Does Hitting a Deer Fall Under Collision Coverage? 2025 Guide

Does hitting a deer fall under collision coverage? Not exactly. Although it might seem like a collision, hitting a deer is actually covered by comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive insurance is designed to handle unexpected, non-collision incidents, such as when a deer suddenly runs out in front of your car. Collision coverage, on the other hand, typically applies to accidents involving another vehicle or an object, like a fence or tree.

Deer collisions are a common concern for drivers, especially in areas with high wildlife populations. They can cause significant damage to your vehicle and potentially injure passengers. Understanding which insurance coverage applies can help you avoid unexpected expenses and ensure you’re protected.

I’m Geoff Stanton, President of Stanton Insurance. With years of expertise, I’ve guided countless clients through understanding their auto insurance policies, specifically addressing questions like, “does hitting a deer fall under collision coverage.” Let’s explore this topic further to ensure you’re well-informed and protected.

Handy does hitting a deer fall under collision coverage terms:
– auto collision insurance
– auto comprehensive insurance
– what is collision insurance

Does Hitting a Deer Fall Under Collision Coverage?

Understanding whether hitting a deer falls under collision coverage can be confusing. But here’s the simple answer: It doesn’t. Instead, comprehensive insurance is what covers you in this situation.

Comprehensive vs. Collision Coverage

Let’s break down the difference between these two types of coverage:

• Collision Insurance: This covers damage to your car from accidents involving other vehicles or objects, like hitting a guardrail or another car. It’s all about events you can somewhat control or anticipate.

• Comprehensive Insurance: Think of this as protection from the unexpected. It covers non-collision incidents like theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and yes, deer running into the road. It’s for those “acts of nature” moments.

When a deer darts out unexpectedly, comprehensive coverage steps in to cover the damage to your vehicle. Collision coverage, however, would not apply in this scenario.

What Insurance Covers Hitting a Deer?

When it comes to hitting a deer, comprehensive insurance is your go-to. Here’s how different types of insurance play into the picture:

• Comprehensive Insurance: Covers damage from hitting a deer. It’s part of a full coverage policy, which also includes collision and liability insurance.

• Liability Insurance: This only covers damage or injury you cause to others. It won’t pay for your car’s repairs if you hit a deer.

• Full Coverage: This term usually means you have both comprehensive and collision insurance, along with liability coverage. So, if you have full coverage, you’re protected in the event of a deer accident.

Insurance Claims: If you hit a deer, you’ll likely need to file a claim under your comprehensive coverage. Be prepared to pay a deductible, which is the amount you agree to pay out of pocket before your insurance covers the rest.

Understanding these differences helps ensure you’re not caught off guard. Comprehensive insurance is essential for those unexpected wildlife encounters, especially in areas with high deer populations.

Now that you know which insurance covers deer collisions, let’s explore the steps you should take immediately after such an incident to ensure your safety and simplify the claims process.

Steps to Take After Hitting a Deer

Even the most cautious drivers might find themselves in an unexpected encounter with a deer. Knowing what to do immediately after can make a significant difference in handling the situation smoothly.

Move Your Vehicle to Safety

First, if your vehicle is still operable, carefully pull over to a safe spot away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. This is crucial, especially since deer collisions often occur during low visibility times like dusk or dawn.

Call the Police

Next, contact the police. This is important if the deer is blocking traffic or if there’s significant damage to your vehicle. A police report can be a valuable document when filing your insurance claim, providing official documentation of the incident.

Document the Incident

Once you’re safe, document everything. Here’s how:

• Photographs: Take clear pictures of the damage to your vehicle, the road, and any visible injuries. These visuals can support your insurance claim.

• Witness Accounts: If there are any witnesses, gather their contact information and a brief account of what they saw. Their testimony can be helpful during the claims process.

• Police Report: Ensure you obtain a copy of the police report. It serves as an official record of the incident, which can be critical for insurance purposes.

Stay Away from the Animal

Avoid approaching the deer. A frightened or injured deer can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous. Let the authorities handle the situation when they arrive.

Contact Your Insurance

Finally, report the incident to your insurance company as soon as possible. You can usually do this through a phone call or an online portal. Have your policy number, photos, and any other relevant information ready to expedite the process.

Insurance Claims and Repair Costs

When you file a claim, it will typically fall under your comprehensive coverage. You’ll need to pay your comprehensive deductible before your insurance covers the remaining repair costs. For instance, if the damage is $2,000 and your deductible is $500, your insurance will cover $1,500.

Taking these steps promptly not only ensures your safety but also streamlines the claims process, helping you get back on the road with minimal hassle.

Let’s now look at how hitting a deer might affect your insurance premiums and what you can do to minimize any potential increases.

Impact on Insurance Premiums

Will Hitting a Deer Raise My Insurance?

Navigating the aftermath of a deer collision can be stressful, especially when considering the potential impact on your insurance premiums.

Insurance Rates and Comprehensive Claims

First, it’s important to understand that filing a claim for hitting a deer typically falls under comprehensive coverage. Unlike collision claims, comprehensive claims are generally considered not-at-fault incidents. This means they might not impact your insurance rates as significantly as a collision claim would. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean your rates won’t increase at all.

Factors Influencing Premium Increases

Whether your insurance premium increases after a deer accident can depend on several factors:

• Claims History: If you have a history of frequent claims, insurers might view you as a higher risk, which could lead to a rate increase.

