Short answer: Damage to your own car from hitting a deer, elk, moose or other animal is paid by comprehensive coverage, which some insurers call "other than collision." If you carry only liability, or liability plus collision, your policy won't pay to fix your car after an animal strike, according to the Connecticut, Nebraska and Tennessee insurance regulators. You pay your comprehensive deductible and the insurer covers the rest up to your limits. Several state insurance departments warn that the risk climbs from October through December, during mating and migration season. Pennsylvania treats a deer crash as a not-at-fault incident, and Louisiana bars rate surcharges for nonfault incidents.
This guide is for drivers in any state, especially in rural and suburban areas with deer, elk or moose. It's general information. Your policy's declarations page and wording decide what's covered, and crash-reporting rules differ by state.
How common animal crashes are
The Federal Highway Administration's report to Congress on wildlife-vehicle collisions counted roughly 300,000 reported collisions between vehicles and large animals each year, and estimated that the real total, counting unreported crashes, is more likely one to two million a year. Of the reported crashes, about 26,000 a year injured people and about 200 were fatal (FHWA, Wildlife-Vehicle Collision Reduction Study, Chapter 1).
Timing matters. The Nebraska Department of Insurance says more deer crashes happen in October and November than in the rest of the year (Nebraska DOI consumer alert). Michigan's Department of Insurance and Financial Services, citing the state's Office of Highway Safety Planning, reported more than 58,000 vehicle-deer crashes in Michigan in 2022, with nearly half in October, November and December (Michigan DIFS). Virginia's Bureau of Insurance issues a similar reminder every fall (Virginia SCC).
Which part of your policy pays
| What happened | Coverage that usually responds | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| You hit a deer or other animal | Comprehensive (other than collision) | Your comprehensive deductible applies |
| You braked or swerved, missed the animal and hit a tree, guardrail or another car | Usually collision for your car; liability for others' damage | Different deductible; the insurer may treat it as a collision claim |
| The animal ran into the side of your parked car | Comprehensive | Same as a direct strike |
| Your passengers or you were hurt | Medical payments or personal injury protection (PIP), plus health insurance | In no-fault states, PIP generally comes first |
| Your car is in the shop for days | Rental or transportation-expense coverage, if you bought it | Optional on most policies |
The first row is straightforward. Connecticut's Insurance Department puts it plainly: damage from an animal strike falls under the optional comprehensive portion of an auto policy, and if you have liability-only coverage or liability with collision, the insurer won't pay for that damage to your car (Connecticut Insurance Department, Steer Clear of Deer). Tennessee's Department of Commerce and Insurance and the Nebraska DOI say the same (TDCI).
The second row is where people get surprised. Collision coverage pays when your car hits an object or another vehicle. If you never touched the animal but crashed while avoiding it, the damage generally isn't an animal strike any more, and that's one reason regulators tell drivers to brake firmly and try not to swerve. Connecticut and Nebraska both warn that swerving can send you into a tree or into oncoming traffic. Ask your insurer how it will classify the claim and whether it could count as at fault under its rating rules.
If you have a car loan or lease, the lender usually requires comprehensive and collision. If your car is paid off and you dropped comprehensive to save money, an animal strike is the kind of loss you'd be paying for yourself. Before deer season, compare the cost of comprehensive with what an animal strike would cost you out of pocket, and choose a deductible you could pay tomorrow.
What to do right after you hit an animal
Drawing on the Connecticut, Michigan and Nebraska regulator guidance:
- Get out of traffic. If the car can move, pull onto the shoulder and turn on your hazard lights. Be careful of passing traffic if you get out.
- Leave the animal alone. Michigan DIFS warns that a wounded deer can be dangerous and one that looks dead may only be stunned.
- Call for help when needed. If anyone is hurt, the car can't be moved, or the animal is blocking the road, call police or 911.
- Document everything. Photograph the damage, the road, your surroundings and any injuries. Get names and contact details from witnesses who stop.
