Will Your Car Insurance Cover You If You Hit a Deer?

What Happens If You Hit a Deer? Does Car Insurance Cover It?

If you hit a deer, it’s crucial to stay calm and follow these steps:

Pull over safely and turn on your hazards.
Contact the police to report the incident.
Do not approach the deer. If it’s still alive, it could lash out in fear and injure you.
Document the scene. Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and the accident scene, if it’s safe to do so.
Inspect your vehicle before driving away. Look for tire damage, leaks, smashed lights, or loose parts. If you’re unsure, consider getting the car towed.

Does Car Insurance Cover Hitting a Deer?

Whether your insurance covers hitting a deer depends on your policy.

Liability Insurance Only:
If you have liability insurance, damages to your vehicle won’t be covered. Liability insurance only covers your responsibility to other drivers if you’re at fault, such as their medical bills or vehicle repairs. Unfortunately, hitting a deer isn’t part of that coverage.
Comprehensive Coverage:
If you have comprehensive coverage, you’re in luck. Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car caused by events other than collisions with another vehicle. This includes fire, vandalism, theft, falling objects, and—most importantly—animal strikes like hitting a deer.Your comprehensive insurance will pay to repair or replace your vehicle after the deductible is met. Since deer collisions can cause significant damage, having this coverage can be a financial lifesaver.

What If I Swerve to Avoid a Deer and Hit Something Else?

If you swerve to avoid a deer but end up hitting a fence, tree, or another object, the damage wouldn’t fall under comprehensive coverage. Instead, you’d need collision insurance to cover the repairs.

Collision insurance protects your vehicle if you collide with something, whether it’s another car or an object like a fence or pole. If you don’t have collision insurance, the repair costs would come out of pocket.

When Are Deer Collisions Most Likely?

Deer are most active during:

Fall (Mating Season): Deer strikes are most common in autumn, so be extra cautious during this time of year.
Dusk to Dawn: Like many animals, deer are more active during these hours. Use your high beams when possible to spot them early.
Group Movement: Deer rarely travel alone. If you see one cross the road, more are likely nearby. Slow down and stay alert.

Does Full Coverage Car Insurance Cover Towing After a Deer Accident?

Yes, if you have roadside assistance or towing coverage included in your policy, it may cover towing costs if your car is undrivable after hitting a deer. Be sure to check your policy or speak with your insurer about what’s included under your full coverage car insurance.

Other Insurance Scenarios to Consider

Insurance When Buying a New Car:
If you’re replacing your damaged car with a new one, make sure your comprehensive and collision coverage transfers to the new vehicle. New cars often require full coverage to satisfy financing requirements, so review your policy carefully.
What Happens If You Don’t Use Insurance Money for Repairs?
If you decide not to repair your car after filing a claim, the insurance company may send you the payout directly. However, skipping repairs could lower your car’s resale value or lead to further damage.
Multi-Car Insurance Quotes:
If you have more than one vehicle in your household, bundling them under a multi-car insurance policy can save you money. This is especially useful if you want to add comprehensive coverage to protect all your cars against animal strikes.

Stay Protected Against the Unexpected

Hitting a deer can be a frightening experience, but with the right insurance coverage—like comprehensive and collision—you can recover financially without added stress. Remember to stay alert during peak activity times and always prioritize safety on the road.

Need help finding the right coverage? Whether it’s comprehensive insurance for deer strikes, towing coverage, or even multi-car insurance quotes, we’ve got you covered. Get started today with our easy online form or give us a call. We’re here to help with all your insurance needs!