The most common vehicle accident seen is a deer hit. They come out of no where and suddenly the driver now has damage to their vehicle. That also comes with many questions, some which do not have a straightforward answer. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about deer hits.
“So I hit a deer, am I covered?”
In order to be covered for a deer hit you must have comprehensive coverage on your insurance policy. This type of coverage is for accidents other than collisions. Although the deer did strike or collide with your vehicle, it is specifically listed as a loss covered by “other than collision”. If you have only liability coverage, then the insurer will not pay for the damages from hitting the deer.
“I swerved to miss a deer, then hit ____. Will I be covered?”
If it was only the deer that hit the vehicle, then it would go under comprehensive insurance. If the driver swerves to miss the deer and then hit something else, such as another vehicle, guardrail, tree or roll the vehicle, then that turns into a collision claim. Even though the deer started this ordeal, contact with the animal was never made so that is not a comprehensive claim.
“Will the state pay for the damage, or for my deductible”?
The state will not pay for the repairs or deductible. There is an agency that does manage the deer population, but they cannot prevent deer from crossing roadways.
“Do I need to file a police report?”
Most insurances do not require the insured to fill out a police report for a comprehensive claim. It is best to contact authorities if there are any signs of injury.
“Will my insurance go up?”
Usually with a comprehensive claim, the company will not raise your insurance rate. If there are multiple claims filed over a period, then that can raise rates.
We here at A&J Collision Repair are always available to help you with any claim that needs taken care of. Give us a call today!
Emily Patterson
Receptionist
1215 Thomas G Wilson Drive
Conway, AR 72032
501-327-1882