Does auto insurance cover hitting a deer?

Company	Collision	Comprehensive
	$88	$32
	$68	$25
	$84	$30
	$62	$22
	$96	$34
	$70	$26
	$72	$28
	$58	$24
	$78	$27
	$52	$20

Comprehensive insurance is typically cheaper than collision insurance. Depending on your situation, you may or may not need comprehensive coverage.

For example, drivers with a new vehicle will likely need comprehensive insurance if they have a loan on their car. Alternatively, drivers with older cars sometimes skip the extra costs.

After hitting a deer, you’ll typically want to document the scene, take photos of your vehicle, and contact your insurance company to start the claims process.

In many cases, insurers do not raise rates for a single animal-related claim, since it’s generally considered an unavoidable accident.

Other Types of Insurance That Cover Deer Collisions

There are a variety of coverage types that help keep drivers and their vehicles protected on the road.

Each coverage option is designed to address specific risks, including accidents and injuries, theft, and weather damage. Knowing the significant types of auto insurance can help you choose the right combination of coverages for your budget and driving needs.

While there are a ton of car insurance options to choose from, most won’t help you if you hit a deer.

For example, collision insurance is crucial to protect you from car accidents. It ensures your vehicle repairs are covered when you hit another driver or even a stationary object, like a tree. However, it won’t pay for repairs after a deer collision.

Most insurance types won’t help you after a deer collision. However, you can file a claim with your PIP or MedPay insurance if hitting an animal caused you or your passengers injuries.

Regardless of what types of insurance you have, there are certain steps you should take after hitting a deer to make sure you and your passengers are safe.

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Steps to Take After Hitting a Deer

Besides asking, “Does insurance cover hitting a deer?” there are a few steps you should take after a collision with an animal. Hitting a deer can be frightening and disorienting, but taking the right steps immediately afterward can help keep you safe.

Your top priority is ensuring everyone in the vehicle is unharmed and preventing any further danger on the road. Once you’re safe, you can focus on gathering information and reporting the incident properly. Here’s what to do after hitting a deer:

• Pull Over and Check for Injuries: Make sure to pull over in a safe location, turn on your hazard lights, and check yourself and passengers for injuries.
• Stay Away from the Deer: An injured animal may panic or kick, which could injure you.
• Call the Police: If the deer is blocking the road, you can’t drive your vehicle, or the animal is alive and suffering, call the local police department.
• Document the Scene: Take photos of your vehicle, the road, and any visible damage.
• Contact your Insurance Company: As soon as you’re safe, contact your provider by phone or online to start a comprehensive coverage claim.

After taking these steps, wait for help or guidance from authorities or roadside assistance. Your insurance company will walk you through the claims process and advise you on the next steps for repairs.

Following a clear plan not only keeps you safe but also ensures you have everything you need for a smooth and accurate insurance claim.

Read More: When Animals or Natural Disasters Damage Your Vehicle

Filing an Insurance Claim After Hitting a Deer

Learning how to file an auto insurance claim and win after hitting a deer is typically straightforward, especially since these incidents fall under your comprehensive coverage rather than collision.

Once you’ve made sure everyone is safe and documented the accident scene, you can begin the claims process with your insurer. Most companies allow you to file by phone, online, or through a mobile app, giving you flexibility to report the damage quickly.

Your insurance company may ask whether the vehicle is drivable and help arrange a tow if needed. An adjuster will then evaluate the damage and estimate the repair cost before approving the claim.

When filing your claim, you’ll usually need to provide photos of the damage, the location of the accident, and a brief explanation of what happened.

Comprehensive claims are the third most common in America, so your insurance company should handle it quickly and efficiently.

After your claim is approved, you can take your vehicle to a repair shop — either one recommended by your insurer or your preferred location, depending on your policy.

You’ll pay your comprehensive deductible, and the insurer will cover the remaining repair costs up to your coverage limits. Overall, filing a claim for a deer collision is a routine process designed to help you get back on the road with minimal stress.

How to Prevent Deer Collisions

While deer collisions aren’t always avoidable, taking preventive measures can significantly reduce your risk, especially at dawn, dusk, and peak migration seasons.

While everyone should be mindful of animal collisions, it’s especially important if you live in an area with a large deer population.

Hitting a deer isn’t always avoidable, and you should never swerve to avoid a collision, but you can better protect yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle by adopting a few practices.

Follow these simple tips to minimize your risk for deer collisions. Being proactive and cautious can make a major difference in preventing these types of accidents.

• Stay extra alert at dawn and dusk.
• Slow down in areas marked with deer crossing signs.
• Use your high beams when appropriate.
• Avoid swerving if a deer crosses your path.
• Limit distractions like phones or loud music.

Even with good habits, wildlife encounters can still happen, so maintaining comprehensive coverage ensures you’re financially protected.

Pairing smart driving practices with the right insurance coverage gives you the best defense against unexpected deer collisions.

Read More: Best Auto Insurance for Good Drivers

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The Perfect Coverage Against Deer Collisions

Deer collisions can happen in an instant, even to the safest drivers, which is why having the right insurance coverage in place is essential. You’ll need more than collision auto insurance to cover a deer collision.

Comprehensive insurance is the key protection you need. It covers damage from hitting a deer or any other animal.

Choosing comprehensive coverage today means you won’t face costly repair bills alone after a wildlife-related accident.

Now that you know how comprehensive car insurance covers collision with large animals, enter your ZIP code into our free comparison to see rates in your area.