There are more than 600,000 deer in Illinois. Whether you're heading out of the city for the weekend or simply getting to your next destination, a collision with a deer can be a scary and costly experience. Illinois car insurance may provide coverage for hitting a deer if you have the right policy.

We recommend working with an Illinois independent insurance agent to ensure you're properly covered. Agents understand the ins and outs of car insurance and can help you put together a policy that protects you against run-ins with wild animals and other risks you face on the road.

Does Car Insurance Cover Hitting a Deer?

Car insurance only covers hitting a deer if you have the right coverage and limits. Car insurance is made up of several coverages, and hitting a deer falls under comprehensive coverage. 

Comprehensive coverage, also known as "other than collision," pays for damage to your vehicle from events like falling objects, hitting a deer, severe storms, and theft. 

Comprehensive coverage and collision coverage are optional policies that are not required by law in Illinois. An agent can help you get set up with these policies so that you're fully protected.

What Is the Difference Between Comprehensive and Collision Coverage?

Comprehensive and collision insurance both help you in the event of an accident, but they serve two distinct purposes.

• Collision coverage: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled in a collision, regardless of fault. 
• Comprehensive coverage: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled by a non-collision event such as a hailstorm or theft. 

If you were driving through Northwest Illinois and a deer jumped in front of your vehicle, and you hit it, you would file the claim with your comprehensive coverage. Let's say you swerved to miss hitting the deer, and you collided with a pole. The claim would fall under your collision insurance. 

Are There Any Other Car Insurance Coverages to Help after a Deer Collision?

On average, a deer weighs over 100 pounds. Even if you're driving at a reasonably slow speed, colliding with something that heavy is likely to cause damage to your vehicle. It's possible that the deer could come through your windshield or damage your car to the point that it's no longer driveable. 

Fortunately, there are a few additional car insurance coverages that you can speak to your agent about to be further protected.

• Towing and roadside assistance: This coverage helps pay for any costs associated with needing to have your vehicle towed off the road, to a repair shop, or to your home after an incident.
• Rental reimbursement: If your vehicle Is being repaired in the shop, you're likely to need another mode of transportation. This coverage reimburses you for a rental car while your car is being fixed.  
• Personal injury protection (PIP):  This coverage helps you pay for personal medical bills after an accident. If you or your passengers were injured when you hit the deer, PIP could help.

An agent can help you secure add-on coverages that can help you if you're in a collision with a deer or have another unexpected accident. 

Is the Driver on the Hook for Any of the Cost to Repair?

Unfortunately, if you hit a deer, you're responsible for the cost of repairing your vehicle. The good news is you'll get coverage up to your policy limits through your comprehensive coverage. You will be responsible for your deductible before your policy pays, so it's important to talk with your agent about a deductible amount that you're comfortable with.

You're not obliged to file a claim with an insurance company if you hit a deer. If your vehicle has minimal damage, can be driven, or you simply don't care to get it repaired, you can choose not to file a claim. 

If you do file a claim, there's a chance that your insurance premiums will increase. Depending on the severity of the damage and how much it costs your insurance company, they could decide to increase your rates. 

How Common Are Deer Collisions in Illinois?

As we mentioned earlier, Illinois is no stranger to deer. With several hundred thousand in the state, deer collisions happen more frequently than you may think. 

• In one recent year, there were 13,787 motor vehicle crashes involving deer in Illinois
• 10 of these crashes resulted in a fatality
• 611 of these crashes involved injuries
• 13,166 of these crashes caused damage to property or vehicles
• 62% of these crashes occurred in rural areas
• 42% of these accidents happened in October, November, and December

To avoid a collision with a deer, you can avoid driving during dusk and dawn and keep an eye on your surroundings. A telltale sign of a nearby dear is eyeshine, which is when you see the reflection of a vehicle's headlights in the eyes of the deer. 

What to Do If You Hit a Deer in Illinois

In the unfortunate event that you hit a deer while driving your car, take these eight steps.

1. Don’t approach the deer: You will not know what state of mind or health the deer is in. Never approach the deer, as it could severely injure you.
2. Move your car to a safe place: To avoid further incidents with other vehicles, always move your vehicle off to the side of the road if possible.
3. Turn on hazard lights: Turning on your hazard lights alerts other drivers that they need to be cautious when driving up to your vehicle and the accident scene.
4. Check for injuries: Check yourself and any passengers in the vehicle with you for injuries. Call the police immediately if someone is severely injured.
5. Call emergency services: Notify the police that you've had a run-in with a deer, and you'd like to report the accident. If the deer is injured or dead on the road, you want to let the police know.
6. Inspect your vehicle: Check your vehicle for damage sustained from hitting the deer. Do not drive the car unless you're sure it's safe.
7. Document the incident: Document any damage to your vehicle with photos and videos. It would help if you also took pictures of the deer.
8. Report the incident to your insurance: You can call your insurance carrier directly or call your insurance agent to report the incident to your insurance company.

How Can an Illinois Independent Insurance Agent Help?

We face a variety of risks every time we're on the road. Having the right car insurance can help ease the financial responsibility when an accident occurs. An Illinois independent insurance agent knows the type of insurance you need to cover all your risks.

Agents work with a network of insurance carriers to shop and find you a quote that meets your insurance needs and budget. They can advise you on add-on policies, deductibles, and coverage limits, so you know you have adequate coverage. If you're ever in an accident, an agent can help you through the claims process as well. Work with a local insurance agent today.