Does car insurance cover hitting a deer? (See Coverage Limits in 2025)


Does car insurance cover hitting a deer? Comprehensive car insurance coverage covers deer accidents, with rates averaging $52/month. On average, deer collisions typically cost $4,341 and peak from October to December, especially in high-risk states like West Virginia, where accidents are most common.

Save Money by Comparing Insurance Quotes
Compare Free Insurance Quotes Instantly
ZIP Code must be filled out!
 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
writter logo
Written by
Insurance Content Managing Editor
reviewer logo
Reviewed by
Licensed Life Insurance Agent
UPDATED: 2024-11-20T08:41:58
Advertiser Disclosure

It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.

Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.

Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.

car accident with deer

Does car insurance cover hitting a deer? Yes, comprehensive coverage, which usually costs about $52 a month, covers expensive accidents like hitting a deer. Claims average $4,341. Want to learn more? Learn more about collision vs. comprehensive coverage.

blog image 0

These accidents are most common from October to December, especially in high-risk areas with heavy wildlife activity. Comparing policies can help you find the best balance between affordability and protection.

Searching for more affordable premiums? Insert your ZIP code above to get started on finding the right provider for you and your budget.

What You Should Know

  • Comprehensive insurance covers hitting a deer, not collision coverage
  • Deer collisions peak October to December, with claims averaging $4,341
  • Comprehensive coverage averages $52/month for financial protection

Comparing Monthly Car Insurance Rates: Minimum vs. Full Coverage

Shopping for car insurance? Take a look at the monthly rates for minimum coverage (as low as $50) and full coverage (average of about $120–$150). This will break it down so you can see which gives you the best bang for your buck while protecting important assets.

Insurance Company Minimum Coverage Full Coverage
blog image 1 $65 $140
blog image 2 $57 $127
blog image 3 $68 $150
blog image 4 $50 $120
blog image 5 $70 $145
blog image 6 $58 $125
blog image 7 $60 $135
blog image 8 $55 $130
blog image 9 $62 $138
blog image 10 $52 $122

With minimum rates starting around $50 a month and full coverage topping out near $150, it’s easier to see what fits your budget. What is comprehensive insurance coverage? Taking time to compare plans helps you find the protection you need without putting too much strain on your wallet.

Comprehensive Coverage for Deer Collisions Explained

Deer-related accidents are particularly common, with October to December being peak months for such incidents. If a deer hits my car, insurance can cover the damage, but only if you have comprehensive coverage.

This is the kind of policy that helps when something happens out of the blue. If you’re wondering, is hitting a deer covered by insurance? The answer is yes.

However, many people also ask, Can hitting a deer total your car? The unfortunate reality is that severe damage, such as a crushed front end or engine issues, can lead to a total loss if repair costs exceed the car’s value.

blog image 11

While some drivers worry, Will hitting a deer raise insurance rates? Non-fault incidents like deer collisions typically don’t cause premiums to increase, though policies can vary. If you’re with Progressive or USAA and hit a deer, their comprehensive policies generally cover the damages without affecting your rates.

Even in scenarios like hitting a deer in a rental car, your personal insurance or rental car coverage can protect you, provided comprehensive insurance is in place, as mentioned in "Should I Buy Rental Car Insurance?" Still, many wonder, "If you hit a deer, does your insurance go up?"

blog image 12

The answer depends on your provider, but non-fault claims usually don’t lead to higher car insurance premiums. The car insurance costs for deer collisions can be significant, often totaling thousands, making comprehensive coverage vital.

The same goes for your own personal vehicle too; having the right policy means that in the event of an accident—even with a rental car—you won’t be leaving yourself out-of-pocket to accommodate for something like this.

Providers like Progressive and USAA offer robust options to handle such claims, so compare policies and choose coverage that fits your needs to stay prepared for wildlife-related risks.

Understanding Insurance Coverage and Costs for Deer Accidents

Is hitting a deer collision or comprehensive? Hitting a deer is covered under comprehensive insurance, not collision insurance. Will hitting a deer make my insurance go up? It might, as filing a claim for hitting a deer can lead to higher premiums.

Will liability cover hitting a deer? No, liability insurance won’t cover damages from hitting a deer since it only applies to damages caused to others. Does full coverage cover hitting a deer? Yes, as long as your full coverage policy includes comprehensive insurance.

Does comprehensive cover deer? Absolutely, comprehensive insurance specifically protects against deer-related damage. What’s the deductible for hitting a deer? That depends on the deductible amount you’ve chosen in your comprehensive coverage. Does insurance cover deer damage? Yes, but only if you have comprehensive insurance.

Will hitting a deer raise my insurance? It’s possible, depending on your insurance provider’s policy. If I hit a deer, will my Progressive insurance go up?, see a complete view in our Progressive review.

