You hit an animal with your vehicle, specifically a deer. What do you do in this situation? You have questions, and we have answers. Hitting a deer with your car can be scary for multiple reasons. However, it’s important to know that this scenario differs slightly from common car accidents.
When you’re driving late at night, there’s more likely to be wildlife on the road, but it’s also much darker, so it’s more difficult to see far ahead of you, especially when you’re heading down a highway at high speeds. So, what do you do when you hit a deer with your car? Well, BrokerLink has prepared a guide to help you if it happens to you.
Steps to follow if you hit a deer
Although they aren’t the most common causes of collisions, accidents with animals can happen. Wildlife collisions are different and aren’t something you have to deal with on a regular basis. That’s why we have prepared some key steps to follow if you run into a wild animal on the road. Here’s what you need to know:
Park your car safely off the road
Stopping immediately after hitting wild animals isn’t a smart decision. You could end up blocking traffic, and if it isn’t light out, other vehicles won’t be able to see you. Instead, you should pull off the road slowly and safely with your four-way flashers on. Remember to avoid swerving. This will allow you to be visible to other drivers.
Ensure everyone is okay
After parking your vehicle in a safe place off the road, you should check to see if everyone in your vehicle is safe. If there are any injuries, you should report them and call emergency services to prevent further harm.
Find out what animal was involved in the collision
The next step is checking to see what animal you hit. However, it’s important to keep in mind that large animals, such as deer and moose, can move unpredictably, especially when injured. You should stay in your vehicle until emergency services or wildlife specialists arrive or when the animal leaves on its own. If the deer runs away, you should take photos of the damages and roadway for your insurance claim.
Suppose you hit an animal of a certain size. In that case, you need to report it because it will allow animal control to help it, and it will be recorded for databases such as Alberta Wildlife Collision Statistics to prevent future incidents. If you collide with a frightened animal like a deer, it is your responsibility to call it in to keep you and other drivers safer on the road. Ignoring it can also lead to hefty fines and demerit points.
Get in touch with emergency services
If someone in your vehicle is injured or the deer or other animals become dangerous, report it to authorities. Regardless of your vehicle’s condition, you should contact a towing company or roadside assistance to move it. After all, the damage might not always be visible after you hit a deer, especially at night.
Bring your vehicle to a repair shop
Sometimes, even if you drive defensively and follow our driving safety tips, your vehicle can still get damaged by hitting a deer. Ask your roadside assistance to bring your car to the nearest mechanic. Always make a note of all damages reported by the mechanic to pass them on to your insurance company to make a claim later.
Contact your insurance company to make an insurance claim
Getting into a collision with any sort of wildlife is often covered by insurance. That’s why it’s important to notify your insurance company if you hit a deer or any other form of wildlife. Making an insurance claim will help you save money on repair costs associated with the accident.
Having car insurance is important, especially if an animal gets hit by a car and you happen to be driving. Filing an official report to your insurance company is your best bet to keep the repair costs low and to get your vehicle back onto the road sooner. Next, we will discuss the types of insurance coverage you will need if you hit a deer with your vehicle.
Making an insurance claim for wildlife collisions
If you have followed all our steps, including pulling off the road, turning on your hazard lights, and reporting injuries to your passengers or the animal, you're on the right track. All that's left to do is determine how much of the costs insurance will cover. Let's compare comprehensive vs. collision coverage to understand better the claim you need to make. Here's what you need to know about liability car insurance coverage for hitting a deer:
Comprehensive insurance coverage
Comprehensive car insurance coverage is what will provide you with compensation for vehicle repairs after a collision with a deer. What does comprehensive coverage compensate you for? It will cover damage to your vehicle that results from animals, natural disasters, vandalism, and other uncontrollable scenarios. However, this type of insurance coverage is optional, so you have to add it to your policy on your own for it to come into effect.
Collision insurance coverage
Your comprehensive claim will help you cover any damages to your vehicle related to hitting the animal. However, collision coverage is required if you swerve your car to avoid hitting the animal and end up crashing into another object, like a tree or another car. You should always come prepared because you never know how animals can affect you and other motorists.
What you will have to pay for hitting a deer
When you choose your insurance policy, you will have set a deductible. This is the amount you have to pay out of pocket if you get into a car accident. Even with the right insurance coverage, you'll have to contribute the agreed-upon amount. Depending on your policy, this amount will often vary. However, what you don't pay will be covered by your insurance company. You should be aware of these things before you get into an accident so you will be prepared for anything.
