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Get to Know Does Car Insurance Cover Hitting a Deer

Nov 02, 2023 By Triston Martin

It depends upon the type of coverage you have for your vehicle.

A driver must have comprehensive auto insurance coverage to be eligible for insurance to pay for fixes after an accident with a deer. This particular sort of insurance covers all damage to the policyholder's car.

Comprehensive vehicle insurance is the type of coverage that will pay to compensate for deer-related damages. If a driver swerved to avoid hitting a deer and crashed another vehicle instead, the accident would cover collision insurance rather than comprehensive insurance.

So, before hitting the open road, ensure you know what your policy covers. You don't want to saddle with a hefty bill after an accident.

Is insurance coverage available for deer-related injuries?

If you get injured due to hitting a deer, your insurance company may cover – or at least share – the costs. It is especially true if your auto insurance policy includes optional medical payments coverage.

Medical payments coverage, also recognized as Med Pay, can pay for certain medical expenditures incurred by you and your passengers due to an accident. Each policy is unique, but Med Pay coverage typically kicks in for things like:

  • Visits to the doctor
  • Emergency room treatment
  • X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs are examples of diagnostic tests.
  • Deductibles and co-pays for medical insurance
  • Surgical expenses
  • Funeral expenses etc

Is hitting a deer count as an accident?

Yes, it does.

Liability insurance alone will not protect you from deer damage. You will require comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage helps pay for damage caused by events other than a collision with another vehicle, such as car theft or flood damage.

Does hitting any deer considered a fault accident?

Deer is highly unpredictable. Deer run out into the road so fast that it can be challenging to get out of the way without endangering yourself or other drivers.

Car insurance companies generally do not consider hitting a deer a fault accident because the situation is far out of the driver's control. They'd call it an "inevitable incident."

Do you need to pay a deductible if you hit a deer?

If you file a comprehensive claim after striking a deer, you'll be required to pay an insurance deductible deducted from any settlement after specific claims. You don't need to pay a deductible if you cover the cost of repairs yourself.

But if your deductible is higher than the expense of repairing the damage, your insurance won't pay for the damage to your automobile after you strike a deer. After you've paid your deductible, your comprehensive coverage will deliver your car's actual cash worth in the event of a total loss.

Is it unlawful to hit a deer and drive off?

If you crash into a deer while driving, you may wonder when you will have to compensate for all the damages from your pocket. The answer is it depends.

Of course, if you damage someone else's car while hitting the deer, you will be liable for the damages. But what if you hit the deer and drive off? In most states, that's illegal. You could face charges for escaping the scene of an accident, and if worse comes to worst, you could end up in jail.

So, if you do hit a deer while driving, pull over and call the police. And don't worry. Your car insurance will likely cover the damages.

Does hitting a deer raise your insurance rates?

So, you're driving along, minding your own business. But, what when suddenly, you see a deer on the road; what do you do?

Like most people, your first instinct is to sway to avoid colliding with the deer. And while that's undoubtedly the right thing to do, it can also be dangerous—you might hit another car or go off the road.

But what happens if you do hit the deer? Will your car insurance rates go up?

Your auto insurance policy determines the answer. Most policies will cover damages caused by hitting a deer, but there might be a deductible you'll have to pay. So, it's always a good idea to read through your policy carefully and contact your insurance company if in case of any queries.

What to do if you strike a deer?

First and foremost, don't panic. All because you hit a deer doesn't mean you're going to get into a car accident. Keep your eyes on the road and try to control your car. Adopting the following precautions can make it more convenient for you.

  • If it is safe, park your car on the side of the road.
  • As you stop, turn on your hazard lights.
  • If the collision or deer is blocking traffic, call the police to let them know. Additionally, you might ask to complete an official report that will be useful when you file an insurance claim.
  • Photograph the road, the car damage, and any injuries that may have occurred to record the incident; if it is safe to do so. Collect the contact information of any witnesses.
  • Stay away from the animal because frightened animals are more likely to react when people approach and hurt you.
  • Contact your insurance broker or dial 1-866-670-0905 for our 24-hour claims line.

Conclusion

No one wants to hit a deer with their car, but it happens more often than you might think. If it does happen to you, make sure you know what your car insurance covers.

Most comprehensive car insurance policies will cover damages caused by hitting a deer. Still, reading your policy's terms and conditions is essential to ensure you're fully protected.

If you do hit a deer, keep calm and call the police. You'll need a report to file with your insurance company.

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