Deer Are Moving. Is Your Car Covered?
Fall brings a lot of changes across Kansas. Harvest is underway, hunting season is approaching, and deer are becoming more active.
For drivers, that means an increased chance of an unexpected encounter on the road.
If you've ever wondered what happens to your insurance after hitting a deer, now is a good time to find out.
Why Fall Matters
Deer are active throughout the year, but their movement increases during the fall. As we get closer to the November rut, deer are more likely to be moving and crossing roads, particularly around dawn and dusk.
That can create a higher risk for drivers, especially on rural roads and highways throughout western and central Kansas.
Does Insurance Cover Hitting a Deer?
In many cases, damage from hitting a deer falls under comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy.
Comprehensive coverage generally helps protect your vehicle from certain types of damage other than a collision with another vehicle. Depending on your policy, this can include animal strikes, hail, theft, vandalism, and other covered events.
Your deductible would typically apply, so it's important to know what your policy includes before an accident happens.
What If You Swerve to Miss the Deer?
Here's where things can get a little more complicated.
If you swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle, guardrail, tree, or other object, the coverage that applies may be different than if you actually hit the deer.
That's one reason understanding your coverage before an accident is so important.
What Should You Do If You Hit a Deer?
If you do hit a deer:
- Safely pull off the road if possible.
- Turn on your hazard lights.
- Check for injuries.
- Contact law enforcement if necessary.
- Avoid approaching or moving the animal.
- Take photos of the damage if it is safe to do so.
- Contact your insurance agent or carrier to discuss the next steps.
If your vehicle isn't safe to drive, you may also need roadside assistance or towing.
A Quick Coverage Check Can Help
Before deer activity really picks up, take a few minutes to review your auto insurance.
Do you know your comprehensive deductible? Do you have roadside assistance? Has anything changed with your vehicles or coverage since your last review?
Knowing the answers before an accident happens can make an unexpected situation a little easier to handle.
The Bottom Line
You can't always avoid a deer crossing the road, but you can be prepared for what happens afterward.
At Insurance Planning, we're here to help you understand your auto coverage, answer your questions, and make sure your policy continues to fit your needs.
Before fall driving gets busy, know your coverage before you need it.
More Choices. Better Coverage.