The effect an animal collision has on your insurance premiums
Hitting a deer with your vehicle is not considered an at-fault accident. It is considered a comprehensive claim and may not cause your car insurance premiums to increase. However, you may have to pay for a higher deductible if you are getting into multiple not-at-fault accidents. In contrast, at-fault claims can increase your insurance premiums.
Getting in contact with your insurance company is helpful when you run into deer or other types of animals. These situations are often unpredictable because you never know when an animal could get onto the road in front of you or oncoming traffic. This is especially true on two-lane roads. Next, we will discuss how to avoid hitting animals in the future.
Keeping you and your animals safe on the road
It's likely that you'll encounter wildlife when you're on the road at certain times. This is especially true if a national park is nearby. However, there are some ways to keep you, wildlife, and other drivers safe on the road. Here are our suggestions to avoid hitting a deer with your vehicle:
Eyes on the road
Let's face it — accidents can happen from time to time. However, you should always be aware of deer and other wildlife when driving down the road. Look for wildlife warning signs, which come in the form of yellow diamond-shaped signs. These will warn you about areas that are prone to deer collisions so you can pay attention to your surroundings and be ready to adjust your route accordingly.
Avoid driving at certain times
When is wildlife most likely to be on the road? There is more than one peak time for animals like deer to come out. You can reduce your risk of collisions by avoiding driving at dawn and dusk. This is especially true if you are driving through rural areas or ones with large amounts of wood. They are often the spots animals call home, so logically, they will need to cross the road from time to time.
Turn your lights on
If you're driving in the dark, you should use your lights to lead the way. This will allow you to see better, and wildlife will be more visible because they have reflective eyes. When you're not driving toward oncoming traffic, use your high beams. When there is oncoming traffic, use your low beams. They will light up the road and let you stop safely if you see an animal crossing the road.
Drive the speed limit
Driving the speed limit is the best way to avoid a car accident. When you see wildlife warning signs, consider reducing your speed. It will let you spot an animal and slow down if need be. Driving slower can be the difference between missing and hitting a deer.
Stay focused
Driving in an area with an increased animal presence carries its own risks. However, you should always focus on the road. Hold onto the steering wheel, keep the radio on low volume, and keep your phone tucked away somewhere safe.
Be aware that animals travel together
Many forms of wildlife, including deer, travel in packs. If you see one animal, there might be a few more following behind it. That's why you should take your time to ensure you don't hit any animals or their families.
Try honking your horn
When you spot an animal like a deer on or near the road, short bursts of honking your horn can sometimes scare them off. However, this isn't always the case. Be aware and adjust your position on the road accordingly if this doesn't work.
Drive in your lane
If a deer gets on the road but isn't directly in front of you, stay in your lane and brake firmly. Avoid swerving because wildlife can be unpredictable. It could also cause you to get into an accident from running into oncoming traffic or going off the road.
Use animal deterrents if you drive in areas with high animal populations
Animal deterrent devices like deer whistles can be attached to vehicles to make an ultrasonic noise to scare deer away. They aren't always the most effective way to prevent animal collisions. However, they're worth a try if you drive down roads that deer frequent.
Keep your seatbelt on
You should always wear your seatbelt, but this is especially important if you hit a deer with your vehicle. Not wearing one puts you at an increased risk for more severe injuries.
Have an emergency kit on hand
It's always best practice to have an emergency kit in your car. Remember to pack a flashlight, first aid kit, water, blanket, and other tools. If you get into an accident in a remote area, you'll thank yourself later.
For your safety, it's important to know how to avoid getting into an accident with a deer. You can use these tips for future reference if it hasn't happened to you before or if you have hit a deer with your vehicle. You can use them to avoid it happening again. Even with this complete list, you should always remember to contact emergency services, animal control, roadside assistance and your insurance company if you collide with a wild animal.
Contact BrokerLink for all your insurance needs
Having car insurance is important regardless of whether you get into an accident with a wild animal or not. It will help you if you get injured or damage your vehicle. That's why you should ensure you have the right insurance coverage if you hit an animal on the highway.
How do you know what type of car insurance you need, though? First off, comprehensive, and collision coverage is important to have if you hit a deer. However, there are other types of insurance you should have in case you encounter an incident. BrokerLink also offers the following insurance policies:
Did you hit a deer with your vehicle? Contact an insurance company recommended by BrokerLink to get the coverage you need today!
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