Does car insurance cover hitting a deer?

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If you hit a deer, the first step is ensuring you and any passengers are okay. Make sure no one is injured, and if necessary, call for help. Take a moment to assess the situation and the damage. 

The next question is whether or not your car insurance policy covers hitting a deer. 

Comprehensive coverage, which protects against non-collision incidents, usually covers damage caused by hitting a deer. This includes repairs to your vehicle or even a replacement if the damage is severe enough to total your car. If you only have liability insurance, however, your policy won’t cover the damage since liability only pays for damages to others in an accident you cause.

It’s important to note that deer-related accidents differ from swerving to avoid a deer. If you swerve to miss a deer and hit another car, a tree, or any other object, it’s typically classified as a collision, which would fall under collision coverage instead of comprehensive. Reporting the accident promptly to your insurance company and documenting the damage can help ensure a smoother claims process.

Steps to take if you accidentally hit a deer with your car

Here’s what to do after accidentally hitting a deer with your vehicle. 

Move your vehicle to a safe place: Move your vehicle off the roadway if possible to prevent another potential crash. Turn on your hazard lights to indicate that other drivers should avoid your vehicle. 

Check for passenger injuries: Start by taking a deep breath and determine if you are hurt. Additionally, check with other passengers in your vehicle to confirm they are unharmed. If you or someone else is hurt, call for an ambulance immediately. 

Call 911: Call the police immediately to report the incident. When they arrive, you can fill out an official report, which might be useful when filing a claim. 

Document the incident: Take pictures of the accident. Some key details include your vehicle, your surroundings, the injuries you sustained, and even the animal itself. But don’t get too close to the injured animal; it could hurt you in its frightened state. 

Contact your insurance company: Report the incident to your insurance company as soon as possible. By providing information about the incident to the insurer, you can start the claims process. 

Can I file a claim if I swerved to avoid hitting a deer and caused an accident?

“You can file a claim if you swerved to avoid a deer and caused an accident in the process, but there is a high probability that you will still be found liable for the accident,” says Ben Michael, founder and managing partner at Michael & Associates, a law firm in Austin, Texas. 

Michael continues, “Even if you swerved because of attempting to avoid hitting a deer, you are still responsible for hitting another car(s) or causing other damage, which is why you’ll likely still be found liable. You may even be found negligent. You’ll want to take as many pictures, videos, and documentation as possible to help your case.”

Discuss the details with your insurance company after an accident caused by swerving to avoid a deer. A representative can help you determine whether filing a claim is the best action for your circumstances.

Tips for safely avoiding deer collisions on the road

Hitting a deer can cause real damage to your vehicle. Use the following strategies to lower your chances of hitting a deer:

• Be especially aware at dawn and dusk: Deer are most likely to cross the road at dawn and dusk. When driving during these periods, be on the lookout for deer. 
• Slow down: When traveling through a high-risk area, slowing down can help you prevent a crash by giving you enough time to react. 
• Use bright lights: If traveling on rural roads, consider flipping on your high-beam lights to provide more visibility. Catching the eyes of a deer down the road can give you a cue to slow down and potentially avoid a catastrophe. 
• Remember that deer often travel in groups: If you see one, more may be nearby.
• Use your horn if you spot a deer near the road: A loud noise will scare the deer away.

Why calling the police after hitting a deer is important

In many cases, it’s a good idea to call the police after hitting a deer, especially if the accident caused significant damage to your vehicle, created a hazard on the road, or resulted in injuries. A police report can provide official documentation that may be helpful when filing an insurance claim, particularly if you have comprehensive coverage. 

Additionally, in some areas, reporting the accident to law enforcement is legally required. If you’re unsure, contacting your local authorities is best to confirm the appropriate steps.

Does hitting a deer go on your driving record?

Generally, hitting a deer doesn’t go onto your driving record. However, if another person’s vehicle is damaged, the incident may appear on your driving record. 

Although the activity may not go on your driving record, filing a claim will add the incident to your claims history. 

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What should I do if my insurance claim is denied after hitting a deer?

“If your claim is denied after hitting a deer, don’t lose hope,” says Andrew Pickett, a personal injury attorney and owner of Andrew Pickett Law, a personal injury law firm in Melbourne, Florida. 

Pickett continues, “You can often request an explanation from your insurer about the denial, and sometimes providing additional documentation or evidence can help overturn the decision. It’s always a good idea to review your policy details and consult a legal or insurance professional if you’re facing difficulties.”

The bottom line

Hitting a deer can cause significant damage. If you have comprehensive coverage, you can file a claim with your auto insurance company. If another vehicle is involved in the incident, things get more complicated. But, generally, comprehensive coverage will help you repair or replace your vehicle after hitting a deer. 

Sarah Sharkey

Contributing Researcher

 

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Sarah Sharkey is a personal finance writer with a master’s degree in management from the Hough School of Business at the University of Florida. She enjoys helping readers find money solutions that work. She has written for numerous personal-finance publications including Money Under 30 and The College Investor.