• Insurance Company Policies: Different insurers have different policies regarding rate adjustments following a comprehensive claim. It’s essential to review your policy details or speak directly with your insurance agent to understand how your specific insurer handles these situations.

• Driving Record: A clean driving record can sometimes help mitigate premium increases. Insurers often reward safe drivers with lower rates, so maintaining a good record is beneficial.

Minimizing Potential Increases

To potentially minimize premium increases after a deer collision:

• Accident Forgiveness: Some insurers offer accident forgiveness programs that might prevent a rate increase after your first claim. Check if your policy includes this feature.

• Bundle Policies: Consider bundling your home and auto insurance with the same provider. This often results in discounts that can offset any premium hikes.

• Improve Your Credit Score: In states where credit scores are factored into insurance rates, maintaining a good credit score can help keep your premiums down.

While hitting a deer can be an unsettling experience, understanding how it might affect your insurance rates and taking proactive steps can help manage the financial impact.

Next, let’s explore strategies for avoiding deer collisions altogether.

Preventing Deer Collisions

Tips for Avoiding Deer

Deer collisions are not only dangerous but can also lead to costly repairs and insurance claims. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can employ to reduce the risk of encountering these accidents.

1. Reduce Speed

Most deer accidents occur during the fall, particularly at dusk and dawn. Slowing down during these times, especially in areas known for high deer populations, can give you more time to react if a deer suddenly appears.

2. Scan the Roadway

Deer often blend into their surroundings, making them hard to spot. Continuously scanning the road and its edges can help you notice deer before they cross your path. If you see one deer, be prepared for more, as they often travel in groups.

3. Use High Beams

When driving at night and there’s no oncoming traffic, use your high beam headlights. This improves your visibility and can make it easier to spot deer from a distance. However, remember to switch back to low beams when there’s oncoming traffic to avoid blinding other drivers.

4. Use Your Horn

If you spot a deer on the road, a long blast of your horn can sometimes scare it away. But be cautious: only use the horn if the deer is already on the road, as sudden noises might cause it to panic and run into traffic.

5. Be Extra Cautious at Dusk and Dawn

Deer are most active during dusk and dawn, so be particularly vigilant during these times. Reducing speed and increasing awareness can significantly lower the chances of a collision.

6. Know High Deer Population Areas

If you’re driving through areas with known high deer populations, such as rural roads or wooded areas, exercise extra caution. Local wildlife signs can also indicate areas where deer crossings are frequent.

7. Increase Reaction Time

By following these tips and staying alert, you can improve your reaction time, which is crucial in avoiding a collision. Keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you and maintaining a steady speed can also help if you need to stop suddenly.

Implementing these strategies can help keep both you and the deer safe, preventing accidents and the associated complications. In the next section, we’ll discuss what steps you should take if you do find yourself in a deer collision.

Frequently Asked Questions about Deer Accidents

Is Hitting a Deer Considered an Act of God?

In insurance terms, an “act of God” refers to natural events beyond human control, like floods or earthquakes. Hitting a deer isn’t usually classified as an act of God. Instead, it’s typically covered under comprehensive insurance, which is designed to handle non-collision incidents such as animal strikes. This means that if you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance should cover the damages caused by hitting a deer.

Does Hitting a Deer Count as an Accident on CarFax?

Accidents involving animals, like deer, can still be reported on vehicle history reports such as CarFax. A report on CarFax may affect your vehicle’s value by indicating prior damage, even if it was properly repaired. However, these reports often depend on whether the incident was officially documented, such as through an insurance claim or a police report. It’s wise to check your vehicle’s history report to understand how any accidents might impact your car’s resale value.

What Happens if You Hit a Deer and It Runs Away?

If you hit a deer and it runs away, you should still take several important steps:

1. Inspect for Damage: Check your vehicle for any visible damage. Even if the deer runs off, there could be dents or other issues that need attention.

2. Call Authorities: It’s a good idea to report the incident to local authorities. They can assist with any road hazards or injuries that might occur, and having an official report can be helpful for insurance purposes.

3. Document Evidence: Take photos of any damage to your vehicle and any evidence of the collision, like blood or fur. This documentation can be crucial when filing an insurance claim.

By taking these steps, you ensure that you have all the necessary information and documentation to handle the situation effectively.

In the next section, we’ll explore the impact of deer collisions on your insurance premiums, including whether hitting a deer might lead to an increase in your rates.

Conclusion

At Stanton Insurance Agency, we understand that navigating insurance coverage after a deer accident can be confusing. That’s why we’re committed to providing trusted protection for your valuable assets, ensuring you have the support you need when unexpected events occur.

Comprehensive coverage is your best ally when it comes to incidents like hitting a deer. This type of insurance is designed to handle non-collision events that are beyond your control, such as animal strikes. By choosing comprehensive coverage, you can rest assured that you’re prepared for these unforeseen situations.

We strive to exceed customer expectations by offering personalized insurance solutions tailored to your specific needs. Whether it’s auto, home, personal, or business insurance, we have you covered. Our team is dedicated to guiding you through the claims process and helping you understand your coverage options.

If you have any questions about your insurance policy or need assistance after a deer accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to provide the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re protected by a local agency that truly cares about your well-being.

For more information about our car insurance offerings, visit our service page and find out how Stanton Insurance Agency can help safeguard your future.