There are few things more startling while behind the wheel than when a deer appears out of nowhere. These unpredictable creatures are incredibly fast, but unfortunately they often use that speed to get in front of you rather than out of your way. Deer collisions are a fairly common risk throughout Oklahoma, so it’s important to know what to do if and when you do happen to hit a deer. Today we’ve put together some great information for you, including a step-by-step claims guide and tips on repairs and coverage, so keep reading to make sure you’re fully prepared in the event that you have one of the unfortunate encounters.
Step 1: Ensure Safety First
The first and most important step after any collision is to ensure safety, both for anyone involved in the accident as well as for anyone else that could be in the area. In other words, as long as it’s safe to do so, you should move your vehicle out of traffic first and foremost, then turn on your hazard lights to alert any other vehicles to your stationary presence.
Next check yourself and any passengers for injuries, calling 911 immediately if someone is in need of medical attention. Regardless, you should consider contacting law enforcement even if everyone is okay, as having a police report can support your insurance claim by ensuring the incident is properly documented. It’s also important to note that you should not approach the deer, as it might still be alive and every bit as unpredictable as it was before the collision.
Step 2: Document the Scene
Once you’re sure that everyone involved is safe and you know the authorities are on their way, you should take time to document the scene to the best of your abilities. Take photographs of the damage to your vehicle from multiple angles, as well as any visible injuries or damage to the surrounding area, then finally take a wide shot of the whole area where the accident occurred.
Once you have photographs, you should also note any pertinent details like the time, location and weather conditions during the accident, as well as contact information for any witnesses if you’re lucky enough to have them. All of this data is crucial to your claim, especially if it becomes delayed or contested for any reason.
Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Provider
After you’ve documented the scene of the collision and discussed the situation with authorities, you should contact your insurance provider to begin the claims process right away. Your agent will be able to help you through the whole process and help you understand any next steps, especially if you work with our agents here at Glover Family Independent Insurance.
Coverage Tip: Is a Deer Collision Covered?
So, is a deer collision actually covered by your insurance? Every insurance policy is different, so we can’t answer that question for you definitively without knowing more details on your policy, but we can give you some generic information that might help. Hitting a deer typically falls under the purview of comprehensive coverage, rather than collision, as it’s considered an act of nature. So, if you only carry liability insurance, damages from a deer collision probably isn’t going to be covered.
Get an Estimate & Schedule Repairs
You might consider this a step 4, or it might be covered during your conversations with your agent, but after you go through the claims process you’re going to need to get your vehicle repaired. Your provider may recommend approved repair shops or they could let you choose your own. In either event, you’re going to want to get an estimate as early as possible. Once your claim is approved, the body shop can begin working on your vehicle.
If you have any questions about this process, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us right here at Glover Family Independent Insurance. We’d also be happy to help you reevaluate your coverage if you’re worried that you might not be covered for deer collisions or if you have any other concerns. We look forward to hearing from you!
