BBB Chief Exective Jim WinsettQ. I recently had a car accident involving a deer, and when I called my insurance to report the damage, they said that is not included in my policy. Does the BBB have advice on understanding car insurance coverage?
A. With migrating and mating season occurring between October and December, your chances of a single-vehicle accident involving a deer or other large animal in our geographic area just went up. Are you covered?
Better Business Bureau recommends that drivers read their auto insurance policy closely or they could miss out on reimbursements or other benefits they are entitled to receive. You may be surprised to see what is included, and what is not.
According to the nonprofit Insurance Information Institute, on average a deer-vehicle collision costs $2,800 per insurance claim; $10,000 if there is injury to the driver or a passenger.
Only comprehensive coverage reimburses drivers for loss due to contact with animals such as birds or deer. This fact often causes confusion among drivers who are not aware that collision coverage will not cover a collision with an animal. In addition, most auto insurance policies do not automatically cover the cost of a replacement rental car after an accident.