Yes – damage from hitting an animal is covered by your car insurance, but only if you carry comprehensive coverage. This type of coverage pays for non-collision incidents like animal strikes, theft, fire, or falling objects. If you only have liability or collision coverage, damage from hitting a deer or pet would not be covered.
Comprehensive coverage is the key protection here. It pays for repairs (or a full vehicle replacement) after you hit an animal — minus your deductible. These claims are usually not considered your fault, so they may not impact your insurance rate.
If you’re unsure whether you’re covered, or need help filing a claim, call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060 for guidance.
Will My Car Insurance Cover Damage from Hitting an Animal?
Your auto insurance will only cover animal collision damage if you have comprehensive coverage on your policy. This applies to accidents involving deer, livestock, or even pets. Liability-only policies won’t pay for damage to your car — they only cover others’ injuries or property. Collision coverage won’t help here either, unless you swerved and crashed without making contact.
If you do hit the animal, comprehensive coverage kicks in. You’ll owe your deductible, and the insurer covers the rest. If the damage totals the vehicle, your insurer pays out the actual cash value. Without comprehensive, you’ll pay out of pocket. In areas with high wildlife activity, this coverage is highly recommended.
Do I Need to Report an Animal Collision to the Police?
Yes, and in many cases, it may be legally required. For wild animals, like deer, many states do not mandate a report if there’s no human injury. But it’s still wise to call the police to file a report and remove the animal from the roadway. For domestic animals, like dogs or cats, you are usually legally required to stop and notify authorities or animal control. Pets are considered property, so leaving the scene could have legal consequences.
A police report can also help support your insurance claim. When in doubt, always report the accident. It ensures the animal is helped if possible, and protects you legally and financially.
What Should I Do After Hitting an Animal?
Start by checking for injuries and moving your vehicle to a safe place. Do not approach the animal — it could be dangerous if wounded. Call the police or animal control to report the incident. Use your phone to document the scene and vehicle damage. Photos of fur, blood, dents, or skid marks can support your claim.
If the vehicle is safe to drive, you may not need a tow, but assess it carefully. Contact your insurance company promptly to begin the claims process. If your car is totaled, comprehensive coverage will reimburse you for its value minus your deductible. And take care of yourself — hitting an animal can be emotionally jarring.
Wild Animals vs. Domestic Animals: What’s the Difference in Coverage?
Hitting a wild animal (like a deer) is typically not anyone’s fault. Comprehensive insurance pays for the damage, and premiums usually don’t increase for these claims. You’re not liable for the animal, and no one else’s insurance is involved.
Hitting a domestic animal, like a dog or livestock, introduces a potential liability issue. If the pet’s owner was negligent (e.g., the dog was off-leash), your insurer may try to recover the repair costs from their homeowners’ insurance. You still file a comprehensive claim on your policy for your own damage. However, unless you were reckless or at fault, you generally aren’t liable for vet bills or the animal’s loss.
Will Hitting an Animal Raise My Insurance Rates?
It depends on the insurer and your state. Most animal collisions are not considered at-fault, and many insurers don’t increase premiums for comprehensive claims. However, you might lose a claims-free discount. Multiple claims on your record could still result in higher premiums.
Some states also regulate how insurers can treat these claims. Be sure to ask your agent whether your premium could increase. Still, if the damage is serious, don’t hesitate to file the claim — that’s what your insurance is for.
What If the Animal I Hit Runs Away?
If the animal runs off, treat the incident like any other accident. Pull over, check for damage, and report it. Take photos of any signs of the impact (like fur, dents, or blood). File a police report if possible. Comprehensive insurance still applies — the animal’s presence is not required as long as you made contact.
Tell your insurer the animal ran off and share documentation. They understand this happens often and will process your claim based on the physical evidence.
Can Hitting a Deer Total My Car?
Yes — deer collisions often cause extensive damage, especially at high speeds. Hitting a large animal like a deer can crumple the hood, shatter the windshield, or trigger airbags. If repair costs exceed a percentage of your car’s value (typically 70–80%), it may be declared totaled.
In that case, your comprehensive coverage will pay you the car’s actual cash value, minus your deductible. Total losses are common in deer collisions, particularly for smaller or older vehicles. It’s a strong reason to carry comp coverage in areas with heavy wildlife.
What If I Swerve to Avoid an Animal and Crash?
If you swerve and crash without hitting the animal, this becomes a collision claim, not comprehensive. That’s because no contact occurred with the animal. You’d need collision coverage to be protected, and the incident may be treated as at-fault.
Collision claims often have more impact on your premium than comprehensive ones. If you hit another car or property while swerving, your liability coverage could also come into play. When possible, brake firmly and stay straight — swerving to avoid an animal often causes more serious accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does liability-only insurance cover damage from hitting an animal?
A: No. You need comprehensive coverage for that. Liability insurance only covers damage or injury to others, not your own vehicle.
Q: Is hitting an animal a collision or comprehensive claim?
A: It’s a comprehensive claim, as long as you made contact with the animal. If you swerve and crash without impact, it becomes a collision claim.
Q: Do I pay a deductible if I hit an animal?
A: Yes. You’ll pay your comprehensive deductible — often $250–$500 — and insurance pays the rest. If the damage is less than your deductible, you’d pay out-of-pocket.
Q: Will my insurance go up after hitting a deer?
A: Often no. Many insurers don’t raise rates for comprehensive claims, especially not-at-fault ones like animal strikes. But rules vary, so ask your agent.
Q: Does insurance cover injuries to the animal I hit?
A: No. You’re not responsible for wild animals. For pets, the owner is usually liable unless you were grossly negligent. Your policy might only respond if you’re found legally at fault.
Q: What if I don’t have comprehensive coverage?
A: You’ll have to pay for repairs yourself. Comprehensive is optional but critical for events like animal strikes, hail, theft, or vandalism. Consider adding it to protect your car.
Q: How can I avoid hitting animals?
A: Drive slower at dawn and dusk, especially in rural areas. Use high beams when safe, watch for glowing eyes, and obey animal crossing signs. Don’t swerve — brake instead.
Need Help? Call Insure on the Spot
If you’ve hit an animal — or want to make sure your coverage is ready for the unexpected — we’re here to help. At Insure on the Spot, we’ve protected Illinois drivers since 1986 with affordable, customized car insurance that includes comprehensive, SR-22 filings, and more.
Call 773-202-5060 to get help with your claim, add coverage, or get a fast, free quote.
Stay safe — and watch out for wildlife.