- Check before you drive. Look for leaking fluid, broken lights, tire damage, loose parts or a hood that won't latch. If anything seems wrong, call a tow.
- Report it to your insurer promptly, and ask whether you need a police report for the claim.
Do you have to report a deer crash to police?
It depends on the state. Michigan DIFS tells drivers to report the crash to the nearest police agency and their insurer. Pennsylvania requires a police report only when a vehicle can't be driven from the scene or someone is injured or killed; the Pennsylvania State Police say that if no one is hurt and your car is drivable, you aren't legally required to call them (Pennsylvania Insurance Department). Even where a report isn't required, a police or incident report can make a comprehensive claim easier to document. If you're unsure, call the non-emergency line.
Will a deer claim raise your rate?
Most states don't have a statute aimed specifically at animal crashes, but some address it directly or through broader nonfault rules:
- Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department says a crash involving a deer or other wildlife is a not-at-fault incident under state law, and that insurers can't add a surcharge for it.
- Louisiana. Insurers can't raise a rate, add a surcharge, cancel or refuse to renew a motor vehicle policy because of one or more nonfault incidents, and the law includes penalties and refunds when an insurer violates it (La. R.S. 22:1284).
- Other states. Rules on surcharges for not-at-fault claims vary. See our not-at-fault accident surcharge rules by state.
A comprehensive claim can still show up in your claims history, which insurers may see when you shop. See what a CLUE report shows.
If the car is totaled, or someone is hurt
Animal strikes at highway speed can total an older car. Comprehensive pays the actual cash value, minus your deductible, under your policy's valuation terms; see total-loss car valuation rules by state and gap insurance if you owe more than the car is worth.
Injuries are handled separately from the car damage. In no-fault states, your own PIP coverage is generally the first source for medical bills; see PIP and no-fault states and, for Michigan drivers, Michigan PIP choices.
Lowering the odds
The state regulators' prevention tips line up:
- Slow down where deer-crossing signs are posted, and watch especially at dawn and dusk.
- If you see one deer, expect more; they often travel in groups.
- Use high beams when there's no oncoming traffic, and keep headlights working.
- Stay off the phone and keep your focus on the road edges.
- Always wear your seat belt.
Before deer season: a 5-minute policy check
- ☐ Does each car on the policy have comprehensive coverage?
- ☐ Is the comprehensive deductible an amount you can pay right away?
- ☐ Do you have rental or transportation-expense coverage?
- ☐ Do you have medical payments or PIP, and at what limit?
- ☐ Is your agent's or insurer's claim number saved in your phone?
Frequently asked questions
Does car insurance cover hitting a deer?
Yes, if you carry comprehensive (other than collision) coverage. Comprehensive pays for damage to your car from an animal strike after your deductible. Liability-only or liability-plus-collision policies don't pay for that damage to your own car.
Is hitting a deer a comprehensive or collision claim?
A direct strike with a deer or other animal is a comprehensive claim. If you swerve, miss the animal and hit something else, the damage is usually handled under collision coverage instead.
Does hitting a deer count as an at-fault accident?
Generally not when you strike the animal, but rating rules vary. Pennsylvania's insurance department says a deer crash is a not-at-fault incident and can't be surcharged, and Louisiana law bars surcharges based on nonfault incidents.
Do I need to call the police after hitting a deer?
It depends on your state and the crash. Call 911 if anyone is hurt, the car can't be driven, or the animal is blocking traffic. Pennsylvania, for example, requires a police report only when a vehicle can't be driven away or someone is injured or killed. A report can help your insurance claim even when it isn't required.
What if I hit a deer and my car only has liability insurance?
Your policy won't pay to repair your own car. Liability coverage pays for damage you cause to other people and their property. Consider adding comprehensive before deer season if you couldn't afford the repair yourself.
When are deer collisions most common?
State insurance regulators point to October through December, during mating and migration season, with the highest risk around dawn and dusk.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.