Fall brings beautiful scenery to New Jersey and Pennsylvania, but it also brings an increased risk of deer collisions. Deer are more active during certain times of the year, and an unexpected encounter can cause significant damage to your vehicle.
If you hit a deer, will your car insurance cover the damage? The answer usually depends on how the accident happened and which coverages you have.
Which type of car insurance covers hitting a deer?
Comprehensive coverage generally covers damage when your vehicle directly strikes a deer, subject to your policy's terms and deductible.
Comprehensive coverage can help pay for damage caused by certain events other than collisions with vehicles or objects, including theft, fire, vandalism, and certain animal-related accidents.
For example, if a deer runs into the road and you hit it, comprehensive coverage would generally be the relevant coverage to check.
However, comprehensive coverage is optional for many vehicle owners who own their cars outright. If you have a car loan or lease, your lender or leasing company may require you to carry it.
What if you swerve to avoid a deer?
Here's where things can get a little more complicated.
Imagine a deer suddenly jumps in front of your vehicle. You swerve to avoid it but end up hitting a tree or guardrail.
Because your vehicle struck an object rather than the deer itself, the damage would generally fall under collision coverage, subject to your policy's terms and deductible.
If swerving causes an accident involving another vehicle, the situation may involve additional coverages.
This distinction is important because comprehensive and collision coverage are not interchangeable. If you aren't sure which coverages your policy includes, ask your insurance agent to explain the difference.
What should you do after hitting a deer?
If you are involved in a deer collision, prioritize safety.
Pull over somewhere safe if your vehicle is operable.
Check for injuries and call 911 if emergency assistance is needed.
Avoid approaching an injured or frightened deer.
Photograph the damage and accident scene if it is safe to do so.
Contact your insurance company to report the incident and ask about next steps.
Arrange for towing if your vehicle is unsafe to drive.
Even if the damage appears minor, check for issues that could affect your vehicle's safety, including damage to headlights, the radiator, or other components.
Will hitting a deer increase your insurance premium?
There isn't one answer that applies to every driver.
Premium changes depend on factors such as your insurer, policy, claims history, and the circumstances of the incident. A comprehensive claim may be treated differently from an at-fault collision claim, but you should not assume that filing a claim will have no effect on your rates.
Consider your deductible when evaluating the potential cost of repairs, and follow your policy's requirements for reporting accidents.
How can you reduce the risk of hitting a deer?
You can't always prevent a deer from crossing the road, but a few habits can help:
Pay extra attention around dawn and dusk.
Slow down in areas marked for deer crossings.
Scan the sides of the road, not just the pavement ahead.
Remember that deer sometimes travel in groups.
Avoid sudden, dangerous swerving into oncoming traffic.
Review your auto insurance before fall driving.
Fall is a good time to check whether your auto policy includes comprehensive and collision coverage and whether your deductibles fit your needs.
BPRINS helps drivers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania review their auto insurance options and understand the protection available to them.
Have questions about your auto insurance? Contact BPRINS for help reviewing your coverage before your next unexpected encounter on the road.
Coverage depends on the policy language, exclusions, deductibles, and circumstances of the accident. This article is for general informational purposes only.
