Will Auto Insurance Cover Deer-Vehicle Collisions?

To avoid hitting deer, you should slow down, especially when driving in wintry or wet conditions and with poor visibility. Here are a few ways to avoid hitting deer while driving:

• Drive slowly - It 's easier to react to a deer on your path when you're driving slowly. If you've seen a deer, slow down when passing because the animal can be unpredictable.
• Watch out for multiple deer - Deers typically live in packs, so if you see one, others may be close.
• Drive on the center lanes - You're more likely to spot deer on the road 's edge than on fast lanes. If it 's legal and safe, stick to the center lanes to avoid deer encounters.
• Scare deer off the road - If you spot deer on the road, you should honk to scare them away. Leaving them on the road could lead to another driver hitting them. Note that shining your headlights on a deer may startle and blind it, causing it to stay put instead of moving off the road.

In case you hit a deer, do not panic. Just pull your vehicle to the side and handle it like any other accident. If someone gets injured, call the emergency line. Moreover, even if you believe the deer is deceased, stay away from it because it could still be alive and confused or injured. Getting close to the deer could lead to you or the deer being injured further. Instead, call law enforcement or local wildlife authorities and inform them about the deer 's location. Notify them if the deer is in a dangerous location on the road. If your vehicle is damaged, note the damage, report the accident, and if necessary, file a claim with your insurance company. Your insurer will compensate you based on your policy 's terms.