What To Do After Hitting a Deer

Immediately after hitting a deer (or other animal):

1. Apply your brakes and come to a controlled stop. Don’t allow your car to swerve into another lane or off the road.
2. Move your car to safety and turn on your hazard lights.
3. Leave the deer alone. Don’t try to move it out of the road. If it’s still alive, it could injure you.
4. Call 9-1-1. File an accident report with the police. They’ll contact the right people to take care of the deer.
5. Assess your vehicle for damage before driving away. If it isn’t safe to drive, and you have comprehensive insurance (also known as other-than-collision insurance), contact a reputable towing company. Otherwise, contact your roadside assistance provider for an emergency tow.
6. Report a claim with your insurance company if your car has been damaged.

Should you call your insurance provider if a deer hits you?

If your vehicle is damaged and you have comprehensive (other than collision) coverage, your insurance may cover the repairs.

Is hitting a deer covered by comprehensive or collision?

Hitting an animal with your car would be covered under your comprehensive (other than collision) coverage. Typically, comprehensive insurance can cover damage to your car resulting from events such as fire, theft, hail, a fallen tree branch, or a collision with an animal.