Does Your Insurance Go Up If You Hit a Deer?
Understand if a deer collision affects your auto insurance premiums. Get expert insights on coverage, claims, and navigating the process.
When a deer unexpectedly crosses your path, the impact can leave you concerned about vehicle damage. Many drivers wonder how such an incident will affect their auto insurance. Understanding the types of coverage that apply can help alleviate stress and uncertainty. This article explains how these incidents are handled.
Impact on Your Insurance Rates
Hitting a deer is generally classified as a “not-at-fault” incident for insurance purposes. Claims for deer accidents, which usually fall under comprehensive coverage, often do not lead to an increase in your insurance premiums, unlike an at-fault collision. Some insurance companies and state regulations may even prohibit rate increases for such not-at-fault claims.
While a single deer strike may not impact your rates, the outcome depends on your policy’s terms and individual circumstances. Your insurance company’s policies and overall claims history are factors considered when setting rates. Although a deer accident typically won’t appear on your driving record, the claim will be added to your claims history. A history of multiple claims, even if not-at-fault, could influence future rates upon renewal.
Understanding Relevant Coverage
Damage to your vehicle from hitting a deer is typically covered by comprehensive insurance, not collision coverage. Comprehensive coverage is designed to protect your vehicle from damage caused by events that are generally out of your control. These events include incidents such as fire, theft, vandalism, natural disasters like hail or floods, and collisions with animals.
Collision coverage, in contrast, addresses damage to your vehicle resulting from an accident with another vehicle or object, often when the policyholder is at fault. The distinction is important because if you swerve to avoid a deer and instead hit another car, a tree, or an object, that would likely be a collision claim. For comprehensive coverage to apply, your car must make physical contact with the animal. Policyholders with only liability coverage, which covers damage or injury you cause to others, typically will not be covered for repairs to their own vehicle after a deer accident.
Steps After a Deer Accident
Prioritize safety immediately following a deer collision. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location off the road and activate your hazard lights. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries; call emergency medical services if anyone is hurt. Avoid approaching or touching the deer, as a wounded animal can behave unpredictably.
Documenting the scene helps your insurance claim. If safe, take photographs of the vehicle damage, roadway conditions, and any relevant landmarks. Contact local authorities (police or game warden) if required by state law, or if there are injuries, significant vehicle damage, or the deer obstructs traffic. A police report can be beneficial for your insurance claim, providing a validated record. Report the incident to your insurance company as soon as possible to initiate the claims process.
Other Considerations for Your Premium
When filing a comprehensive claim for a deer accident, your deductible will apply. This is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage begins to pay for repairs. For instance, if repairs cost $2,000 and your deductible is $500, you would pay $500, and your insurer would cover the remaining $1,500. If the damage is less than your comprehensive deductible, filing a claim might not be financially beneficial, as you would pay for all repairs yourself.
While a single comprehensive claim for a deer strike is less likely to cause a premium increase than an at-fault accident, your claims history is an important factor insurers consider. Filing multiple claims, even if not-at-fault, could signal a higher risk profile to insurers, influencing future rates upon policy renewal. Insurance companies assess claim frequency and overall loss history when determining premiums. Checking your policy details and discussing potential impacts with your insurance provider can offer clarity regarding your specific situation and coverage.