Is Hitting A Deer Covered By Car Insurance

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Post on Nov 07, 2024

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Is Hitting a Deer Covered by Car Insurance? Navigating the Collision Course

Deer are beautiful creatures, but they can pose a significant risk to drivers, especially in certain areas. If you're unfortunate enough to collide with a deer, a natural question arises: Is hitting a deer covered by car insurance? The answer, thankfully, is usually yes, but there are some important factors to consider.

Understanding Your Coverage: Comprehensive vs. Collision

Car insurance policies typically offer two main types of coverage that apply to animal collisions:

• Comprehensive Coverage: This protects your vehicle from damage caused by events outside of a collision, including incidents like theft, vandalism, fire, and hitting an animal.
• Collision Coverage: This covers damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision with another vehicle or an object like a deer.

Important Note: While both comprehensive and collision coverage can apply to deer-related accidents, the specifics of your policy and the circumstances of the accident can influence how your claim is handled.

Factors Affecting Your Claim:

• Your Policy's Deductible: You'll likely have a deductible for both comprehensive and collision coverage. This is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in.
• Your Policy Limits: Each type of coverage usually has a limit on the amount your insurance will pay out.
• State Laws: Some states have specific laws related to deer collisions and insurance coverage.
• The Severity of the Damage: If the damage to your vehicle is minor, your insurance company might consider it a "total loss" and offer you a settlement based on the value of your car.

Steps to Take After a Deer Collision:

1. Check for Injuries: Ensure everyone involved is safe. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.
2. Call the Police: Report the accident to the police, even if there's no other vehicle involved. This will create a formal record of the incident.
3. Document the Scene: Take photos of the damage to your vehicle and the deer, if possible. Note any road conditions or environmental factors that might have contributed to the accident.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the claim to your insurance company as soon as possible, providing details about the accident and your policy information.

What if Your Comprehensive Coverage is Dropped?

If you've opted to drop comprehensive coverage on your insurance policy to save on premiums, you will not be covered for a deer collision.

Be aware: While dropping comprehensive coverage might seem appealing, it's essential to consider the potential risks associated with this decision. You could end up paying for repairs or a new vehicle out-of-pocket if you hit a deer.

Conclusion

Hitting a deer can be a costly experience. While most car insurance policies cover animal collisions, it's crucial to review your policy's specifics and understand your deductible and coverage limits. Taking proactive steps after an accident, like reporting it to the police and your insurance company, can ensure a smoother claim process. By staying informed and prepared, you can navigate the unexpected world of deer collisions with greater confidence.