Fall in West Virginia means cooler weather, changing leaves, football, and unfortunately, a greater chance of encountering deer on the road.
If a deer suddenly runs in front of your vehicle, you may only have a second or two to react. And once the immediate shock wears off, one of the first questions is usually: Does my car insurance cover this?
In many cases, the answer is yes, but it depends on the coverage you carry and exactly what happened.
If You Hit a Deer, Comprehensive Coverage Usually Applies
A direct collision with a deer or another animal is generally covered by comprehensive auto insurance.
Comprehensive coverage helps protect your vehicle from damage caused by events other than a typical traffic collision, including things like theft, hail, falling objects, vandalism, and animal strikes.
For example, if a deer runs into the road and you hit it with the front of your vehicle, comprehensive coverage may help pay for repairs after your deductible is applied.
That distinction matters because comprehensive coverage is optional unless it is required by a lender or leasing company. If you only carry the minimum liability coverage required to drive, damage to your own vehicle from hitting a deer may not be covered.
What If You Swerve to Miss the Deer?
This is where things can get a little more complicated.
If you swerve to avoid a deer and hit a guardrail, tree, ditch, another vehicle, or another object, the damage is typically considered a collision claim rather than a comprehensive claim.
That means your collision coverage would generally apply, subject to your deductible.
It is one reason many safety experts recommend braking firmly and staying in your lane rather than making a sudden swerve that could put you, your passengers, and other drivers at greater risk.
What Should You Do After Hitting a Deer?
If you are involved in a deer collision, focus on safety first.
Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible, turn on your hazard lights, and check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, the roadway is blocked, or the animal creates a hazard for other drivers, contact emergency services.
Avoid approaching an injured deer. Even if it appears calm, a frightened or injured animal can move suddenly and may be dangerous.
Once you are safe, document the damage. Take photos of your vehicle, the roadway, and any other relevant details from a safe location. Then contact your insurance provider to discuss the next steps for filing a claim.
Will Hitting a Deer Raise Your Insurance Rate?
There is no single answer that applies to every driver or insurance company.
A deer collision is generally treated differently from an at-fault crash with another vehicle, but any claim can potentially affect your insurance history or future premium. The impact can depend on your carrier, policy, driving history, claim history, and other factors.
Before filing a claim, it can be helpful to understand your deductible and get an idea of the cost of the damage. If repairs are only slightly more than your deductible, your insurance advisor can help you understand your options.
Make Sure You Know Your Coverage Before You Need It
The best time to find out whether you have comprehensive and collision coverage is before a deer is standing in front of you on a dark West Virginia road.
Your auto policy should fit more than a legal requirement. It should help protect the vehicle you depend on and give you a clear plan when something unexpected happens.
At Davis Insurance Advisors, we help West Virginia drivers understand what their coverage actually does, where potential gaps may exist, and what options make sense for their vehicles and budgets.
If you are unsure whether your current policy would cover a deer collision, Contact Davis Insurance Advisors. We can review your auto coverage with you so you know what to expect before you ever need to file a claim.
Coverage varies by policy, carrier and circumstances. This article is for general informational purposes and does not modify or guarantee coverage. Review your policy and speak with your insurance professional about your specific situation.