Does hitting a deer affect auto insurance rates?
How does hitting a deer affect auto insurance rates? The good news is that filing a deer insurance claim will not raise your rates. However, you need comprehensive auto insurance to cover hitting a deer, which adds $10-$20 to your monthly rates depending on where you live.
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Heidi Mertlich
Licensed Insurance Agent
Heidi works with top-rated insurance carriers to bring her clients the highest quality protection at the most competitive prices. She founded NoPhysicalTermLife.com, specializing in life insurance that doesn’t require a medical exam. Heidi is a regular contributor to several insurance websites, including FinanceBuzz.com, Insurist.com, and Forbes. As a parent herself, she understands the need ...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Oct 24, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 24, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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If you hit a deer, insurance typically covers it. But does hitting a deer affect auto insurance rates? That depends on the company and the type of policy. You need the right deer accident insurance to cover repairs, and liability-only policies won’t be enough.
Is hitting a deer covered under collision or comprehensive insurance? In general, comprehensive auto insurance covers deer car accidents and collisions. The good news is deer accident insurance claims will not raise rates because hitting an animal doesn’t carry the same risk as hitting another vehicle.
However, carrying comprehensive coverage costs more than a liability-only policy. It also comes with deductibles you must pay before your insurer covers any deer collision repairs. Keep reading to get free insurance quotes and compare car insurance rates after hitting a deer.
- Hitting a deer doesn’t have the same impact on insurance as hitting another vehicle
- You need comprehensive auto insurance to pay for deer collision damages
- Adding comprehensive coverage will raise your auto insurance rates
Auto Insurance Rates After Hitting a Deer
Does hitting a deer raise your insurance? No. Hitting a deer does not affect auto insurance rates, but insurance costs can vary based on the odds of hitting a deer by state. Having the right deer collision coverage can be also more expensive than average.
You need comprehensive or full coverage insurance when hitting a deer, and monthly auto insurance rates for full coverage will be higher than other types of policies. Comprehensive car insurance that covers hitting a deer comes with the cheapest annual rates.
Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by State & Coverage Type
| State | Liability | Collision | Comprehensive | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $35 | $27 | $13 | $75 |
| Alaska | $47 | $30 | $12 | $89 |
| Arizona | $45 | $23 | $16 | $84 |
| Arkansas | $34 | $27 | $16 | $78 |
| California | $42 | $34 | $8 | $84 |
| Colorado | $45 | $24 | $15 | $85 |
| Connecticut | $57 | $31 | $11 | $99 |
| Delaware | $67 | $27 | $10 | $104 |
| Florida | $74 | $24 | $10 | $108 |
| Georgia | $50 | $28 | $13 | $91 |
| Hawaii | $39 | $26 | $9 | $73 |
| Idaho | $31 | $19 | $10 | $59 |
| Illinois | $38 | $26 | $11 | $75 |
| Indiana | $33 | $21 | $10 | $64 |
| Iowa | $26 | $19 | $16 | $60 |
| Kansas | $30 | $22 | $20 | $73 |
| Kentucky | $45 | $23 | $12 | $80 |
| Louisiana | $68 | $35 | $18 | $121 |
| Maine | $29 | $22 | $8 | $60 |
| Maryland | $53 | $30 | $13 | $95 |
| Massachusetts | $51 | $33 | $11 | $95 |
| Michigan | $68 | $35 | $13 | $116 |
| Minnesota | $38 | $20 | $15 | $73 |
| Mississippi | $39 | $27 | $18 | $84 |
| Missouri | $36 | $23 | $15 | $75 |
| Montana | $33 | $22 | $19 | $74 |
| Nebraska | $31 | $20 | $19 | $71 |
| Nevada | $60 | $26 | $10 | $95 |
| New Hampshire | $34 | $25 | $9 | $68 |
| New Jersey | $75 | $32 | $11 | $117 |
| New Mexico | $43 | $23 | $15 | $80 |
| New York | $69 | $33 | $14 | $115 |
| North Carolina | $30 | $25 | $11 | $65 |
| North Dakota | $25 | $21 | $20 | $65 |
| Ohio | $34 | $23 | $10 | $67 |
| Oklahoma | $39 | $27 | $19 | $85 |
| Oregon | $51 | $19 | $8 | $78 |
| Pennsylvania | $42 | $28 | $12 | $82 |
| Rhode Island | $66 | $35 | $11 | $111 |
| South Carolina | $46 | $22 | $15 | $84 |
| South Dakota | $26 | $18 | $22 | $65 |
| Tennessee | $36 | $26 | $12 | $74 |
| Texas | $46 | $32 | $17 | $95 |
| Utah | $43 | $22 | $9 | $74 |
| Vermont | $30 | $25 | $11 | $66 |
| Virginia | $36 | $24 | $12 | $72 |
| Washington | $51 | $22 | $9 | $82 |
| Washington, D.C. | $55 | $39 | $19 | $114 |
| West Virginia | $42 | $28 | $17 | $87 |
| Wisconsin | $32 | $19 | $12 | $62 |
| Wyoming | $28 | $23 | $21 | $73 |
Does full coverage cover hitting a deer? Yes, and you can combine liability with comprehensive and collision insurance for full coverage insurance for deer car accidents. Use our guide to find the cheapest full coverage auto insurance near you.
