Does car insurance cover deer hitting your car?

If your car has suffered damage from hitting a deer, you may be wondering if your car insurance will cover the repairs. So does insurance cover deer hitting your car? Here’s everything you need to know, what coverage you need and helpful tips to stay safe.

Comprehensive insurance and hitting a deer

Hitting an animal is not considered a collision for most car insurance policies. A collision is typically defined as hitting or being hit by another car, or colliding with a stationary object like a tree.

Your car insurance will cover a deer hitting your car if you have comprehensive coverage. This is an optional coverage that pays for damage to your car not related to a collision.

Comprehensive coverage will not apply if you swerve to avoid a deer or other animal and hit another vehicle or stationary object. Avoid erratic movements that could endanger others on the road.

Having collision and comprehensive coverage in addition to liability coverage is known as having “full coverage”. Full coverage is not typically required for auto insurance policies. If you owe money on your car, you may be required to carry full coverage as a term of loan or lease.

Full Coverage
Collision and comprehensive coverage are not typically required coverage. Check with your insurance company or agent to see if you have full coverage on your vehicle.

If you sustain injuries as a result of hitting a deer, your medical benefits coverage will help pay to treat them.

Steps to take after a hitting a deer

Move to a safe place

The first thing you should do is move your car to a safe place. Do not approach an injured animal- it may attack you. Be aware of traffic around the deer.

Check for injuries

Check yourself and your passengers for any injuries. Get medical attention if there are any injuries.

Contact authorities

If the deer is blocking the road, call the police on the non-emergency line to notify them. It may be a danger to other motorists on the road. In some states, you may be required to report when you hit wildlife.

Take pictures

Try to document the scene and take pictures of the road, any injuries and the damage to your car. This will help the adjuster when you file your claim.

Check for damage

• Inspect your car for any damage. If it’s unsafe to drive, call for towing assistance.
• Inform Your Insurance Company
• Contact your insurance company to file a claim.

Filing an insurance claim for deer accidents

We know that filing any kind of car insurance claim can be stressful. Our unique claims services will simplify the process, getting you back on the road in no time.

1. File Your Claim
   Please have your policy number ready. You can file a claim online or by contacting us or your agent directly.
2. Assignment and Tracking of the Claim
   After you report your claim, you’ll receive a claim number to help track its progress. We’ll also assign you a friendly representative to answer any questions you may have.
3. Damage Evaluation
   If your vehicle has damage and the applicable coverage applies, we offer these convenient options to get you back on the road as soon as possible:
   • CarPics^SM Photo Appraisals: Eliminate the need to schedule a claims inspection and receive your estimate within hours. You may even get paid that same day.*
   • Crashbusters^® Mobile Claim Service: Have a representative meet you to appraise the damage at a time and place that’s convenient for you, often issuing you a check on the spot.
   • Door to Door Valet Claim Service^®: Let us pick up your car and handle the repair process from start to finish. If you have rental coverage, we’ll even coordinate a rental car.
4. Receive Your Claim Settlement
   Based on your situation, Plymouth Rock may pay your claim to the repair shop or we may reimburse you directly. Your claim payment will be based on the terms and coverage in your car insurance policy.

Deductibles and deer collision

Since damage from hitting an animal is covered under your comprehensive coverage, you need to pay your deductible when you file a claim. A deductible is your share of the cost for a claim. A deductible is not the same as your insurance premium, which is what you pay to maintain your policy. It’s what you pay before your insurance starts paying for expenses.

Understanding your car insurance deductible

For example, say you hit a deer and damage the front of your car. It costs $1,000 to fix your car and your comprehensive deductible is $500. In this case, you would pay $500 and your insurance will cover the remaining cost.

Preventing deer-related vehicle damage

The best way to prevent deer-related vehicle damage is to be vigilant when driving. Deer are most active during sunrise and sunset, so exercise caution during these times.

Slow down if you spot a deer further down the road. Deer typically travel in herds, so one deer is usually followed by more.

Be aware of your surroundings, especially when you see deer crossing signs and while driving through wooded areas. Use your high beams when driving through these areas at night to see further ahead, but remember to turn them off if there is oncoming traffic.

Keep an eye out for deer during mating season from October to November. Deer in rut may become more active than usual and lose awareness of their surroundings. Loud noises and flashing lights can cause unpredictable behavior and startle deer to run into traffic.

^* Certain restrictions apply.