Does Car Insurance Cover Hitting a Deer?
Animal collisions are usually covered under comprehensive, not collision, so a different deductible applies. Swerving and hitting something else is usually a collision claim. Here's the difference.
Quick answer
Hitting a deer or other animal is usually covered under comprehensive coverage, subject to your comprehensive deductible. If you swerve to avoid the animal and hit a tree, guardrail, or another car, that's usually a collision claim instead. If you have only liability coverage, damage to your own car isn't covered.
Comprehensive vs. collision
| What happened | Usually handled under |
|---|---|
| Your car strikes a deer | Comprehensive |
| A deer runs into the side of your parked car | Comprehensive |
| You swerve and hit a tree | Collision |
| You swerve and hit another vehicle | Collision, and possibly liability |
Comprehensive claims for animal strikes are often viewed differently from at-fault collisions for pricing, though practices vary.
After an animal collision
- Move to safety and turn on hazard lights.
- Avoid approaching an injured animal; call local authorities if it's blocking the road.
- Photograph damage and the scene.
- Report to police if required in your state or if there are injuries.
- Contact your insurer.
See what to do after a car accident.
The takeaway
Animal strikes usually fall under comprehensive; swerving into something else usually falls under collision. If you're driving an older car without physical damage coverage, the repair is on you.
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