Does Car Insurance Cover Hitting an Animal?
Myles Trempe - Producer
Ohio has a high deer population, which means collisions with cars are unfortunately a common occurrence. Due to the size of deer and that these accidents often happen unexpectedly and at a high speed, they can cause significant damage to your vehicle.
Below, Producer Myles Trempe addresses common questions about hitting a deer or other animals, and how insurance comes into play.
Do insurance companies generally cover animal collisions? What coverage can drivers purchase to cover this?
Yes, the insurance company will cover animal collisions as long as your policy includes comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive is the one type of coverage that protects your vehicle against physical damage to your car not involving a stationary object or another vehicle. Comprehensive coverage is an entirely different coverage option than collision. Collision insurance is a type of coverage that can pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it's involved in an accident with either a stationary object or another vehicle.
Are there types of animals collision insurance policies cover versus those they do not cover?
Any and all animal collisions would be covered under the comprehensive form. Different types of animal damage varies according to whether or not the animal has an owner. Pet owners are often held liable for animal accidents with the exception of those without owners or wild animals.
Why would drivers generally choose not to make claims on animal collisions?
The primary reason an insured would not file a claim for a comprehensive loss is due to the cost estimate of repair versus the policy deductible. For example, the policy has a $500 comprehensive deductible and the cost to repair is $800. That claim may lead to eventual higher insurance premiums and may quickly turn your claim into a negative financial transaction over the longer period of time.
What should drivers do after an animal collision?
Pull off the road wherever it’s safe to do so and turn on your hazard lights. If the animal is lying in the road, direct your headlights towards it so other drivers can see it. Contact the police and do not approach the animal as injured wildlife can be very dangerous. Once you are cleared from the scene, contact your insurance company or insurance agent to file your comprehensive claim.