Hitting a deer or other animal with your vehicle can be traumatic, stressful and costly. If you’re involved in an accident with an animal, your comprehensive or other than collision car insurance would come into play.
What to do after an animal accident
Deer accidents, and accidents with other animals, aren’t uncommon. If you find yourself the victim of one, it’s important to stay alert, calm and prepared.
Pull to the side of the road.
Try to remain calm and focused.
Turn on your hazard lights or use flares to warn other drivers.
Don’t approach the injured animal. Wait for authorities.
Report the accident to police. (Some states have laws about leaving the scene of an animal-related accident.)
From a safe location, photograph the scene and any damage to your vehicle.
You’ll be assigned to a Nationwide claims associate who will contact you to gather all essential information and to schedule an inspection of your vehicle.
Your claims associate will review your insurance policy and explain what’s covered and how your deductible may come into play. Your associate will also walk you through the claims process and answer any questions you have.
Arranging repairs
Here’s what you can expect from us.
A thorough appraisal of all visible damage related to your accident
A thorough explanation of all your repair options, including available repair methods and alternative parts
A guarantee to repair or replace any defective non-OEM part specified on your repair appraisal for as long as you own or lease your vehicle
A guarantee of workmanship on the appraised and completed repairs performed by any On Your Side Auto Repair Network® facility for as long as you own or lease your vehicle
A careful explanation of all charges above and beyond your deductible
Close contact with your repair facility to make sure your repair is completed as quickly as possible
Prompt, friendly responses from every member of our team
Note: You’re not obligated to choose a specified repair facility. You may have your vehicle fixed at the repair facility of your choice.
Settling your claim
Once repairs are completed, we settle your claim according to the terms of your policy and send you or the repair facility final payment, minus any applicable deductible and non-covered/accepted expenses.
If your vehicle is determined to be a total loss, you'll receive an amount based on your vehicle's value before the damage occurred, according to the terms of your policy.
Plus, if your vehicle is totaled, we can help you save money on your next car.
Tips to avoid deer accidents
Stay extra alert on 2-lane roads bordered by woods or fields, or where streams cross under the roadway.
Know that wildlife is particularly active around dawn and dusk.
If you see a single animal crossing ahead, odds are there are others, such as young animals following their mother.
Use high beams at night, especially on long rural stretches of road.
Don’t swerve to avoid hitting a deer. It puts you at risk of a worse accident with another vehicle or running off the road. Stay in your lane and try to slow down.
Guarantee covers replacement of any defective alternative parts identified on appraisal and used in repair for as long as you own or lease your repaired vehicle. Also, work performed at an On Your Side® Auto Repair Center includes a guarantee on the workmanship of the appraised and completed repairs for as long as you own or lease your vehicle.
Each claim is handled on the basis of its individual facts and circumstances and in accordance with policy language, including applicable exclusions, conditions and limitations. Insurance overview is for informational purposes only and does not replace or modify the definitions and information contained in individual insurance policies or declaration pages, which are controlling. Terms and availability vary by state and exclusions apply.