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With an estimated 36 million deer in the U.S., it’s not surprising that deer-vehicle collisions are common. Collisions with deer can result in serious injuries and extensive damage to your vehicle, but the good news is that comprehensive coverage typically covers damages resulting from a collision with a deer.
Does liability insurance cover me if I hit a deer?
Liability insurance on your auto insurance does not cover damage to your car caused by hitting a deer. Liability insurance only covers bodily injuries and property damage caused to others in an accident. If you hit a deer, liability insurance will cover damage caused to other people’s cars and property in the collision (up to the policy limits), but it will not cover the cost of repairs for your car.
Does full coverage car insurance cover hitting a deer?
If my liability insurance doesn’t cover damage caused by deer, will full coverage cover me if I hit a deer? If you have full coverage auto insurance, which includes both collision and comprehensive insurance, you are financially protected if you hit a deer and incur damage to your vehicle. If you have full coverage auto insurance, your comprehensive insurance will also cover collisions with deer and other animals.
When purchasing comprehensive coverage, taking your deductible into consideration can be beneficial for your budget. The higher your deductible, the lower your premiums tend to be. If you decide to go for a higher deductible, make sure you can afford to pay the deductible out of pocket in the event of a car insurance claim.
What happens if you swerve sharply to avoid a deer?
Most car safety experts advise against swerving to avoid a deer. If you cannot safely slow down, swerving can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, which can lead to a multi-vehicle collision or rollover accident. If you swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle, you may be responsible for the collision and may be held liable for damage to the other vehicle. If you have full insurance, your collision coverage may apply in this situation, but it may be safer to hit the deer rather than risk a more serious accident.
Will hitting a deer increase my insurance premiums?
Your car insurance premiums are determined at renewal time or when you switch to a new insurer based on the insurance company you have with you, your driving record, your claims history, and a variety of other factors. While a comprehensive claim typically won’t increase your premiums as much as a collision claim, if you make a claim for an accident involving a deer, your premiums will likely increase at your next renewal.
How can I avoid hitting a deer?
Deer can move quickly and be unpredictable, which means if you live in an area with a high deer population, you may be at risk of hitting one even if you’re driving safely. These tips may help you avoid hitting a deer.
- Slow down: Deer collisions are most common in the fall between dusk and dawn. During this time, especially on roads with low visibility, slowing down can give you more time to react if a deer crosses in front of you.
- Check the road for deer. Deer often blend into their surroundings, but keeping an eye on the road and surrounding areas for signs of deer can help you anticipate potential collisions. If you see a deer on the side of the road, slow down and assume there may be more deer in the area.
- Use high beam headlights: When there are no other vehicles around, using high beam headlights can improve your visibility and give you more reaction time to deer that may be on the road.
- Honk the horn: The Insurance Information Institute recommends that if you’re in danger of hitting a deer, give one long honk to scare the deer off the road. However, you should only do this if the deer is already on the road, otherwise you risk scaring the deer onto the road. If you use this method, be mindful of other vehicles.
