Having car insurance may help pay for specified damages to your vehicle, but what if you collide with something that’s not another vehicle? If you live in more rural areas, hitting a passing deer can be very common. But how does hitting a deer affect insurance, and what insurance might be able to cover these accidents?
If you unfortunately encounter a deer in the wild or a dog darting into the street, knowing how your auto insurance responds may answer some of these questions. Understanding if car insurance can cover animal damage and the difference between hitting a wild animal and a domestic one may help you navigate these complicated situations.
Differences between a wild animal vs. a domestic animal
Wild animals
When you find yourself in a situation where you've hit a wild animal, like a deer, raccoon, or even a stray turkey, these incidents may be treated as unavoidable accidents. Comprehensive insurance, which helps pay for damages to your vehicle from non-car-collision incidents, may cover damages from wild animal encounters. If you live in a rural region or are close to wooded areas, having comprehensive insurance may be a helpful move.
Domestic animals
If you accidentally hit a domestic animal, like a cat, dog, or livestock, the situation may be different. Depending on state and local laws, you might face liability issues, including liability on the dog owner’s part or on your part. This may occur particularly in instances where the animal was loose, or you were driving carelessly.
Insurance implications
If you hit a deer or a wild animal on the road, your comprehensive insurance may cover the damages to your vehicle. However, your premium might go up depending on the state you live in.
When it comes to hitting a domestic animal, liability can be an additional layer to the insurance claim process. Your insurance may help pay for damages to your vehicle if you have comprehensive coverage and the damage exceeds your deductible, but fault can play a role in how damages for the animal that is hit is covered.
For instance, if it’s determined that the pet owner was negligent, you might not be held responsible for the damages. If you are found liable, you may be responsible for paying for the injured animal’s medical expenses, which your auto insurance may not help you cover.
What to do if you hit an animal
If you unfortunately hit an animal while driving, the first step is to stay calm. If you can, you may want to pull over to the side of the road where you can better assess the situation. You may also want to take photos and notes of the damage, because it can help with insurance claims later.
Next, you can report the incident to the police, especially if the animal is injured or if there’s significant damage to your vehicle. In some states, it’s required that you call the police if you hit domestic animals. After you’ve contacted the police, you can initiate your insurance claim by informing your insurance provider.
Legal considerations
Like stated above, laws regarding hitting wild and domestic animals can vary significantly from state to state. If you live in an area where deer collisions are common or livestock are present, it can be important to understand what state laws may apply to you.
For example, Florida livestock need to be behind proper fences and can’t be wandering on public roads. If a cow escapes and is hit by a vehicle, the livestock owner may be liable due to negligence. Understanding the laws in your state is important, since this may influence how your insurance company processes the claim and who ends up liable for the accident.
Driving tips to avoid hitting animals
If you’re worried about colliding with an animal, here are a few strategies that may help you avoid this unfortunate outcome:
- Stay alert: You may want to be especially aware when driving in areas known for wildlife crossings, as well as during night or low visibility times.
- Avoid distracted driving: Talking on the phone or texting can be a driving hazard and may lead to an accident. Try avoiding phone usage to help prevent distractions while you’re on the road.
- Drive slowly: Reducing your speed in areas where domestic or wild animals might roam can help you avoid collisions.
- Consider animal detection devices: Using technology like thermal car devices can help detect animals that are nearby.
How insurance can help
Understanding your auto insurance coverage may make a significant difference when dealing with damages to your vehicle from animal accidents. At Infinity Insurance Agency Inc., we can offer policies that can help assist you in navigating these accidents. In Colorado and Oregon, we have carriers that offer deer damage coverage, which can provide up to $1,000 with no deductible for a covered vehicle that strikes a deer.
If you find yourself in an area where animal crossings occur, you may want roadside assistance insurance, which may come in handy if you hit a wild animal and your vehicle gets significantly damaged. If you have questions about your auto insurance options, you can call IIA at 1-855-478-3705. Our agents can help you find coverage that aligns with your needs and budget.