Does insurance cover hitting a deer? Picture this: you’re driving near Madeira, OH at dusk and a deer jumps into the road. Your heart races and your car takes a hit. What happens next with your insurance?
Short answer
In general, damage from hitting a deer is handled by the part of your auto policy that covers animal strikes. Which coverage applies can depend on how the crash happened and what else was involved. Always check your specific policy and talk with an agent at Riverfront Insurance Partners for details about your situation.
Which parts of your auto policy matter
- Comprehensive. This coverage is what typically handles direct damage from animals. If you hit a deer and the animal causes damage to your vehicle, comprehensive is the coverage most often used. Comprehensive also covers other noncollision events depending on your policy.
- Collision. If the crash involved another vehicle or you swerved and hit a guardrail or tree while trying to avoid the deer, collision coverage may come into play. Collision generally handles damage from hitting objects or other cars.
- Liability. Liability covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to other people. If your actions after hitting a deer cause a crash that injures someone else or damages another vehicle, the liability portion of an at-fault driver’s policy could be relevant.
- Uninsured or underinsured motorist. These coverages apply when another driver is at fault and lacks enough insurance. They are not typically involved when an animal is the primary cause, but they could be relevant if another vehicle was part of the incident.
- Medical payments. This coverage can help pay medical bills for you and your passengers after a covered auto accident, regardless of fault. Whether it applies depends on the specifics of the crash and the terms of your policy.
- Rental reimbursement. If your car needs repairs after hitting a deer and your policy includes rental reimbursement, that part of the policy can help with the cost of a temporary vehicle while yours is being repaired.
What to do next
Review your policy declarations and then talk to an agent at Riverfront Insurance Partners. They can explain which parts of your policy are likely to respond in Madeira, OH and help you understand any state-specific coverage requirements. For a clear review, call (859) 512-8325 or visit riverfrontinsurancepartners.com for a free quote and to speak with an agent.