When You Hit a Deer Is It Collision or Comprehensive?

When a vehicle collides with a deer, a common occurrence in many regions, drivers often face questions about insurance coverage. Understanding how insurance policies respond to these events helps in navigating the aftermath, ensuring financial protection.

Understanding Collision and Comprehensive Coverage

Automobile insurance policies include various types of coverage. Collision coverage addresses damage to your vehicle from an impact with another car or object, regardless of fault. This coverage applies when your vehicle strikes another vehicle, a tree, a fence, or overturns, covering repair or replacement costs.

Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from damage not caused by a collision. This includes theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters like hail or floods, falling objects, and collisions with animals. These two coverage types address distinct categories of vehicle damage.

How Animal Collisions Are Covered

Damage from hitting an animal, such as a deer, is covered under comprehensive insurance, not collision coverage. This distinction arises because an animal collision is considered an unpredictable event, classified as “other than collision.” For comprehensive coverage to apply, your vehicle must make physical contact with the animal.

If a driver swerves to avoid a deer and hits another vehicle or object, the damage falls under collision coverage. When filing a claim for a deer collision under comprehensive coverage, a deductible applies. This deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance begins to cover the remaining approved repair costs. Comprehensive deductibles commonly range from $100 to $2,500.

Immediate Steps After Hitting a Deer

Immediately after hitting a deer, prioritizing safety is paramount. Move your vehicle to a safe location, such as the side of the road, and activate hazard lights. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Do not approach the injured animal, as a frightened or wounded deer can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous.

Contact local law enforcement or emergency services, especially if there are injuries, significant vehicle damage, or if the deer is obstructing traffic. A police report can be helpful for your insurance claim. Document the scene thoroughly by taking photographs of your vehicle’s damage, the roadway, and the surrounding area. If witnesses are present, gather their contact information.

Assess your vehicle’s condition to determine if it is safe to drive. Look for fluid leaks, loose parts, tire damage, or broken lights. If the vehicle appears unsafe to operate, arrange for a tow truck. These immediate actions help ensure personal safety and provide the necessary documentation for subsequent insurance procedures.

Filing Your Insurance Claim

After addressing immediate safety concerns and documenting the incident, the next step involves initiating your insurance claim. Contact your insurance company promptly to report the deer collision. Many insurers offer multiple ways to report a claim, including phone, website, or mobile applications. Providing accurate information about the incident, including the date, time, location, and details of the damage, will facilitate the claim process.

You will need to provide the information gathered at the scene, such as photographs of the damage and any police report details. The insurance company will typically assign a claims adjuster to assess the damage to your vehicle. This assessment helps determine the cost of repairs or if the vehicle is a total loss. You will be responsible for paying your comprehensive deductible, and the insurer will cover the remaining approved costs up to your policy limits.