What to Do If You Hit a Deer — And How Insurance Covers It

As the Autumn colors appear and daylight hours shorten, drivers face a seasonal hazard that can cause serious damage — deer. October through December is peak deer season, and accidents involving deer are far more common than you might think. 

So what should you do if you hit a deer? And how does your auto insurance respond? Let’s break it down. 

What to Do Immediately After Hitting a Deer 

If you're involved in a deer collision, stay calm and follow these steps: 

1. Pull Over Safely Move your vehicle to the side of the road if it’s safe to do so. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. 

2. Stay Inside the Vehicle Deer can be unpredictable when injured. It’s safest to remain in your car and avoid approaching the animal. 

3. Call the Police In many states, reporting the accident is required, especially if there's significant damage or the deer is blocking traffic. 

4. Document the Scene Take photos of the damage, the location, and (if safe) the deer. This will help the insurance adjuster settle your claim. 

5. Contact Your Agent Report the accident as soon as possible. We’ll guide you through the claims process. 

Does Auto Insurance Cover Deer Collisions? 

Yes — but only if you have the right coverage. 

Comprehensive Coverage 

Surprisingly, hitting a deer is not considered a collision accident, so damage from deer covered under your collision policy alone. Comprehensive coverage is the key to being protected from a deer-related accident. Comprehensive insurance typically covers: 

• Any property damaged from striking a deer, such as a fence or outbuilding. 

• Repairs to your vehicle. 

• Towing (if included in your policy). 

• Potential rental car reimbursement 

  
  

Note:  

Liability-Only Policies 

If you only carry liability coverage, your policy will not pay for damage to your car. Liability only covers damage you cause to others — not yourself, your vehicle, or animals. 

 

Will My Rates Go Up? 

That depends on your insurer and claims history. Many companies don’t classify hitting a deer as an "at-fault" accident, so a rate increase isn’t guaranteed — but it’s possible. 

Hitting a deer can be scary and stressful but knowing what to do — and having the right insurance — can make all the difference. If you're unsure whether your current policy includes comprehensive coverage, now is a great time for a review.