Deer Collision Insurance Deductibles
Is there a deductible for hitting a deer? Yes. The higher your auto insurance deductible, the lower your auto insurance rates.
Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Deductible Amount & Coverage Level
| Deductible Amount | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $183 | $272 |
| $100 | $171 | $258 |
| $250 | $158 | $238 |
| $500 | $142 | $213 |
| $1,000 | $125 | $188 |
| $2,000 | $108 | $163 |
But don’t choose a higher deductible you can’t afford, because you are responsible for paying it before the insurance covers any deer damage to your car.
For example, if your comprehensive policy comes with a $1,000 deductible, you will have to pay at least $1,000 before your provider covers any repair costs. So if front-end damage from hitting a deer costs $6,000, you must pay $1,000 toward repairs before your insurer covers the remaining $5,000.
Learn More:
- How do you pay your auto insurance deductible?
- What is a good auto insurance deductible?
- How do vanishing or diminishing deductibles work?
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When Deer Collisions Are Covered by Auto Insurance
Does hitting a deer count as collision? No, and a lone incident of hitting a deer won’t usually affect the cost of auto insurance, but there’s also no guarantee that your insurance policy will pay for the damages. Whether the incident is covered depends on what kind of car insurance you carry.
Does liability insurance cover hitting a deer? No. What type of insurance covers hitting a deer? You need comprehensive auto insurance coverage so you can file an insurance claim for hitting a deer.
Full coverage auto insurance will cover hitting a deer or other animals. Full coverage is a kind of policy that includes liability, collision, and comprehensive claims coverage. The additional areas of coverage under this type of policy mean insurance will pay for collisions of all types, including hitting a large animal like a deer.Brad Larson Licensed Insurance Agent
Basic liability insurance will not pay for hitting a deer, and in most states, the minimum car insurance requirements do not include comprehensive coverage.
It’s possible to get auto insurance for hitting a deer with a comprehensive coverage policy. For example, Geico deer coverage is a comprehensive policy that pays deer collision claims and those involving incidents with larger animals. Read more about your coverage options in our Geico auto insurance review.
However, you cannot buy comprehensive insurance as a stand-alone policy. You need to carry liability coverage and add comprehensive insurance to cover when a deer hits your car. Again, it does come at an additional cost, with rates varying based on your personal driving record and eligibility for special discounts.
Deer Insurance Coverage by Company
You may be wondering if the largest auto insurance companies in the U.S. offer hitting deer insurance — they do:
- Does State Farm cover hitting a deer? Yes, State Farm comprehensive insurance covers deer accidents. Compare policy rates in our State Farm review.
- Does Progressive cover deer accidents? Yes, Progressive comprehensive insurance covers deer accidents. Compare rates in our Geico vs. Progressive auto insurance review to see which is cheapest in your state.
- Does Geico cover hitting a deer? Yes, Geico deer collision coverage is included with a comprehensive policy. If you have Geico accident forgiveness, you may not have to pay a deductible for minor damages. Learn more in our Geico insurance review.
- Does Allstate cover deer accidents? Yes, Allstate comprehensive insurance covers deer accidents. Allstate deer accident coverage comes with a deductible, so use our Allstate auto insurance review to compare costs.
Does insurance go up after hitting a deer with these companies? No, unless you have multiple claims on your record already, you won’t have to anticipate your auto insurance rates going up after a deer accident.
Deer Collision Safety Tips
What should you do after hitting a deer? If you’ve struck a deer, there are no laws that require you to stay on the scene. However, it is best to take time to assess the situation immediately.