Progressive may increase your rates after a claim, depending on your history. What insurance covers deer accidents? Comprehensive insurance is the coverage you need for accidents involving deer.

Comprehensive Guide to Insurance Coverage for Deer Accidents

If you’re wondering what insurance covers hitting a deer, it’s comprehensive coverage, not collision insurance. So, if a deer hit your car, your comprehensive policy will handle the damages.

Does State Farm cover hitting a deer? Yes, but only if you’ve added comprehensive coverage to your policy. The same applies to Liberty Mutual deer accident claims—comprehensive is the key.

It’s also important to understand whether liability covers a deer. No, liability insurance won’t help since it only covers damages to other people or property. But does car insurance cover deer damage? Yes, as long as you have comprehensive coverage included.

blog image 13

Now, if you’re leasing or financing, you might ask, does gap insurance cover hitting a deer? Unfortunately, it doesn’t. Gap insurance only helps pay the difference between what your car is worth and what you owe if it’s totaled.

What about rental cars? What happens if you hit a deer in a rental car? In most cases, your personal comprehensive insurance will extend to the rental, but it’s always a good idea to check your policy or the rental agreement.

Finally, will insurance cover if you hit a deer? Yes, but only if you have comprehensive coverage. And while it can save you from paying out of pocket, keep in mind that filing an insurance claims might increase your rates depending on the provider.

Knowing your coverage—whether it’s with State Farm, Liberty Mutual, or another insurer—ensures you’re prepared for the unexpected. Comprehensive coverage is crucial for protecting against deer-related accidents, so take the time to review your policy and make sure you’re covered.

Protect Yourself With Comprehensive Coverage for Deer Accidents

While hitting a deer can be stressful and expensive, it helps to have comprehensive insurance. These types of accidents are particularly common between October and December, so this is a great time to check your policy and ensure you have adequate coverage, including the steps to take after a car accident.

The best insurance can protect you from the possible hit of $4,000+ average repair costs. It pays to go with the wise option of taking some time to review your coverage vs. compare options; you will be glad that you did in the future.

You can find the cheapest insurance coverage tailored to your needs by entering your ZIP code below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does hitting a deer raise your insurance?

Hitting a deer can raise your insurance rates if you file a claim, as it may be considered a comprehensive claim. However, not all insurers increase rates for accidents involving animals, so check your policy terms.

Does insurance cover to swerve hitting a deer?

Insurance may not cover damages caused by swerving to avoid hitting a deer under comprehensive coverage. Such incidents are usually covered by collision insurance, as they involve loss of control or collision with another object. Take the first step toward cheaper car insurance rates. Enter your ZIP code below to see how much you could save.

Does hitting a deer affect insurance rates?

Hitting a deer might affect your insurance rates, depending on the insurer and the nature of your claim. Understanding when to file a car insurance claim is key, as comprehensive claims are less likely to raise rates compared to at-fault accidents.

Does full coverage car insurance cover hitting a deer?

Yes, full coverage car insurance typically covers hitting a deer if it includes comprehensive coverage. This type of coverage protects against damage from animals.

Does car insurance cover deer accidents?

Car insurance covers deer accidents under comprehensive coverage. A deer hit is comprehensive, not collision. If you only have liability coverage, damages to your vehicle from a deer accident will not be covered.

Does liability car insurance cover hitting a deer?

No, liability car insurance does not cover hitting a deer. Liability coverage only pays for damages or injuries to others when you are at fault in an accident. To ensure proper protection, it’s also important to ask, how much bodily injury liability is needed."

Does hitting a deer affect insurance rates?

Hitting a deer is generally covered under comprehensive coverage. Filing a claim may result in a deductible payment, and depending on the insurer, it could potentially impact future rates.

Does insurance cover if you hit a deer?

Insurance covers hitting a deer under comprehensive coverage. You’ll need to check your policy to ensure you have this type of coverage before filing a claim.

Do you have to pay a deductible if you hit a deer?

Yes, you typically have to pay a deductible for repairs if you hit a deer and file a claim under your comprehensive coverage. What is an insurance deductible? It’s the amount you agree to pay out of pocket before your insurance covers the rest, and the specific amount depends on your policy.

Does collision cover hitting a deer, or is another type of insurance needed?

No, collision insurance does not cover hitting a deer. Comprehensive insurance is needed for deer-related accidents.

Can insurance cover hitting a deer, or is it only included under certain policies?

Yes, insurance can cover hitting a deer, but only if you have comprehensive coverage. Standard liability or collision policies do not apply to deer-related accidents. Ready to find affordable car insurance? Use our free comparison tool below to get started.

Editorial Guidelines: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Save Money by Comparing Insurance Quotes
Compare Free Insurance Quotes Instantly
ZIP Code must be filled out!
 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption