What to do when you hit an animal while driving

It happens fast – a deer appears in your headlights, and before you can react, there’s an impact. Hitting an animal while driving is a startling experience that leaves most drivers frozen in place, unsure of what comes next. Wildlife collisions are more common than most drivers realize, especially during fall and winter months when animals are most active near roadways. Whether you’ve hit a deer on a rural highway or clipped a raccoon on a suburban street, knowing what to do next makes a real difference. Having a clear plan before the unexpected happens means you’ll be ready to protect yourself, document the damage and move forward with your animal strike car insurance claim.

How often do drivers hit animals?

Wildlife vehicle collision statistics tell a striking story. More than 1 million deer-versus-car-collision incidents occur in the U.S. every year, and deer aren’t the only ones crossing your path. Among the most common animals hit by cars include raccoons, dogs, foxes and wild turkeys. Deer season driving peaks from October through December, especially during the active rutting period in mid-November when chasing and mating are at its highest. Dawn and dusk are the riskiest times, and if you live in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Montana or Iowa, your odds of a wildlife encounter are higher than average.

The good news? A little awareness goes a long way.

What to do right after hitting an animal

First things first: Make sure everyone in your vehicle is okay. The moments after impact can feel disorienting and chaotic, but following a calm, deliberate approach will help you handle the situation and protect your ability to file a claim. Here’s what to do when you hit an animal while driving.

Pull safely off the road and turn on your hazard lights. One important note – don’t swerve sharply at the moment of impact. As counterintuitive as it sounds, sudden swerving causes more accidents than the animal strike itself. Once you’re stopped safely, call police if the animal is blocking traffic, if anyone was hurt or if local law requires a report. A police report number can also help when it’s time to file your animal collision insurance claim.

Then document everything you can – photos of the damage, your location and the animal if it’s visible and safe to approach. Save any dashcam footage and jot down the date, time and exact location because this documentation is essential when you file an animal strike claim. The more details you have, the smoother your claim will go. After that, reach out to your insurance company as soon as you can to begin the insurance claim process. And if you’re not sure where to start, a VIU by HUB advisor is happy to walk you through it.

Does car insurance cover hitting an animal?

Short answer: It depends on your coverage.

One of the first questions drivers ask after an animal strike is whether their insurance will cover the damage. The answer depends entirely on the type of coverage you carry, and it’s worth understanding before you need to use it. Does car insurance cover hitting a deer? In most cases, yes, but only with the right policy in place. Knowing what you have now means no surprises when you’re standing on the side of the road.

Comprehensive versus collision coverage is a distinction that matters significantly when you file a claim after striking an animal with your vehicle. Comprehensive coverage applies when an animal makes direct contact with your vehicle. This is considered an event outside your control. Collision coverage applies if you swerve to avoid a deer and strike a guardrail or another vehicle instead.

Here’s a quick breakdown.

• Comprehensive coverage – This is what covers you when an animal makes direct contact with your vehicle. Since it’s considered an event outside your control, comprehensive is typically your best friend after a wildlife collision.
• Collision coverage – This kicks in if you swerve to avoid an animal and hit something else, like a guardrail or another car.
• Liability-only policies – These don’t include animal strike coverage or vehicle repairs, leaving you responsible for all damage costs out of pocket.

Not sure what’s in your policy? A VIU by HUB advisor can take a look with you because it’s always better to know before you need it.

How to file an animal strike insurance claim

Filing an animal collision insurance claim is easier than you might think, especially when you’ve got your documentation ready. Having your photos, police report number and incident details ready will speed up the process considerably. Here’s how to file a claim after hitting an animal, from first contact to final repair.

• Report the incident promptly – Call your insurance company as soon as you can. Most carriers have 24/7 claims lines, so you don’t have to wait until morning.
• Share your documentation – Submit your photos, police report number, date, location and other incident details to your claims representative.
• Schedule a vehicle inspection – Get a repair estimate for car damage from hitting a deer, either through your carrier’s preferred shop or an independent estimate.
• Pay your animal collision deductible – Your insurance company covers the approved repair costs once your deductible is met.
• Stay in touch with your claims adjuster – A little communication goes a long way toward keeping things moving and getting your vehicle back on the road.

Taking these steps in order keeps your claim on track and reduces the back-and-forth that can slow progress down. Your VIU by HUB advisor can also help guide you through any step that feels unclear.

Tips to reduce your risk of hitting an animal

You can’t predict every deer in the headlights, but a few practical habits can make a real difference, especially during peak deer season months. Small adjustments in how and when you drive can keep you and your vehicle much safer.

• Slow down at dawn and dusk – These are peak hours for wildlife on the road, and a little extra speed buffer gives you more time to react.
• Use high beams on rural roads – Scan the edges of the road for eyeshine or movement when it’s safe to do so.
• If you see one deer, expect more – They travel in groups, so one on the road often means others are close behind.
• Brake firmly and hold your lane – Controlled braking beats a sharp swerve almost every time.
• Extra caution October through December – Peak season is real. Treat rural roads after dark with a little more care to avoid a wildlife collision.

Remember, a little extra awareness during high-risk seasons is one of the most effective things you can do to reduce your chances of a costly collision.

People also ask: Animal collision FAQs

What happens if I hit a deer and drive away?

In most states, leaving the scene isn’t illegal when only an animal is involved. That said, stopping to document the damage and filing a police report (if required locally) is strongly recommended. Skipping that step can complicate your animal collision insurance claim and delay your vehicle repairs.

Will a deer claim raise my rates?

Comprehensive insurance claims for wildlife collision insurance typically don’t affect your rates the same way an at-fault accident does, but it can vary by insurer and state. If the damage is minor, it’s worth a quick check with a VIU by HUB advisor before you decide whether to file.

What animals does comprehensive coverage include?

Any animal – deer, birds, dogs, livestock, you name it. Keep in mind that vehicle damage is what comprehensive covers; injuries to the driver fall under separate coverages like personal injury protection.

The best time to understand your animal strike coverage is before you need it. Take a few minutes to review your policy now, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about if a deer decides to make your acquaintance on a dark road. Questions about your coverage? A VIU by HUB advisor is just a conversation away.