Will Insurance Go Up If You Hit a Deer?

Understanding Insurance Coverage for Animal Collisions

Collisions involving animals, such as deer, are common for drivers. A primary concern for individuals often revolves around the potential impact on their automotive insurance. Understanding the specific type of coverage that applies is important for navigating the aftermath.

Damage from hitting an animal, like a deer, is covered by the comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy. This coverage protects against perils not involving collisions with other vehicles or objects. It includes incidents such as theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, and animal impacts.

In contrast, collision coverage applies to damage from impacts with another vehicle or object, such as a tree or guardrail. Since an animal is not considered another vehicle or stationary object, hitting a deer falls under comprehensive coverage. For comprehensive claims, the policyholder pays their chosen deductible before the insurer covers repair costs.

How Deer Collisions Impact Insurance Premiums

When a deer collision claim is filed under comprehensive insurance, it is considered a “no-fault” incident. This means the driver is not deemed responsible, as the animal’s unpredictable movement is the primary factor. A premium increase is possible, but it is usually less likely or less severe compared to an at-fault collision claim.

Multiple factors can influence whether a comprehensive claim, even for a deer collision, might lead to a premium adjustment. Insurance companies assess risk based on a driver’s claims history. For instance, frequent comprehensive claims within a short period, regardless of fault, could signal a higher risk profile, potentially leading to rate modifications.

Insurance companies have varying policies for evaluating how comprehensive claims affect rates. Some insurers are more lenient with a single comprehensive claim, while others may increase premiums after any claim, regardless of fault. State-specific regulations also limit how insurers can adjust premiums following no-fault claims.

The total cost of the claim can also be a factor; an expensive comprehensive claim might be viewed differently by insurers than a minor one. A driver’s broader claims history, encompassing various types of claims over time, can cumulatively affect their perceived risk and subsequent rates. Insurers also consider geographic risk: if a particular region experiences a high volume of comprehensive claims, rates for all policyholders in that area could be adjusted to reflect the increased risk.

Steps to Take After a Deer Collision

Immediately after a deer collision, prioritizing safety is most important for all vehicle occupants. If safe, move your vehicle to the side of the road or a protected area and activate hazard lights. Check for any injuries to yourself or passengers before taking other actions.

Approaching an injured or deceased animal, especially a deer, is not advisable due to the potential for unpredictable behavior or disease. From a safe distance, a brief assessment of the vehicle damage can be made. Contacting local law enforcement, such as the police or sheriff’s department, is recommended if there are injuries, significant vehicle damage, or if required by local regulations for insurance purposes.

When authorities arrive, provide them with the exact location, time, and nature of the incident. Obtaining a police report number, if generated, is important documentation for your insurance claim. Before leaving, take clear photographs of the vehicle damage, the surrounding area, and any relevant road signs or landmarks.

Contact your insurance provider as soon as safely possible after ensuring immediate safety and gathering initial information. Have your policy number available, along with details from the scene, including any police report number. The initial call involves reporting the incident and initiating the claim process, which may include setting up an appraisal for the damage.