Follow these steps to take care of yourself, the needs of the animal, and other motorists on the road:
- Pull your vehicle over to the side of the road. Turn into a safe location and turn on the hazard lights.
- Phone the local non-emergency police number to report the situation. They will contact the appropriate agencies if there is a carcass to dispose of or if medical assistance is needed.
- Document the accident. Include photos or descriptions of the surroundings, any damage or injuries that occurred, and any witness information.
- Stay away from the wounded deer. If the animal has fled, don’t chase after it.
- Contact your auto insurance company. Report the accident and send your documentation.
- Assess your vehicle. If you can’t drive the vehicle home, contact roadside assistance or arrange to have it towed.
Being aware of your surroundings can help reduce the chances of colliding with a deer. You can further protect yourself from the financial costs of hitting a deer by purchasing full coverage auto insurance on your vehicle. Full coverage car insurance is more expensive, but it will cover the cost of repairs after hitting a deer.
Shop around and compare auto insurance quotes for full coverage from multiple companies to lock in cheaper rates.
How to File an Insurance Claim After Hitting a Deer
Getting hit by a deer while driving can be a potentially dangerous experience. Not only can it cause damage to your vehicle, but an animal collision poses a safety risk to you and other drivers on the road.
Can you claim on insurance for hitting a deer? Yes, and if you find yourself in this situation, it’s crucial to know how to file a deer insurance claim promptly and effectively:
- Contact the authorities. Is it illegal to hit a deer and drive off? Yes, in some states it’s required by law to report accidents involving wildlife. So call the police or non-emergency line to file a deer accident report.
- Document the incident. Take photos of any damage to your vehicle and any visible signs of the deer. The police report can also help validate your deer insurance claim.
- File the claim. Call your insurer as soon as possible to initiate the deer claim on insurance. Provide all the necessary information, including the date, time, location of the accident, and any photos or documentation you have gathered. Learn how to file an auto insurance claim.
- Speak with the adjuster. Once you file a claim, an adjuster will reach out to assess the damage to your vehicle and determine the extent of your policy coverage. Stay in communication and provide any additional information or documentation they request. Find out how insurance adjusters determine the value of a vehicle.
How long do you have to report hitting a deer to insurance? That depends on your company. In general, most insurance companies give policyholders up to 30 days to file a claim.
Does hitting a deer count as a collision? No, not in the same way as an auto accident or a claim for colliding with a stationary object. With this in mind, remember you will be filing a comprehensive auto insurance claim after a deer collision, which will have a deductible you must pay upfront before coverage applies.
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How Hitting a Deer Affects Driving Record
Does hitting a deer go on your driving record? No, but having an officer respond to the scene has several benefits. A police report strengthens your claim with the insurance company, and an officer can direct traffic and contact a towing company while you assess your car for damage.
While it won't go on your driving record, filing a comprehensive deer insurance claim will go on your insurance record. Car insurance and deer accidents are not at-fault claims but can still increase your risk at renewal.Kristen Gryglik Licensed Insurance Agent
Drivers with increased risk, like those with at-fault accidents, are more likely to pay higher rates. Is hitting a deer an at-fault accident? No, but filing multiple deer insurance claims in one year could potentially increase your risk, so comparison shop online to find out how hitting a deer affects auto insurance rates with multiple insurance companies.
Bottom Line: How Hitting a Deer Affects Auto Insurance
Does insurance cover deer accidents? Yes, as long as you have comprehensive auto insurance, your policy will cover repair costs after an animal collision, minus your deductible.
Does hitting a deer increase insurance? Fortunately, hitting a deer will not raise your insurance rates. Unlike an accident where drivers are responsible for their behavior on the road, drivers cannot anticipate an animal’s behavior.
Hitting a deer is generally considered a random, one-time event, which separates it from the category of at-fault accidents. For this reason, insurance companies will not raise your rates if you file a claim for hitting a deer.
Deer also move unexpectedly, creating a distinction between hitting the animal vs. hitting a stationary object like a tree. Therefore, car insurance rates will not go up after hitting a deer, and you won’t have any other negative consequences on your driving record.
However, you will need comprehensive or full coverage to act as deer accident insurance and cover damages caused by animals, which can be more expensive. Compare car insurance quotes below to find affordable deer insurance rates on comprehensive and full coverage policies near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my auto insurance rates go up after hitting a deer?
