Is Hitting a Deer Considered an At-Fault Accident?

Driving can present unexpected challenges, and one common occurrence, especially in certain regions, is a collision with a deer. Drivers often wonder about the financial implications and whether such an incident is considered an “at-fault” accident by their insurance provider. This information helps clarify the typical insurance treatment of deer collisions.

Understanding “At-Fault”

In the context of car insurance, “at-fault” refers to situations where a driver’s actions or negligence directly cause an accident. Fault determination involves assessing whether a driver failed to exercise reasonable care, leading to the collision. Common scenarios where a driver is assigned fault include rear-ending another vehicle, running a red light, or driving while distracted. The at-fault driver’s insurance covers the damages and injuries sustained by other parties involved in the accident.

Deer Collisions and Fault Determination

Hitting a deer is not considered an at-fault accident by insurance companies. This classification stems from the understanding that wild animals, such as deer, are unpredictable and their movements are beyond a driver’s control. Insurance providers categorize these incidents as “acts of nature” or “unavoidable events,” rather than a consequence of driver negligence. Therefore, a driver is not held responsible for the deer’s presence or actions on the roadway.

This “not at-fault” classification applies when your vehicle directly impacts the animal. If a driver swerves to avoid a deer and subsequently collides with another vehicle or a stationary object, that secondary collision would be treated differently. In such cases, the incident might be classified as a collision claim, potentially impacting fault determination and coverage. The distinction rests on whether the damage resulted from direct contact with the animal or from an evasive maneuver leading to another type of accident.

Insurance Coverage for Deer Accidents

Damage resulting from hitting a deer is covered by comprehensive insurance. This type of coverage protects against damage to your vehicle from events other than collisions with other vehicles or objects, such as theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and animal impacts, and helps pay for repairs or replacement if damaged by a deer.

Collision coverage, in contrast, applies to accidents involving another vehicle or an object like a fence or tree. Since deer collisions are considered non-collision events by insurers, collision coverage would not apply to direct impacts with animals. When filing a claim for deer damage under comprehensive coverage, you will be responsible for paying your chosen deductible, which can range from $100 to $2,000, before the insurance company covers the remaining repair costs.

Steps After a Deer Collision

After hitting a deer, prioritize safety. Pull your vehicle over to a safe location, if possible, and turn on your hazard lights. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries; if injuries are present, call emergency services immediately. Contact local law enforcement to report the incident, as a police report can be valuable for insurance claims.

Document the scene by taking photographs of the damaged vehicle, the deer (if it is safe to do so), and the surrounding area. This visual evidence can support your insurance claim. After ensuring safety and documenting the incident, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the collision and begin the claims process.

Impact on Insurance Rates

Because deer collisions are classified as not-at-fault incidents and are covered by comprehensive insurance, they are less likely to significantly increase your insurance premiums compared to at-fault accidents. Insurers view these events as outside the driver’s control. However, filing a comprehensive claim will be recorded in your claims history.

While a single comprehensive claim may have a minimal impact, filing multiple comprehensive claims may lead to adjustments in your premium or affect policy renewal. Insurance companies assess overall claims frequency when setting rates, even for not-at-fault incidents. Drivers should consult their insurance provider to understand how specific policies handle comprehensive claims and their influence on future rates.