When you’re driving and suddenly come across animals like deer, it can be both surprising and risky. Despite how beautiful these animals are, finding them on the road can be dangerous for people driving cars. It’s really important for drivers to know what their car insurance covers if they ever hit a deer.
This article talks about how important it is to have the right kind of insurance for such situations, specifically something called comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive vs. Collision Coverage
Navigating the roads involves unexpected challenges, particularly when wildlife is involved. Comprehensive coverage acts as a safety net for incidents like hitting a deer, which don’t involve another vehicle, while collision coverage steps in when avoiding such an encounter leads to a different kind of accident. Here’s how they compare:
Comprehensive Coverage:
- Specifically for non-collision incidents, such as hitting wildlife.
- Covers repairs needed due to animal collisions, theft, vandalism, and other similar risks.
Collision Coverage:
- Essential for accidents involving another vehicle or object, such as when swerving to avoid a deer.
- Helps cover repairs after collisions with vehicles or stationary objects.
Together, they provide robust protection against a wide range of driving incidents.
Coverage for Injuries in a Deer Accident
Comprehensive or collision insurance won’t cover the costs if you or your passengers get hurt in a deer accident. You might have other coverage, like medical payments or personal injury protection, that can help with medical bills. And remember, your health insurance can also help cover those costs.
Impact on Insurance Premiums
Many drivers worry about whether hitting a deer will make their car insurance go up. The answer can change depending on where you live and who your insurance is with. Some insurance plans are okay if the accident wasn’t your fault, like running into a deer. Most of the time, hitting a deer falls under a part of your insurance called comprehensive coverage, and it’s treated like it wasn’t your fault. But that doesn’t mean your insurance price can’t go up. .
Steps to Take After Hitting a Deer
1. Safety First
Move your car to a safe spot and turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
2. Call the Police
Especially if the deer is blocking the road. They can help manage traffic and deal with the deer.
3. Don’t Touch the Deer
A hurt deer can be dangerous. Could you leave it to the professionals?
4. Document Everything
Take photos of the damage, the road, and anything else that might be useful.
5. Call Your Insurance
The sooner you report the accident, the sooner they can help you get back on the road.
Preventing Deer Collisions
While not always avoidable, certain measures can reduce the likelihood of a deer collision. Awareness of deer activity, especially during peak seasons in the fall, and attention to deer crossing signs can be crucial. Deer often travel in groups, so seeing one deer should prompt caution for more. Driving attentively during dusk and dawn, when deer are most active, is also advisable.
Summary
If you hit a deer, your comprehensive insurance has your back for car repairs. But injuries? That’s where your health insurance and possibly other parts of your car insurance come in. Stay safe, document everything, and know that while hitting a deer might feel like a big deal, you’re not alone in figuring it out.
FAQs
Does hitting a deer count as an at-fault accident on my insurance?
Generally, no. Most insurance companies do not consider hitting a deer to be an at-fault accident because it’s an unpredictable, uncontrollable event. However, your premiums could still be affected depending on your insurer’s policies and your state’s laws.
What happens if I hit a deer and don’t have comprehensive coverage?
If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, you’ll likely have to pay for all the repairs out of pocket. Comprehensive coverage is what covers incidents with animals, so without it, you’re not protected in these situations.
Can hitting a deer affect my future insurance rates?
It’s possible. While the initial accident might not increase your rates, if you have multiple claims over a short period, your insurance provider might see you as a higher risk, which could affect your premiums.
What if someone else hits a deer and their car hits mine?
In this scenario, the other driver’s liability coverage should cover the damage to your car. If they don’t have enough coverage, or if it’s a hit-and-run, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (if you have it) or collision coverage could come into play.
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