Deer Claims: What You Need To Know
As the weather gets colder in Michigan and the fields are cut down, it’s officially deer claim season in the insurance world. With deer searching for new homes and hunting season in full swing, these animals are on the move, increasing the chance of accidents. There are a few important things to keep in mind when it comes to deer claims and insurance.
Insurance carriers would rather you hit the deer than swerve into oncoming traffic, drive off the road, or end up in a ditch. To “incentivize” safer decisions, insurance companies classify deer accidents under comprehensive coverage rather than collision. This distinction benefits you because comprehensive claims usually have a lower deductible and don’t impact your claims record as heavily as regular collision claims.
So, what happens if a deer jumps out, and you hit it? In most cases, carriers don’t require a police report since the damage usually speaks for itself (like fur or blood on the vehicle). However, if other people are involved in the accident, it’s a good idea to get a police report if you can. Even if an officer can’t come to the scene, it’s important to call the police and report the location of the accident so animal control can remove the carcass, if needed.
If your vehicle is still drivable after the accident, you can drive it home and contact your insurance agent as soon as they’re available. If the vehicle isn’t drivable, you’ll need to arrange for a tow truck. Many insurance carriers have towing hotlines, so it’s worth calling them to get your vehicle to the nearest repair shop. Once you’ve made those arrangements, your agent will likely request an estimate for the damage to file with your carrier.
Every insurance carrier’s process is slightly different, so work closely with your carrier to make sure you follow their specific steps for repairs or payout.
Quick Recap: What to Do After Hitting a Deer
- Call the police and report the location of the accident.
- Arrange towing if your vehicle isn’t drivable.
- Contact your insurance agent to start the claim.
- Get a repair estimate if requested by your agent.
- Follow your carrier’s process to get the damage repaired or receive a payout.
By following these steps, you can handle a deer-related accident efficiently and get back on the road safely.