Does Car Insurance Cover Animal Collisions?

By Justin Yoshizawa and the Mercury Team

Cars aren’t the only things that show up on the road. From deer to coyotes, wild animals can make their way onto the pavement and stand in the line of fire of oncoming traffic, causing costly and even life-threatening collisions. As a driver, you might wonder: Does car insurance cover animal damage? Here’s what you need to know about these collisions — and what to do if you hit a deer… or a possum.

What Counts as an Animal Collision?

Animals are unpredictable, often active at dawn and dusk, and may freeze or change direction suddenly or dart into traffic when startled by headlights or engine noise. A doe and its babies may run out from the brush along an interstate, colliding with a car. A low-flying bird may crash into a windshield, and, even worse, a dog or cat may run out at the last second, making a collision unavoidable.

If your vehicle strikes any animal on the road, it’s considered an animal collision, regardless of the animal’s size. Your insurance company will likely categorize the incident based on the type of animal involved and the circumstances of the incident.

Does Car Insurance Cover Animal Damage?

While you may have a cracked windshield or damaged bumper, the good news is that your car insurance typically covers animal collisions. It will, however, depend on the type of car insurance you carry, and not who was at fault. Comprehensive car insurance usually covers damage not caused by a collision with another vehicle and also covers theft, weather, and vandalism. If you only carry liability or collision coverage, however, damage from hitting an animal may not be covered.

“Damage from animal collisions is typically covered under comprehensive coverage. Knowing what your policy includes can help you respond quickly and confidently if an unexpected encounter occurs on the road,” says Justin Yoshizawa, Director, Product Management.

Keep in mind that comprehensive coverage is optional in most states. However, if you plan to lease or finance your vehicle, most lenders require you to purchase this coverage. Comprehensive coverage also usually comes with a deductible.

Most Common Animals Involved in Car Accidents

According to a 2024 report from the Federal Highway Administration, 1 to 2 million collisions each year can be attributed to large-animal wildlife. Collisions with deer are by far the most common culprit, owing to prolific populations throughout the U.S. Other wildlife includes bears, raccoons and possums, foxes, coyotes, turkeys, and geese. Unfortunately, other animals on the road may include domesticated pets, whether stray dogs and cats or unattended pets.

What to Do If You Hit a Deer or Other Animal

So, what do you do if you hit a deer, a raccoon, or a fox? Here are the immediate steps you should take:

• Move your vehicle safely to the side of the road.
• Call the police or animal control.
• Don’t try to touch the animal.
• Take pictures of the scene if it’s safe to do so.
• Call your insurance company to initiate the claims process.

How to Avoid Deer and Animal Collisions

Not all wildlife collisions are preventable, but awareness can significantly reduce risk. Here’s how to avoid deer collisions, or at least minimize your risk of an accident:

• Know the high-risk times of day, specifically dawn and dusk. Pay extra attention in the fall, which is deer mating season.
• Practice defensive driving by being extra aware of your surroundings. Scan 10 to 15 seconds ahead, looking for any potential signs of animal activity as you drive.
• Drive carefully in wooded areas, on rural roads, near water sources, and along highways with foliage on either side.
• Slow down in posted wildlife areas, and use high beams to spot deer at night when appropriate.
• Brake firmly instead of swerving if you encounter an animal on the road.

Will Hitting an Animal Raise Your Insurance Rates?

It might. If you file a comprehensive claim after hitting a deer, it will go on your insurance record. Claim frequency is a factor insurers look at when determining premiums, so if you’ve had previous violations or accidents, adding an animal collision claim to your record may increase your insurance rate.

However, comprehensive claims for animal collisions typically have less impact on rates than at-fault collision claims. That’s largely due to the fact that this was considered an unavoidable event as opposed to a driver-caused accident.

Do You Need Comprehensive Coverage?

Comprehensive coverage may not be required in your area. However, if you live in a rural area or you regularly park outdoors, you’ll likely benefit. Even if you don’t encounter a deer collision, you’ll be covered if a tree branch falls on your vehicle or you experience a break-in.

Mercury Insurance offers customizable auto insurance options, allowing any driver to add comprehensive coverage that fits their driving habits, location, and budget.

Protect Yourself From the Unexpected

Whether a head-on accident or damage to your bumper, animal collisions are unpredictable, stressful, and can cost you, even if it’s just your deductible. Fortunately, the right insurance coverage can make all the difference. Contact Mercury today for a fast, free quote.