Does Insurance Cover Deer Accidents?
You never plan to hit a deer while driving or for a deer to hit you, but deer accidents do happen. In fact, according to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 1 million deer accidents take place in the US on an annual basis.
Every driver should be aware of and, in densely deer-populated states, appropriately covered for this. But “does insurance cover deer accidents?” Our collision center pros at Collision 24 Auto, serving Brockton, Easton, and Bridgewater, Massachusetts, put together the following guide to help answer that question for you.
Scenario A: You Hit a Deer
Hitting a deer with your car is filed under the comprehensive part of your insurance policy, a coverage type that accounts for damage to your car caused by events other than a collision. Even though the deer caused the accident, you will still be responsible for paying your comprehensive deductible.
Scenario B: Avoiding a Deer Caused You to Crash
Another possible scenario involves seeing a deer crossing the road and making a sudden, sharp turn to avoid a collision with the animal. But if this situation causes you to crash into a guardrail or another car instead without hitting the deer, your deer accident would be considered a claim for your collision coverage.
Deer Accidents & Police Reports
When you hit a deer or are in an accident caused by a deer, you may wonder if it’s still necessary to file a police report. With Scenario B, you should handle your post-accident steps like in any other car accident.
However, for Scenario A, you may be unsure if calling the police is necessary. Still, call — having a police report can only help validate your claim later. Without proof that the collision was deer-related, your insurance provider may not have sufficient evidence to push the claim through comprehensively and may have to file it under collision instead.
Insurance Covers Deer Accidents
That is if you’re properly insured! Check out our collision vs. comprehensive insurance guide to learn more about evaluating your coverage options and which plans best suit your needs.
If you’re already dealing with the aftermath of a deer run-in and need work done on your vehicle, you can count on our expert collision repair technicians to perform any post-accident repairs. Our team works with most major insurance companies, so you can rest easy knowing that we’ll get the work done to the maximum your policy allows.
Does Your Insurance Go Up If You Hit a Deer?
Typically, your insurance rates won’t increase if you hit a deer because these incidents are usually covered under comprehensive insurance (not collision coverage). Comprehensive claims are considered non-fault events, meaning the accident wasn’t caused by “risky driving” behavior but rather by an unavoidable situation. However, if you’ve had multiple claims recently, an animal collision might still affect your rates, especially if the insurance company sees a pattern of frequent claims.
What Happens If You Hit a Deer with a Rental?
If you hit a deer while driving a rental car, the coverage generally depends on your rental agreement and any additional insurance you purchased. Most rental agencies offer optional insurance, like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), typically covering damage from animal collisions. If you declined these waivers, your auto insurance’s comprehensive coverage could help, as long as it’s part of your policy.
In either case, you should promptly contact the rental company and your insurance provider to report the incident and understand what steps to take next.
Is Hitting a Deer an At-Fault Accident?
Hitting a deer is generally not classified as an at-fault accident. It’s seen as unavoidable, especially since deer tend to appear suddenly on the road. These incidents fall under comprehensive coverage, designed for accidents not caused by driver error, such as natural disasters or animal collisions. However, swerving to avoid a deer and hitting another car or object might be considered a collision claim, affecting your at-fault status.
How to Avoid a Deer Accident
You can take some actions to prevent this kind of unpleasant situation, which also enhances your road safety and keeps you and your loved ones safe. Some of these include:
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Be extra careful during peak deer seasons: Your chances of hitting a deer increase during certain times of the year, especially in the fall and early winter when mating season occurs. Deer are on the move the most from October through December, so be extra vigilant during these months. Early morning and evening are also high-risk times, so slow down and scan the road when driving around dawn or dusk.
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Use your horn and flash your headlights: If you spot a deer on or near the road, try using your horn to scare it off. A quick, loud honk can startle the animal and encourage it to move away. You can also flash your headlights to catch its attention. Remember, deer can be “frozen” in place by bright lights, so avoid keeping high beams on them for too long.
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Avoid swerving: It might feel instinctive to swerve to avoid a deer, but this can actually be more dangerous. Instead, try to brake firmly and stay in your lane.
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Look for deer crossing signs: These signs are posted in areas where deer are known to travel frequently. They are there for a reason, so take them seriously. Slow down and be on the lookout for any movement along the roadside. Deer tend to blend in with the background, making them hard to spot—especially at night.
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Keep your vehicle in good condition: Make sure your brakes, tires, and lights are in top shape. Good brakes help you stop faster, reliable tires provide better traction, and working headlights increase visibility. If equipped, it’s also wise to use your car’s safety features, like collision warning systems. These tools can help detect obstacles on the road, giving you extra protection.
Following these recommendations might lower your chances of getting into an unpleasant situation.
Contact Us to Learn More
We hope this valuable information answers your questions about whether insurance covers deer accidents. Our team at Collision 24 Auto, serving Brockton, Easton, and Bridgewater, MA, is here to support you when the unexpected happens and to help you prevent it as well. Contact us to learn more about our body shop services and drive away with peace of mind.