Save Deer, Save Your Money

By Author: Marcus Stalder
Total Articles: 491
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You've got your information on coverage for collisions with other cars, but what about other animals? In a great deal of the United States and Canada, deer season is here. We get to enjoy the sites of these majestic and peaceful creatures from beautiful vistas full of autumnal rainbows of foliage, perhaps rolling hills or alpine slopes, snow-covered, pristine, white as the veil, as the white tailed creatures and their spotted leggy fawns frolic and play.

Of course, you could also hit them with your car.

And if you do, your insurance rates go up.

Nearly two million collisions with deer happen every year. Hundreds of humans die and thousands more are injured. In this case, it would be nice to have medical coverage on your insurance.
Does your medical coverage cover deer collisions?

It might, but make sure that you have $10,000 of coverage for injuries, because often damages cost at least that. You might even want to consider adding medical coverage if you live somewhere in the woods in the Midwest, Vermont, Virginia, or even Georgia - but if you have good health insurance then you should be alright ...
... without it.
Will your insurer pay for damages?

Most collision plans do not cover collisions with wildlife.
Comprehensive insurance is what you're looking for. Comprehensive coverage covers most non-auto collision incidents, including vandalism, acts of god, and wildlife damage.
Do your rates go up after a deer-related incident or collision?

Premiums increase because the insurance company estimates that you are not as safe a driver as they thought you were. They base your payment rates on how likely it is that you will make a claim. When you do make a claim, they increase your rates because it is more likely that you will make another one in the future, so the thinking - and statistic - goes.

This is why a lot of people don't even make an auto insurance claim when they hit a deer.
How do you avoid this problem?

Well, just don't hit any deer.
Taking the following measures into account will make you safer on the road and less likely to harm yourself, your car, and deer.
Peak Times:

Deer are at their most active around sunrise and sunset. If you can avoid it, don't drive near wooded areas at these times. If you must drive, be extra wary and ready to stop suddenly. Go around turns and curves very slowly.
If you see one:

Expect to see another or the whole family. Deer are very social animals and travel in families. If one crosses the road, the others probably will very soon.
Driving at night:

Deer don't stop being active just because it's night. If you're out on the road, there's a good chance that deer might be as well. Use the high-beam lights in areas where deer might be.
When you do see a deer in the road:

Slow down quickly and don't swerve. Deer are quick and will try to get out of the way with time. Besides, you might run into other cars or people.
Cheap auto insurance doesn't just happen. Taking responsibility for yourself and deer out there will save you money on auto insurance.