go Up If You Hit a Deer?

Collisions between vehicles and deer are frequent across the United States, especially during certain times of the year. These incidents can result in significant vehicle damage and pose safety risks. Drivers often wonder how their car insurance will respond, including what types of coverage apply and whether premiums will increase after filing a claim.

Insurance Coverage for Deer Collisions

Damage from striking a deer or other animal is typically covered under the comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy. Comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision incidents beyond a driver’s control, including theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, falling objects, or contact with animals.

This differs from collision coverage, which pays for damage to your vehicle from an impact with another vehicle or object, such as a tree or guardrail, when you are at fault or the other party is uninsured. Since hitting a deer is generally not considered an “at-fault” accident, it falls under comprehensive coverage.

Because a deer collision is classified as a comprehensive claim, it is typically viewed differently by insurance companies than an at-fault collision claim. This distinction influences how the claim may affect your insurance rates. Policyholders generally need to pay their comprehensive deductible before the insurance company covers remaining repair costs. The deductible amount is chosen by the policyholder when the policy is purchased.

Impact on Insurance Premiums

A primary concern after a deer collision is whether insurance premiums will increase. Generally, a single comprehensive claim for hitting a deer does not impact premiums in the same way an at-fault accident would. Insurance companies classify these incidents as “not-at-fault” because they are unavoidable events. Therefore, one comprehensive claim is less likely to lead to a significant premium hike.

However, the impact on premiums is not guaranteed to be zero. While a single comprehensive claim might not cause an increase, multiple comprehensive claims over a short period could signal increased risk. This may lead to a premium adjustment upon policy renewal, as insurers evaluate overall claims frequency. The specific impact also depends on the insurance company’s underwriting guidelines and the policyholder’s claims history.

The comprehensive deductible also plays a role. Policyholders must pay their deductible out-of-pocket before coverage begins. If repair costs are less than or close to the deductible, some drivers may opt not to file a claim. Higher deductibles typically result in lower premiums but mean a larger out-of-pocket expense if a claim is filed.

Some insurers offer “accident forgiveness” programs, which may extend to comprehensive claims, mitigating potential rate increases. The specific terms of such programs vary by provider.

Actions After a Deer Collision

Immediately after hitting a deer, ensure the safety of yourself and any passengers. Pull your vehicle safely off the road if possible, turn on your hazard lights, and remain in the vehicle until it is safe to exit. Do not approach an injured deer, as it can be unpredictable.

Once safe, assess vehicle damage and call law enforcement, especially if damage is extensive, the animal blocks traffic, or there are injuries. Many jurisdictions require reporting collisions involving larger animals. Take photographs or videos of the scene, the deer, and vehicle damage for your insurance claim.

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the incident and initiate the claims process. Provide all details, including date, time, location, and circumstances, along with any photos or police reports. Your insurer will guide you through the next steps, typically involving damage appraisal and repair coordination.

Reducing the Risk of Deer Collisions

Minimizing the risk of deer collisions involves adopting specific driving habits and being aware of environmental factors. Deer are most active during dawn and dusk, particularly between 5 AM and 8 AM and from 5 PM to 8 PM. They are also more prevalent during their mating season in the fall (October through December) and during spring when young deer disperse. Exercise extra caution during these periods.

Drivers should remain vigilant and scan both sides of the road for any signs of deer. Deer often travel in groups, so if one crosses the road, it is common for others to follow. Reduce speed, especially in areas marked with deer crossing signs or in heavily wooded or rural areas, to allow more reaction time if an animal suddenly appears.

Use high-beam headlights when safe and legal to increase visibility at night. If a deer is spotted, brake firmly and remain in your lane rather than swerving, as swerving can lead to more dangerous accidents. Sounding the horn with one or two short blasts can sometimes startle deer away from the road.