A car is an expensive investment and animal accidents can easily damage your vehicle. This is why it is vital to have auto insurance that offers protection against such mishaps. However, some drivers are unaware of the coverage that can protect them from losses when they hit a deer. For example, what kind of insurance do you need to repair your vehicle after your car hits a deer?
How rules and regulations vary from state to state
Each state has its own set of rules and regulations regarding car insurance, including possible deductibles and coverage requirements. For example, in some states, if you have the state’s minimum coverage, you may not be covered in the event of a deer accident.
In most states, drivers must have liability insurance, but comprehensive insurance is not mandatory. Check your state’s car insurance rules and regulations to better understand if you are covered in the event of deer accidents.
The deer is a fast and unpredictable wild animal. These animals may be impossible to avoid. For this reason, car insurers do not consider hitting a deer the fault of the driver; they see it as an inevitable accident. Some car insurance companies do not require a police report if you hit a deer and damage your vehicle.
Can your auto insurance cover hitting a deer?
Depending on the type of vehicle insurance, it may offer coverage if you hit a deer. Because of the accident’s impact on the vehicle, insurers classify this accident as a car accident, just like other accidents that involve a collision with animals, objects, people or another car.
As Erie Insurance reports, comprehensive insurance can cover damages if you hit a deer and damage your car. The insurance company will pay to fix the car. If you do not have comprehensive insurance, you will pay to repair the vehicle.
Note that liability insurance will not provide coverage when you hit a deer. Each car insurance coverage pays for different issues. It is therefore vital that you understand what your cover offers. Comprehensive insurance coverage will not cover all the damages your vehicle will experience from a collision with another car. Remember that comprehensive insurance will only cover damages if you hit a deer; if you swerve to avoid hitting the animal and hitting another vehicle, collision insurance should cover the collision.
Preventive measures to avoid hitting a deer
According to WildLife Collisions, about 80% of wildlife collisions involve deer, with bears, moose, coyotes, moose and other wildlife accounting for 20%. Although no one wants to hit an animal on the road, these accidents are common because many cities are close to natural habitats and wild animals have become familiar near human settlements.
With a few tips, you can avoid hitting deer on the road. Although deer accidents are unpredictable, you can prevent them by knowing when these animals are most active. Deer are most active at dawn and dusk. During this time, the light is lower, and the animals are at their peak of activity. Again, deer like to move in groups, so when you see one crossing the road, look out for more and drive slowly to avoid hitting the deer.
When driving in areas where deer are common, look out for yellow diamond-shaped deer signs that signal that deer often cross the road in that area. Another trick is to switch headlights when driving in an area where you are likely to encounter deer; The light will reflect off the deer’s eyes, making it easier to see these animals while driving.
Also, be aware of deer mating season which occurs between October and December. Be alert during this period because the animals are more active, increasing the risk of collisions on the road. Installing or purchasing a vehicle with an automatic emergency braking system can help avoid hitting deer on the road.
When you see a deer, don’t swerve; break quietly and hard and stay in your lane. Deviation can cause a serious accident because you can lose control. With these precautions, you can avoid hitting deer.
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