Does car insurance cover hitting a deer in California?
Whether you've been injured in an accident, are dealing with a personal injury claim, or facing another legal issue, Mendez & Sanchez APC is here to fight for you. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Call Us Now
Yes, car insurance covers hitting a deer in California, but only if you have comprehensive coverage. Standard collision coverage does not apply to deer strikes. If you only carry liability insurance, you will likely pay for repairs out of pocket.
Comprehensive vs. collision coverage
Comprehensive coverage pays for damage caused by events outside your control, including animal strikes. Collision coverage pays for damage from crashing into another vehicle or a fixed object like a guardrail or pole. Many drivers confuse the two. If your policy does not include comprehensive coverage, a deer strike is not covered, no matter how severe the damage is.
California does not require drivers to carry comprehensive coverage. It is optional. If you are financing or leasing your vehicle, your lender may require it. Check your policy declarations page to confirm what you carry.
Who is at fault when you hit a deer?
No one is at fault. Deer strikes are treated as unavoidable accidents in California. Hitting a deer does not go on your record as an at-fault accident. Insurance companies classify it under comprehensive claims, which are no-fault events.
This is different from swerving to avoid a deer and hitting something else, like a tree or another car. That second scenario is typically treated as a collision claim and may be considered an at-fault accident depending on the circumstances.
What to do right after hitting a deer
Pull over safely and turn on your hazard lights. Do not try to move the deer yourself. Call 911 if anyone is injured or if the deer is blocking traffic. Take photos of the damage, the deer, and your surroundings before moving your car.
Contact your insurance company to start a claim. Have your policy number ready. If your car is not drivable, ask your insurer about rental car coverage. Many comprehensive policies include rental reimbursement.
If your injuries are serious, or if another vehicle was involved in the crash, speaking with a car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and next steps.
Does a deer strike raise your insurance rates?
Usually not. Because deer strikes are no-fault events filed under comprehensive coverage, most insurers in California do not raise your premiums after one claim. However, every insurer is different. If you have multiple comprehensive claims in a short period, your rates could go up at renewal. Ask your insurer before you file if the payout is close to your deductible.
What if the damage is severe or you were injured?
Deer strikes can cause real injuries. Airbags can deploy. Cars can spin into guardrails. If your vehicle hit another object after the deer impact, that portion of the crash may be handled separately under collision coverage. Mendez and Sanchez handles vehicle accident cases involving complex insurance questions. If you are unsure how to handle the claim or believe the insurer is not treating you fairly, speaking with an attorney is a reasonable next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does comprehensive or collision insurance cover hitting a deer?
Comprehensive insurance covers hitting a deer, not collision insurance. Comprehensive covers damage from events outside your control, like animal strikes, weather, and theft. Collision only covers crashes into other vehicles or fixed objects. If you do not have comprehensive coverage on your policy, a deer strike will not be covered.
What if I swerved to avoid a deer and hit a tree or another car?
That is typically treated as a collision claim, not a comprehensive claim. Swerving and striking a different object means your insurer will likely apply collision coverage, not comprehensive. Depending on the circumstances, it may also be recorded as an at-fault accident. This is one of the most common misunderstandings about deer-related accidents.
Is hitting a deer considered an at-fault accident in California?
No. Hitting a deer is not considered an at-fault accident in California. Insurers classify it as a no-fault event because a deer in the road is outside the driver's control. It is filed under comprehensive coverage and generally does not affect your at-fault accident record.
Will hitting a deer raise my car insurance rates in California?
Most of the time, no. A single comprehensive claim for a deer strike does not typically raise your rates in California because it is not an at-fault event. That said, every insurer sets its own rules, and multiple claims in a short period can lead to a rate increase at renewal. Check with your insurer before filing if the repair cost is close to your deductible.
What should I do immediately after hitting a deer?
Pull over safely, turn on your hazard lights, and do not touch the deer. Call 911 if anyone is hurt or if the deer is blocking the road. Take photos of the damage, the animal, and the scene. Then contact your insurance company to start a comprehensive claim. If the car is not drivable, ask about rental reimbursement under your policy.
What if my injuries from hitting a deer are serious?
Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel okay at first. Deer strikes can cause real injuries including whiplash, head injuries, and broken bones from airbag deployment or a secondary impact. If your vehicle hit another object after the deer strike, both comprehensive and collision coverage may come into play. Mendez and Sanchez can help you sort through the insurance side if your claim becomes complicated or if you were seriously hurt.