What Happens if You Have Liability Insurance and Hit a Deer?

Deer-vehicle collisions are a frequent occurrence across the United States, particularly during certain seasons when deer activity increases. These incidents can result in significant damage to vehicles, posing an unexpected financial burden for drivers. Understanding how automotive insurance policies address these types of accidents is helpful for navigating the aftermath.

Understanding Insurance Coverage for Deer Collisions

Liability insurance, which is typically required by law in most states, provides coverage for damages you cause to another person’s property or for injuries you inflict on others in an accident. However, standard liability insurance does not cover any damage to your own vehicle, regardless of the cause of the accident. Therefore, if you only have liability coverage and hit a deer, your policy will not pay for your vehicle’s repairs.

For damage to your own vehicle resulting from hitting an animal, comprehensive coverage is the relevant policy component. Comprehensive insurance protects your vehicle from non-collision events, which include incidents like fire, theft, vandalism, falling objects, natural disasters, and damage caused by animals. This coverage is distinct from collision coverage, which addresses damage to your vehicle from an impact with another vehicle or object, or if your car rolls over. If you swerve to avoid a deer and hit a tree or another object, that incident would typically fall under collision coverage, not comprehensive.

Comprehensive coverage typically includes a deductible, which is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage begins to pay for repairs. Deductibles for comprehensive coverage can vary, commonly ranging from a few hundred dollars to $2,000, with $500 often considered a standard amount. When filing a comprehensive claim for deer damage, you will be responsible for paying this deductible.

Immediate Steps After Hitting a Deer

After hitting a deer, move your vehicle to a safe location off the roadway and activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers. Checking yourself and any passengers for injuries is important, and if medical attention is needed, immediately call emergency services. It is advisable to remain inside your vehicle, especially if the deer is still present, as an injured animal can be unpredictable and dangerous.

Contacting law enforcement is a prudent action, as a police report can be valuable for insurance purposes. While not always legally mandated for every deer collision, reporting is often required if there is significant property damage, injuries, or if the animal is blocking traffic. The authorities can also assist with managing the animal if it is injured or deceased.

Documenting the scene is a helpful step for your insurance claim. Taking photographs of the vehicle damage, the deer, road conditions, and the surrounding environment provides important evidence. If there are any witnesses, gathering their contact information can also be beneficial.

Filing an Insurance Claim

Initiating an insurance claim after a deer collision typically involves contacting your insurance provider promptly, which can often be done through their online portal, mobile app, or by phone. Providing accurate and detailed information about the incident is necessary to start the claim process. This information usually includes the date and time of the collision, the exact location, a description of how the incident occurred, and details about the damage to your vehicle.

Once the claim is filed, the insurance company will assign a claims adjuster to assess the damage. This often involves a vehicle inspection to determine the extent of the repairs needed and to generate an estimate. The deductible, which is your out-of-pocket expense, will be applied to the repair costs. For example, if repairs cost $3,000 and your comprehensive deductible is $500, you would pay $500, and the insurer would cover the remaining $2,500. If the repair cost is less than your deductible, you would be responsible for the entire repair amount.

You generally have the option to choose your preferred repair shop. The insurance company will then work with the repair facility to ensure the necessary repairs are completed. Keeping thorough records of all communications with your insurer and any related bills or estimates is advisable throughout this process.