Are You Covered if You Hit a Deer?

If you have comprehensive insurance, you should be covered for damages to your car after accidentally hitting a deer.

According to State Farm, there is a one in 127 chance of striking an animal in the U.S.^[1] While it is a relatively rare occurrence, a deer collision can leave many drivers panicked and unsure of what to do next. This guide will explain whether you’re covered by your auto insurance policy and what to do after the collision.

On This Page

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  What Car Insurance Covers Hitting a Deer?

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  Does Liability Coverage Cover Hitting a Deer?

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  Do I Have To Pay a Deductible if I Hit a Deer?

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  Will Hitting a Deer Raise My Insurance Premium?

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  What Do I Do if I Hit a Deer?

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  How Do I File a Claim After Hitting a Deer or Other Wildlife

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  How Can I Avoid Hitting a Deer?

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  FAQs

What Car Insurance Covers Hitting a Deer?

If you hit a deer, different types of car insurance coverage can come into play depending on what happened. Damages to your vehicle caused by the impact of your car against the deer will be covered by comprehensive insurance. If anybody in the car was injured, then medical payments (Medpay) coverage or personal injury protection (PIP) will pay toward the resulting medical bills.

What Happens if I Swerve To Avoid a Deer?

If you swerve to avoid the deer and instead strike something else like a guard rail, then you will need collision insurance to cover your car repairs. If you’re still paying off your car or leasing it, then you should already have full coverage that includes collision and comprehensive insurance, meaning you should be covered for physical damages to your car whether you hit the deer or some other object.

See the table below to see which type of insurance for hitting a deer will apply in each scenario.

Does Liability Coverage Cover Hitting a Deer?

If you have only minimum liability insurance, then your car repair costs will not be covered at all if you hit a deer (or any other physical object for that matter). However, there is one scenario in which liability insurance may cover you but it is highly situational.

If you swerve your vehicle to avoid hitting the deer and instead strike another vehicle, then your liability insurance will kick in. This coverage will pay toward the other driver’s repair or medical bills. Meanwhile, if you have them, your collision coverage and Medpay/PIP will pay for your own losses.

Do I Have To Pay a Deductible if I Hit a Deer?

You will have to pay your deductible if you file a comprehensive or collision claim following a deer collision accident. This is the amount you pay before your insurance contributes to your repair costs.

Keep in mind that if your car is totaled after striking the deer, then you will be reimbursed at your car’s actual cash value minus your deductible.

Will Hitting a Deer Raise My Insurance Premium?

If you hit a deer and file a car insurance claim, your car insurance premium can go up.^[2] Unfortunately, your rate can increase when you renew your policy for any claim you file, whether you’re at fault or not. However, this will depend on the insurance company. For example, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance will not increase rates for their policyholders for claims filed related to a deer collision.^[3]

What Do I Do if I Hit a Deer?

If you ever encounter a deer collision, do your best to stay calm as you take the following steps:^[4]

1. Pull to the side of the road: Slowly drive to the side of the road so you're not obstructing traffic. Stay alert — one deer is often a sign of more deer nearby.
2. Turn on your hazard lights: Your hazard lights will alert other motorists to take extra caution when passing you.
3. Document the incident: As soon as it's safe, step out of your vehicle and take photos of the vehicle damage, the roadway and any injuries. Do NOT approach the deer, as it may be dangerous.
4. Keep an eye out for safety issues: Look for any issues that could make it hazardous to drive, including leaking fluid, broken lights and loose parts. If the damages make it unsafe to drive, you should call for a towing service.
5. Report the incident: Depending on your state, you may need to report the incident to the police. If you plan to file a claim, a police report can be helpful. For example, in Michigan, you should report the deer accident to the local law enforcement’s office, the county sheriff's office, Michigan State Police or the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.^[5]
6. Contact your insurance company: You will want to find out if the claim is covered. Your insurance carrier may request additional information and photos while you're still on the scene.

How Do I File a Claim After Hitting a Deer or Other Wildlife

If you’ve hit a deer or another animal, you can file a claim online, by phone or by mobile app depending on your insurance company. If possible, call your insurance carrier to receive immediate guidance while you're still on the scene. They will usually instruct you to document the scene, which can include taking pictures of the damages to your car and the road where it happened.

Your insurance carrier will confirm if the claim is covered. If it is, your car insurance company will issue your claim payout after you pay your deductible.

How Can I Avoid Hitting a Deer?

The following tips can help you avoid collisions against deer or other wildlife (e.g., elk, bears, moose, foxes, coyotes, rodents, cats and dogs).

• Watch for yellow caution signs: Typically present near mountains, forested habitats and rural areas, these signs notify drivers that they are approaching areas with higher deer populations.
• Know deer peak hours: Deer activity is highest around dawn and dusk so be careful during these times. Also, be especially conscious of deer crossings during November, which is considered peak breeding season.^[6]
• Steer clear of poor driving conditions: Drive during daylight hours and clear weather whenever possible. When there is no oncoming traffic, use your high beams during poor visibility (e.g., nighttime, fog, rain) to reduce the chances of a deer getting hit by a car.
• Stay in the middle lane: Driving in the center lane gives you more time to react if a deer darts onto the road.
• Don't swerve: Swerving could lead to control loss of your vehicle, potentially resulting in a more costly or life-threatening disaster. Instead, brake firmly without swerving.
• Be extra cautious if you’re in a high-risk state: According to State Farm, West Virginia, Montana, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin are the five states where drivers are most likely to get into an accident involving an animal collision.^[1] If you live in any of these states, be extra vigilant about practicing the above tips.