Is hitting an animal considered a collision?
Asked by: Roma Buckridge IV | Last update: December 25, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (73 votes)
Is hitting an animal comp or collision?
Comprehensive coverage covers losses like theft, vandalism, hail, and hitting an animal. For example, if you are driving and hit a deer, the damage would be covered under comprehensive coverage.
Is it illegal to hit an animal while driving?
Domestic animals like dogs and certain farm animals are considered property. A driver who hits and injures a domestic animal – which is considered to be damaging property, according to California Vehicle Code section 20002 – is required to try to locate and notify the animal's owner or law enforcement.
Does hitting a deer count as a collision?
Yes, hitting a deer typically counts as an accident, but insurance companies categorize it differently. Unlike collisions with another vehicle or object, deer-related incidents are generally classified under comprehensive insurance coverage.
Does insurance cover animal collisions?
Unfortunately, wildlife don't generally carry liability coverage, so any damages will be your responsibility. If you hit an animal, only comprehensive insurance may cover your loss.
Hitting an Animal: Is It a Comprehensive or Collision Claim?
Does insurance go up after hitting an animal?
If you file a comprehensive claim after hitting a deer, that claim will go on your insurance record. Claim frequency may affect your auto insurance rates, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
What happens if you accidentally hit an animal with your car?
If you hit a deer or a wild animal on the road, your comprehensive insurance may cover the damages to your vehicle. However, your premium might go up depending on the state you live in. When it comes to hitting a domestic animal, liability can be an additional layer to the insurance claim process.
Do I have to pay a deductible if I hit a deer?
Do you have to pay a deductible if you hit a deer? When you added comprehensive coverage to your insurance policy, you chose a deductible amount (typically between $100 and $2,000). If you hit a deer and file a claim, you'll have to pay that deductible, and your insurer can cover the rest.
Is hitting a tree comprehensive or collision?
Colliding with a fallen tree is generally considered avoidable since it's your responsibility to be looking for obstacles on the road. Therefore, your insurer would likely classify it as a collision claim.
Do you call the police if you hit a deer?
While it's not required to file a police report for hitting a deer in California, drivers are encouraged to call the California Highway Patrol to deal with the deer compassionately if it's still alive but injured.
Do I have to stop if I hit an animal?
In many states, you're required to stop and call the police or other local authority if you hit a domestic animal, such as a dog or cat. If you don't stop, you could be charged with animal cruelty or failing to notify owners of property damage.
Do you need a police report if you hit a deer?
In some states it may be fine to leave the scene after hitting a deer and in other states you may be required to report it. Know the laws in your state. If you aren't sure what to do, play it safe and call your local authorities. Plus, having a police report can be very helpful in filing a claim for the damages.
Should you swerve to avoid hitting an animal?
If a collision is unavoidable, apply the brakes firmly and remain in your lane. Swerving to avoid an animal can often cause a more serious crash or result in drivers losing control of vehicles. Be extra cautious at dawn and dusk.
Does hitting a raccoon count as an accident?
It should, as long as you have comprehensive coverage, which is one of the types of car insurance coverage you can get on your policy. Comprehensive car insurance covers damage not caused by a collision with another vehicle, and animal collisions usually fall under this category.
Is hitting a deer an act of God?
A deer strike is not generally considered an uncontrollable, unforeseeable “act of God.” Therefore, the at-fault driver will generally have to pay for the passenger's injuries from their liability policy.
Does hitting an animal fall under collision or comprehensive?
Since damage from hitting an animal is covered under your comprehensive coverage, you need to pay your deductible when you file a claim. A deductible is your share of the cost for a claim. A deductible is not the same as your insurance premium, which is what you pay to maintain your policy.
Will my insurance go up if I hit an object?
Insurance companies consider hitting an object in the road to be an accident. Unfortunately, that means you will need to use your collision coverage, the incident will be considered your fault, and you'll likely see an increase in premium.
Does hitting a deer count as collision?
Yes, car insurance companies classify hitting a deer as an accident due to the impact. An auto accident is any situation where a vehicle collides with a person, animal, another car, or an object. When it comes to deer damage, having Liability insurance alone won't help. You'll need Comprehensive coverage.
Should I tell my insurance company I hit a deer?
Report Damage to Your Agent
If your car damage is significant, you may want to make an insurance claim. The sooner you can report damage or injuries, the sooner your claim is likely to be processed. You can usually make a claim by calling your agent or contacting your agent through their website.
Is it better to have a $500 deductible or $1000?
Remember that filing small claims may affect how much you have to pay for insurance later. Switching from a $500 deductible to a $1,000 deductible can save as much as 20 percent on the cost of your insurance premium payments.
Does car insurance cover animal damage?
With most auto insurance policies, if an animal damages your car, you'll be covered, as long as you carry comprehensive coverage. What is comprehensive coverage? Comprehensive auto insurance is designed to cover damages to your auto caused by an incident that is not a collision.
Do you have to file a police report if you hit a deer?
If no one in the vehicle is injured and the damage to the front bumper seems minor, there is no need to report anything to law enforcement. However, if you or a passenger are injured or your vehicle has sustained serious damage, you must inform law enforcement as soon as you are able to do so.
Who is responsible for car damage if you hit a dog?
If you consider your pet a member of the family, you probably won't like the legal reality of scenarios such as this. It might surprise you to learn that as the dog's owner, you're probably legally responsible for the damages to the car and for your dog's injuries. A dog's status is gradually changing.
Does your car insurance go up if you hit an animal?
While comprehensive claims can raise your insurance in some states, California and Oklahoma do not allow insurers to raise your premium for an accident for which you are not at fault.