The Deer Are Moving: What Georgia Drivers Should Know About Deer Collisions and Auto Insurance
Fall is one of the best times of year in Georgia. Cooler temperatures arrive, the leaves begin to change, and deer become much more active. While that is great for those of us who like to hunt, for drivers, deer can be a serious problem.
Deer movement increases during the fall months, particularly around dawn and dusk. That means drivers throughout Middle Georgia are more likely to encounter a deer crossing the road, sometimes with very little time to react. If you hit a deer, will your auto insurance cover the damage? The answer depends on the coverage you carry.
In most cases, damage caused by hitting a deer is covered under comprehensive coverage, not collision coverage. Comprehensive insurance generally covers damage to your vehicle caused by events other than a traditional crash with another vehicle. Depending on your policy, that can include animal collisions, hail and storm damage, falling objects, theft, vandalism, and certain types of glass damage.
If you only carry liability coverage, however, damage to your own vehicle from hitting a deer generally will not be covered. That is one reason it is important to understand what coverage you actually have before an accident happens.
Things can get a little more complicated if you swerve to avoid the deer. If you hit the deer directly, the damage will generally fall under comprehensive coverage. But if you swerve and hit a guardrail, tree, ditch, mailbox, or another vehicle, the claim may instead fall under our collision coverage. That distinction can matter because your comprehensive and collision deductibles may be different.
More importantly, swerving suddenly can sometimes create an even more dangerous situation. If a deer enters your path, your first priority should be maintaining control of your vehicle and avoiding a more serious accident.
If You Are Involved In A Deer Collision
Focus first on safety.
Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible and turn on your hazard lights.
If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.
You should also avoid approaching an injured deer. A frightened or injured deer, especially a buck with antlers, can be unpredictable and dangerous.
Once you are safe, document the scene. Take photos of the damage to your vehicle, the roadway, and anything else that may be relevant to the accident.
Depending on the circumstances, you may also want to contact local law enforcement and obtain an accident report.
Contact your insurance agent or carrier to discuss the damage and determine whether filing a claim makes sense based on your coverage and deductible.
Another thing to remember is that where there is one deer, there may be more. Deer frequently travel in groups, so if you see one cross in front of you, slow down and watch carefully for additional deer coming from the same direction. Drivers should be especially cautious around wooded areas, fields, and roads marked with deer-crossing signs. It is also important to pay extra attention around sunrise and sunset, when visibility can already be difficult and deer are often more active.
But Here’s The Real Question: Is Your Auto Coverage Ready For The Unexpected?
No one expects to hit a deer on the way to work, school, or dinner. But accidents do not always involve another driver, and having the right auto insurance can make a major difference when something unexpected happens.
At Roland, Abbott & DeZoort Insurance, we believe insurance should fit your life, not the other way around. Our local team can review your current auto policy, explain your coverage, and help make sure you are protected against the risks you actually face.
If it has been a while since you reviewed your auto insurance, give us a call.
Roland, Abbott & DeZoort Insurance(478) 745-7200
Smart protection. Personal service. Coverage built around you.
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