If you hit a deer while driving in Illinois, your car insurance may cover the damage, but only if you carry comprehensive coverage. In Chicago, deer-related crashes are less common than in rural areas, but they still happen, especially in Cook County and surrounding suburbs. Damage from striking a deer is treated as a comprehensive claim, not a collision claim, because it’s considered outside your control. To make sure you’re covered, call Insure on the Spot in Chicago at 773-202-5060 for expert help and affordable comprehensive coverage.
1. What Coverage Pays if You Hit a Deer?
If your car collides with a deer, it’s covered under comprehensive insurance. This optional coverage pays for damage caused by events beyond your control, like animals, storms, fire, or theft. Illinois’ state-required liability coverage does not pay for damage to your car in this type of accident.
- Comprehensive: Covers deer strikes if your vehicle makes contact with the animal.
- Collision: Applies if you swerve to avoid a deer but hit another car, guardrail, or tree.
- Liability: Only pays for damage or injury you cause to others; it will not cover your vehicle in a deer collision.
Without comprehensive coverage, you’ll be paying out-of-pocket for repairs, which can run into thousands of dollars.
2. What If You Swerve and Don’t Hit the Deer?
If you swerve to avoid a deer but strike another object, your insurance company will treat it as a collision claim. That means your collision deductible applies, not your comprehensive deductible.
| Scenario | Coverage Applies | Who Pays First |
| Vehicle hits a deer directly | Comprehensive coverage | You pay your comp deductible |
| You swerve and hit a car/object instead | Collision coverage | You pay your collision deductible |
| Only liability coverage is carried | No coverage for your car | All repair costs are out-of-pocket |
For this reason, Illinois safety officials advise: don’t swerve for deer. It’s usually safer to brake firmly and hit the deer than to risk hitting another vehicle or object.
3. Will a Deer Accident Raise Your Insurance Rates?
In most cases, deer accidents are considered not your fault. Filing a comprehensive claim usually has less impact on your insurance premium than an at-fault collision. Many insurers do not increase rates significantly for a single comprehensive claim because deer accidents are considered unavoidable.
However, multiple claims in a short timeframe — even comprehensive ones — can influence your rates. Keeping a clean driving record otherwise will help minimize the impact. Chicago drivers who carry comprehensive coverage can file a deer claim without worrying about a major rate hike.
4. What Should You Do After Hitting a Deer?
If you collide with a deer, follow these steps to stay safe and prepare for your claim:
- Pull Over Safely: Turn on hazard lights and move out of traffic if possible.
- Stay in the Car: Injured deer can be dangerous; remain inside until help arrives.
- Call the Police: A police report provides official documentation for your insurance claim.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of your car, the roadway, and any injuries.
- File a Claim: Contact your insurance company or agent. Provide details, photos, and the police report number.
These steps help ensure your claim goes smoothly and your repairs are covered quickly.
5. Why Comprehensive Coverage Matters in Illinois
Illinois only requires minimum liability insurance (25/50/20). This protects others if you cause a crash, but does not cover your car if you hit a deer. Comprehensive coverage fills that gap and protects against other non-collision risks as well.
Why it’s important in Chicago:
- Cook County reports hundreds of deer collisions annually despite being urban.
- Peak season is October–December, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Repair costs are high: From bodywork to headlights, deer damage often exceeds $2,000.
- Affordable protection: Comprehensive coverage is relatively inexpensive compared to collision and can save you from a huge bill.
Adding comprehensive coverage ensures you’re protected from wildlife risks in Illinois — whether on rural highways or suburban roads near Chicago.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does liability insurance cover deer accidents in Illinois?
A: No. Liability insurance only covers damage or injury you cause to others. You need comprehensive coverage to pay for your vehicle repairs after hitting a deer.
Q: Will my insurance rates go up after a deer accident claim?
A: Usually not much. Since deer collisions are comprehensive claims and not your fault, insurers rarely raise premiums significantly for one deer accident.
Q: What months are worst for deer collisions in Illinois?
A: Peak deer season is October through December. Many collisions happen at dawn and dusk when deer are most active, especially during the fall mating season.
Q: Is it safer to swerve or hit a deer?
A: Safety experts recommend braking firmly and hitting the deer instead of swerving. Swerving often leads to hitting another car or object, which can cause more serious accidents.
Q: What deductible applies if I hit a deer?
A: Your comprehensive deductible applies. If the damage is $3,000 and your deductible is $500, you pay $500 and insurance pays the remaining $2,500.
Get a Quote Today!
Don’t wait until it’s too late; deer collisions are common in Illinois. Make sure your policy includes comprehensive coverage so you’re protected from unexpected wildlife accidents. Call Insure on the Spot in Chicago at 773-202-5060 or get a Free Quote Online Today to ensure you have the right protection at the best rate.