In most cases, hitting a deer will not directly cause your auto insurance rates to increase. However, there are certain factors to consider that might indirectly impact your rates.
How much will my insurance go up if i hit a deer?
Your auto insurance rates are unlikely to go up at all after a deer car accident.
Why will hitting a deer raise my insurance?
The only time hitting a deer will raise insurance rates is if you have multiple claims on your record or are already considered a high-risk driver?
What insurance covers hitting a deer?
You need comprehensive auto insurance to cover deer collision claims.
Is hitting a deer considered an accident on insurance?
No, insurance companies consider deer accidents comprehensive claims, which don’t affect rates the same as at-fault claims.
Does Geico cover deer accidents?
Yes, comprehensive insurance or Geico full coverage auto insurance will cover deer collision damages.
Does Geico require a police report for hitting a deer?
No, but if reporting wildlife accidents is required by law in your state, you will likely need the report to file an insurance claim.
Does State Farm require a police report for hitting a deer?
No, but if a report is legally required in your state, you may need it to file the insurance claim.
Does AAA auto insurance cover if you hit a deer?
Yes, AAA comprehensive auto insurance covers hitting a deer.
Will my Progressive insurance rates go up if I hit a deer?
Hitting a deer does affect Progressive auto insurance rates, but costs don’t increase nearly as much as an at-fault auto accident or speeding ticket.
What factors determine if hitting a deer affects auto insurance rates?
While hitting a deer itself may not lead to rate increases, other factors related to the incident can affect your rates. These factors include the severity of the damage, the cost of repairs, and your insurance company’s policies.
Will my rates increase if I file a deer collision insurance claim?
Filing a claim for hitting a deer might not necessarily result in a rate increase. However, if the claim exceeds a certain threshold, it could impact your rates. Each insurance company has its own guidelines for determining when a claim affects your rates.
How does auto insurance work when you hit a deer?
You will file a comprehensive auto insurance claim after hitting a deer. This type of policy covers damages caused by unforeseen events, like theft, weather, and animals. Without a comprehensive policy, you will have to pay out-of-pocket for repairs.
Does hitting a deer count as an accident?
No, hitting a deer is generally considered a random, one-time event, which separates it from the category of at-fault accidents. For this reason, insurance companies will not raise your rates if you file a claim for hitting a deer.
How can I find out if my rates will increase after hitting a deer?
It’s best to contact your provider directly to understand how it handles deer collision insurance claims. Then compare insurance quotes online to find cheap auto insurance rates after hitting a deer.
Are there any ways to avoid rate increases after hitting a deer?
While there are no guarantees, there are steps you can take to minimize the impact on your rates. For instance, if the damage is minimal and the repair cost is below your deductible, you may choose not to file a claim. Consulting with your insurance provider before making a decision is recommended.
Is it better to avoid or hit a deer?
Never swerve to miss a deer or another animal in the road. You run the risk of driving into another vehicle or off-road, increasing the likelihood of serious injury. Instead, remain calm and slow down as quickly as possible. If you hit the animal, pull over on the side of the road and call the authorities.
Do you call the cops after hitting a deer?
Yes, call the police through 3-1-1 or a local non-emergency line to report the incident. If there are serious injuries, call 9-1-1 immediately.
What happens if you hit a deer and don’t call the police?
It could be illegal in your state to fail to report a wildlife accident, and you could face steep fines or jail time if someone else is injured by the animal.
What is the auto insurance term for hitting a deer?
Insurance companies refer to claims involving deer as “deer collisions” or “deer car accidents.”
What time of day are you most likely to hit a deer?
You are more likely to run into deer on the road at dawn and dusk. They are also more active a few hours before sunrise and a few hours after sunset.
Does hitting a deer go on your driving record?
Certain traffic violations will go on your driving record, and any crashes reported to the authorities will also go on your record. But hitting a deer doesn’t require you to file a police report, which keeps such incidents off your driving record. However, having a police report can support your claim with the insurance company.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Heidi Mertlich
Licensed Insurance Agent
Heidi works with top-rated insurance carriers to bring her clients the highest quality protection at the most competitive prices. She founded NoPhysicalTermLife.com, specializing in life insurance that doesn’t require a medical exam. Heidi is a regular contributor to several insurance websites, including FinanceBuzz.com, Insurist.com, and Forbes. As a parent herself, she understands the need ...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.