Does Car Insurance Cover Hitting a Deer? What Drivers Need to Know
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Does car insurance cover hitting a deer? Some types of coverage might, but not all drivers have the right type of insurance policy. It’s important to understand the difference in coverage types so that you know if you’re covered after a deer collision.
Read below to learn about deer collisions, different types of car insurance, and how to file a claim after hitting a deer.
Overview of the Issue of Deer Collisions
In 2022, collisions with animals caused 184 deaths in the United States. And there were millions more animal-related collisions that didn’t result in fatalities but that caused injuries and financial losses.
Unfortunately, human development has caused deer to struggle to find habitats far enough away from roadways. Therefore, deer have become an increasing risk for motorists. Understanding how you can recover financially from a deer accident may help to put your mind at ease.
Understanding Auto Insurance Policies
Your auto insurance policy might include a variety of coverages for different events. A basic policy typically provides the minimum required coverage in your state, which could include liability coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, or personal injury protection (PIP).
Liability coverage covers other people’s expenses if you are at fault for an accident. Liability insurance includes two different coverage limits. Bodily injury liability will pay for other people’s medical expenses for accident-related injuries. Property damage liability covers expenses related to their vehicle or other personal property.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage covers your expenses if you are in an accident with a driver who does not have enough insurance to cover them. If they don’t have any insurance at all, uninsured motorist pays for all of your expenses up to your limits. If the driver has some insurance, underinsured motorist coverage will cover your expenses that exceed their limits.
PIP coverage covers your medical expenses, as well as any of your passengers’ medical expenses, regardless of who is at fault for the accident.
Comprehensive Coverage vs. Collision Coverage
Two types of optional coverage include comprehensive insurance coverage and collision insurance. (However, keep in mind that many lenders require these coverages even if your state doesn’t.)
What is comprehensive car insurance? Comprehensive insurance covers expenses related to damages to your vehicle after a non-collision incident. This includes situations like theft, vandalism, fire, flooding, and more.
Collision insurance will cover damages to your vehicle after a collision regardless of who is at fault.
Coverage for Hitting a Deer
Does liability insurance cover hitting a deer? No, liability coverage will not cover damages from hitting a deer. Liability coverage is meant to cover other people’s expenses if you cause an accident that results in damages or injuries.
However, comprehensive car insurance will cover damages from hitting a deer. To qualify for coverage, you must have hit the deer directly. If you swerve and hit another object while trying to avoid a deer, your policy will not cover the expenses.
Filing a Claim After Hitting a Deer
Immediately after an accident, make sure that you are in a safe area. Take plenty of pictures of the damages to your vehicle and the area where the accident occurred. If you need to write down details, do so now so they’re fresh in your mind. Insurance claims require as many facts as you can provide with documentation if available.
How long do you have to report hitting a deer to insurance? You should contact your insurance company as soon as possible to tell them about the incident and begin the claims process. Make sure that you can file a comprehensive claim and check your car insurance deductibles.
Many car insurance companies have online portals that make filing claims easy. You may also be able to work with your insurance agent to get more help with the process.
You should have your car inspected to get an estimate for the damage costs. Some insurance companies will require that you use a specific mechanic, while others will let you choose.
Once your insurance company approves your claim, you will need to pay the deductible out of pocket before they cover the rest of the damages.
Tips for Preventing Deer Collisions
Use the following safe driving tips to prevent deer collisions:
- Avoid driving after dark, as this is when deer are more likely to be out.
- Stay aware, especially if you see deer crossing signs or woods where deer might be located.
- Drive slowly in high-risk areas.
- Wear your seat belt to protect yourself if you do hit a deer.
- Honk your horn to scare deer away from the road.
- If you see one deer, expect more.
- Don’t swerve, because you might hit another object or vehicle.
Compare Insurance Quotes for Wildlife Coverage
If you live in an area where deer collisions are a risk, comprehensive coverage might help to protect your vehicle. While it can be more expensive than other coverage types, comparing multiple companies and policies can help you save. EverQuote’s free online quote comparison tool can help you compare custom options today.