by Christy Bieber | Updated April 5, 2022 - First published on March 20, 2022 Image source: Getty Images Should drivers be worried about out-of-pocket costs after an accident with an animal? Key points
Cars are expensive, and accidents can do serious damage to vehicles. That's why it is so important to purchase auto insurance that provides protection against common disasters. However, many drivers aren't sure of exactly what kinds of coverage they need to be protected against losses in specific situations. For example, motorists may not know what kind of insurance they would need in order to get their car repairs paid for in the event they become involved in an accident with a deer. When does car insurance cover motorists after an animal accident?The good news is it is possible for car insurance to provide the money to repair or replace a vehicle after an accident occurs with a deer. The bad news is not all drivers will necessarily have the type of protection that would pay for losses in this particular situation. See, in order for a motorist to qualify for insurance to pay for fixes after an incident with a deer, the driver would need to have comprehensive car insurance coverage. This is a specific type of protection that pays for all damage that the policyholder experiences with his or her own vehicle that is not caused by a collision with another car. Comprehensive car insurance is the type of coverage that pays for deer-related damages if the driver involved in the crash hits a deer only. If a motorist were to swerve to avoid hitting a deer and crash into another car instead, then the crash would be covered by collision insurance rather than by comprehensive insurance. Not all drivers have comprehensive coverageAlthough it is good news that comprehensive car insurance pays for damages when a driver becomes involved in an accident with a deer, the unfortunate reality is that not every motorist will have comprehensive coverage. And if this protection is not in place before an accident happens, the driver won't have any coverage at all and will need to pay out of pocket for any damage the deer did. The reason that not all motorists have comprehensive coverage in place is that it's not required by law. While most states require motorists to buy liability insurance, this type of policy pays only for damages the driver causes to others. It provides the driver no protection for their personal vehicle in the event of an accident with an animal or as a result of any other type of loss. While a driver with a leased car or who has a car loan may be required to buy comprehensive coverage by the lessor or the lender, motorists who own their car outright get the choice of whether or not to buy comprehensive coverage. But if they choose not to do so, they are taking a huge risk of finding themselves with no help after hitting a deer. Most people can't afford to pay outright for all of the fixes their car may require, so it's important to understand the different kinds of coverage available and make sure the right protection is in place before an accident occurs. RELATED: See The Ascent's guides to the best cheap car insurance and best car insurance companies. Our best car insurance companies for 2022Ready to shop for car insurance? Whether you’re focused on price, claims handling, or customer service, we've researched insurers nationwide to provide our best-in-class picks for car insurance coverage. Read our free expert review today to get started. About the AuthorChristy Bieber is a personal finance and legal writer with more than a decade of experience. Her work has been featured on major outlets including MSN Money, CNBC, and USA Today. Featured ArticlesIf you only have liability insurance, this coverage does not cover hitting a deer. Each coverage on your car insurance pays for different types of claims. Having the right coverage in place will mean you may be able to get your car fixed if it is damaged after a collision with a deer. Liability insurance and hitting a deerLiability insurance does not cover hitting a deer. Liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to another person or people in an accident. Because liability insurance pays for the other party, every state requires either minimum liability limits or proof that you can take on financial responsibility for damages you cause. What kind of insurance covers hitting a deer?If you want car insurance that covers hitting a deer, you need to have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive insurance is one of two physical damage coverage options you can include in your car insurance policy. Hitting a deer or another animal is not the only claim you can file under comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive insurance also covers:
When you purchase comprehensive coverage, consider the deductible amount. The higher you raise the deductible, the lower your premium tends to be. If you decide to choose a higher deductible, make sure you can pay the deductible amount when you file a car insurance claim. Comprehensive coverage vs collision coverageThe other type of physical damage coverage you can include in your car insurance policy is collision coverage. If you have collision insurance, it will pay for damages to your car if you collide with another object or person’s property. Like comprehensive coverage, a deductible applies for collision coverage, so be mindful of the deductible amount if you have to file a claim for a collision. Since collision insurance only applies when you collide with an object or property, it will not cover a deer accident. If you want the most physical damage coverage your auto insurance offers, consider purchasing both comprehensive and collision insurance to protect your finances and vehicle. What happens if I swerve to avoid a deer?If you swerve to avoid hitting a deer and instead hit someone’s property or an object, you could end up filing a claim for collision instead of comprehensive. A collision claim may cause you to lose good driving discounts and may include a surcharge on your policy. Comprehensive claims usually do not come with a surcharge, though your insurance rates may be affected by your recent claims history when your policy renews. Will hitting a deer increase my insurance rates?If you file a claim for hitting a deer, it has the potential to raise your insurance premiums. Any claim you file under your insurance policy may affect the price you pay for car insurance. The insurance company you are insured with, your driving record and claims history and other factors are used to determine how your car insurance is priced at each renewal or when you shop for a new carrier. While a comprehensive claim usually does not increase insurance rates as much as a collision claim, you could see an increase at your next renewal if you file a claim for a deer accident. Frequently asked questionsDo I need to file a police report if I hit a deer?It is a good idea to file a police report with any accident, including if you hit a deer, especially if there are injuries. The police can also assist with removing the deer from the road, which can help prevent another accident. If you are unsure about filing a police report after an accident, you can call the non-emergency police phone number to get assistance. Before you get out of the car to assess the damage after a deer accident, move your car to a safe location first. How much is your deductible if you hit a deer?If you hit a deer and need to file a claim, how much you pay is determined by your comprehensive deductible amount. For instance, if the deer causes $2,000 worth of damage to your car and you have a $500 comprehensive deductible, you are responsible for $500 and your insurance company will pay the remaining $1,500 to repair your car. If hitting the deer totals your car, the insurance company will pay you the book value minus your deductible amount. What to do when you hit a deer and it’s still alive?If you hit a deer and it’s still alive, you should first stop the car and assess everyone inside for injuries. Move the vehicle from the road into a safe location and call 911 or the state patrol. If the deer is still alive, keep your distance and notify the authorities of your location and whether the deer is in the roadway. If an ambulance is needed for you or another person in your vehicle, ask for assistance when you call the police about hitting the deer. When should I look for a deer to avoid an accident?You can hit a deer at any time of the year, so it is best to always be alert to avoid an accident. However, deer crashes happen most often between October and December, with the largest number occurring in November, which is peak mating season for deer. You are most likely to be involved in a deer accident when driving at dusk and dawn. Does deductible apply when you hit a deer?Do you have to pay a deductible if you hit a deer? In most cases, you will have to pay a deductible if you file a car insurance claim after hitting a deer with your car. When you purchase comprehensive or collision coverage, you choose a set deductible.
Is hitting a deer considered an act of God?Hitting an animal, such as a bird or deer is often known by auto insurers as an 'Act of God'. This means you cannot have foreseen the animal on the road or been able to avoid it. For example, you're driving on a quiet country lane.
Is it illegal to hit a deer and drive off in NJ?While it is not illegal to hit a deer and drive off, it can be irresponsible. Park on the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
What do you do if you hit a deer with your car?What to do when you hit a deer. Move your vehicle to a safe place. If possible, pull over to the side of the road, and turn on your hazard lights. ... . Call the police. ... . Document the incident. ... . Stay away from the animal. ... . Contact your State Farm agent. ... . Don't assume your vehicle is safe to drive.. |
Does comprehensive insurance cover hitting a deer
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