Does Hitting A Deer Affect Insurance?

Does car insurance cover hitting a deer?

Car insurance can cover damage from hitting a deer (or other animal). However, it's not automatic. You'll need the right type of coverage. It's always a good idea to chat with your insurance representative to ensure you have the right protection before an accident happens.

When you buy car insurance, you're often presented with a lot of options. While some coverages are legally required, others are optional but highly recommended. Here is a look at the two main types of coverage that come into play when dealing with wildlife collisions:

• Comprehensive coverage: If you directly hit a deer (or other animal), comprehensive coverage is what you'll need already on your policy. This coverage helps pay for the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle. Your vehicle needs to have made physical contact with the animal for comprehensive coverage to apply.
• Collision coverage: This coverage helps pay for the repairs to your vehicle after a collision with another object. Keep in mind that you'll likely have to pay a deductible, regardless of which type of claim you file. For example, if you swerve to avoid an animal and end up hitting something else (a tree, a fence, another car), you'll need to file a claim under your collision coverage.

TLDR;

Hit the animal? Comprehensive.

Hit something else, avoiding the animal? Collision.

Also, contrary to what some people believe, liability insurance will not cover damage to your vehicle if you hit a deer. Third party liability only covers damage you cause to other people's property.

How to minimize damage from a wildlife collision

As you learn in driving school, your actions on the road should put your life and other drivers first. If you spot a deer or any wildlife on the road and it is too late to avoid an accident safely, here is what you should do to lessen the impact:

• Stay calm: Panicking can lead to swerving and fast movements on the road, which can put others and yourself at risk.
• Press on the brakes: Quickly check your rear-view mirror and if it is safe, firmly and evenly place your foot on the brake.
• Ease up on the brakes before contact: Releasing some pressure on the brakes before becoming in contact can prevent it from going through your windshield.
• Steer towards the animal's direction: If the animal is coming from the right, steer towards the right shoulder. This can encourage the animal to cross the road faster – increasing your likelihood of missing it or at least minimizing the impact. Be careful not to hit the guardrail or roll into a ditch.

What to do after you hit a deer with your car

Encountering an animal on the road can be a frightening and unexpected experience. If you've unfortunately hit an animal while driving, it's crucial to react calmly and prioritize safety. This involves regaining control of your vehicle and pulling over safely, activating your hazard lights, and immediately calling 911 if anyone is injured. After ensuring immediate safety, inspect your vehicle and contact the appropriate authorities, whether it's 911 for a traffic hazard or animal control for an injured animal. Documenting the scene with photos for potential insurance claims and contacting your insurer with detailed information.

If you are in an accident with a deer or any wildlife on the road, here is what you should do:

1. Regain control of your vehicle and pull over when it is safe.
2. Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers as they approach you.
3. Call 911 right away if anyone is hurt.
4. Inspect your vehicle and call for help. Call 911 if your vehicle is blocking traffic or is no longer safe to drive.
5. Try to determine if the animal is dead or injured but keep your distance. Contact animal control services if you believe the animal is injured. Otherwise, contact local highway maintenance services to collect it.
6. Take photos of the scene of the accident – if you must make an insurance claim, photos will help your insurer process it.
7. Call your insurer and be prepared to provide as many details as possible about the incident.

9 tips to help prevent hitting a deer or other animals

The number of animals involved increased by 47% from 1999 to 2014 according to the Ontario Road Safety Annual Report. There are 14,000 wildlife-vehicle collisions happening in a year in Ontario. There are some ways we can prevent these accidents from happening.

Here are nine tips to prevent an accident with wildlife:

1. Be aware of your surroundings: Keep your eyes on the road and check your mirrors regularly so you are always aware of what is happening around your vehicle. Wooded areas and driving at dusk or dawn have an increased risk of wildlife.
2. Look for signs: You’ll often see warning signs posted near the road that will alert you of areas that are prone to wildlife activity.
3. Use high-beams: When you are driving at night, use your high-beams in poorly lit areas and on country roads.
4. Use your horn: If you see an animal standing near the road, try honking your horn in short bursts to encourage it to leave.
5. Look for glowing eyes: Scan the side of the road when you’re driving. Most animals’ eyes will glow brightly when they meet headlights.
6. Slow down or stop safely: If you see an animal cross, assume there will be more behind it. Try not to get too close and let the animal have space while they are crossing. Turn on your hazards to alert other drivers that you are slowing down and there is a hazard ahead.
7. A second set of eyes: If you have a passenger in your vehicle, ask them to watch for signs of wildlife along the road.
8. Drive defensively: Brush up on defensive driving techniques to help you anticipate the actions of those around you, including wildlife.
9. Think “what if”: It’s good to mentally prepare and think about what you will do if you encounter wildlife.

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Wildlife collision statistics

The Traffic Industry Research Foundation published a study about accidents that involve wildlife in Canada. Here is a look at some of their key findings:

• 89% of wildlife-vehicle collisions occur on rural, two-lane roads.
• There is a wildlife-motor vehicle collision approximately every 38 minutes.
• 1 out of every 17 motor vehicle collisions will involve a wild animal.
• Each year, wildlife-car collisions cost about $800 million across Canada.
• Seven out of ten wildlife-vehicle collision fatalities occur in summer months.
• One in three wildlife-vehicle collisions occurs in the fall, despite this being a peak period for animal migration.