Driving on the road can be unpredictable, and one of the common hazards that drivers face is the risk of hitting a deer. It’s not uncommon to see deer on the side of the road or crossing the road, especially in rural areas. While hitting a deer can be a traumatic experience, it’s important to know if your insurance policy covers this type of collision. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of insurance coverage, the cost of hitting a deer, and how to file a claim if you’re involved in a deer collision.
Types of Insurance Coverage
The type of insurance coverage you have will determine whether or not you’re covered for hitting a deer. There are several types of insurance coverage that drivers can have, including liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage.
Liability coverage is the minimum amount of insurance required by law in most states. It only covers damages that you cause to another driver’s vehicle or property. If you hit a deer and only have liability coverage, your insurance won’t cover the damages to your vehicle.
Collision coverage is an optional type of coverage that covers damages to your vehicle in the event of an accident, regardless of who is at fault. If you hit a deer and have collision coverage, your insurance company will cover the damages to your vehicle, subject to your deductible.
Comprehensive coverage is another optional type of coverage that covers damages to your vehicle that are not caused by an accident. This includes damages caused by weather events, theft, and animal collisions, including hitting a deer. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance company will cover the damages to your vehicle, subject to your deductible.
The Cost of Hitting a Deer
Hitting a deer can be costly, both in terms of damage to your vehicle and potential injuries to yourself and any passengers in the car. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average cost of a deer collision claim is around $3,000. However, the cost can vary depending on the severity of the collision and the extent of the damages.
If you’re involved in a deer collision, there are several factors that can affect the cost of the damages. These include the speed of the vehicle, the size of the deer, and the type of vehicle you’re driving. A larger vehicle, such as a truck or SUV, may sustain less damage in a deer collision than a smaller car.
In addition to the cost of the damages, hitting a deer can also result in injuries to yourself or any passengers in the car. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 177 fatalities in motor vehicle crashes involving animals, including deer, in 2019. If you or any passengers in your car are injured in a deer collision, you may also be responsible for medical expenses.
Filing a Claim for a Deer Collision
If you’re involved in a deer collision, it’s important to file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. The process for filing a claim will depend on the type of coverage you have and the insurance company you’re with.
If you have collision coverage, you’ll need to provide your insurance company with the details of the collision, including the date, time, and location of the accident. You’ll also need to provide the insurance company with a description of the damages to your vehicle. Your insurance company may require an inspection of your vehicle to determine the extent of the damages.
If you have comprehensive coverage, the process for filing a claim is similar. You’ll need to provide your insurance company with the details of the collision, including the date, time, and location of the accident. You’ll also need to provide a description of the damages to your vehicle. Your insurance company may require an inspection of your vehicle to determine the extent of the damages.
