Hitting a deer while driving can be a scary and unexpected experience. Not only can it cause damage to your car, but it can also put you and your passengers in danger. If you have car insurance, you may be wondering if your policy will cover the damages. In this article, we will discuss the coverage for hitting a deer and what steps you should take if you find yourself in this situation.
Understanding Your Car Insurance Coverage
Before we dive into whether or not your car insurance will cover hitting a deer, it’s important to understand the different types of coverage that are typically included in a standard auto insurance policy. These include liability coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage.
Liability Coverage
Liability coverage is the most basic type of car insurance and is required in most states. It covers damages and injuries that you cause to others while driving. This type of coverage does not cover damages to your own vehicle.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage is an optional type of insurance that covers damages to your own vehicle in the event of a collision with another vehicle or object.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage is also an optional type of insurance that covers damages to your vehicle that are not caused by a collision. This can include damages from natural disasters, theft, and hitting an animal.
Other comprehensive coverage items typically include damages from natural disasters, theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, and damage caused by civil disturbances. These additional coverage items are designed to protect your vehicle from a wide range of non-collision incidents. It’s important to review your insurance policy or contact your insurance company to understand the specific comprehensive coverage items included in your policy.
Does Car Insurance Cover Hitting a Deer?
If you have comprehensive coverage, then hitting a deer should be covered by your car insurance. This type of coverage is designed to protect you from unexpected events, such as hitting an animal while driving. However, it’s important to note that every insurance policy is different, so it’s best to check with your insurance provider to confirm your coverage.
What to Do If You Hit a Deer
If you hit a deer while driving, the first thing you should do is pull over to a safe location and check yourself and your passengers for any injuries. If anyone is injured, call for medical assistance immediately.
Next, assess the damage to your vehicle. If it’s safe to do so, take photos of the damage and the scene of the accident. This can be helpful when filing a claim with your insurance company.
You should also contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the accident and begin the claims process. They will be able to guide you through the necessary steps and provide you with any additional information you may need.
In Conclusion
In most cases, hitting a deer will be covered by your car insurance if you have comprehensive coverage. However, it’s always best to check with your insurance provider to confirm your coverage and understand the steps you need to take in the event of an accident. By understanding your car insurance coverage and taking the necessary precautions, you can be prepared for unexpected events like hitting a deer while driving.
If you have any questions regarding auto, home and business insurance options, please contact us, we’re always glad to help. The NY Insurance Hub serves Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Latham, Cohoes, Watervliet, Clifton Park, Saratoga Springs, surrounding Capital Region areas and all of New York State from NYC to Buffalo.