A deer can enter the roadway with almost no warning, especially on rural roads throughout Northwest Ohio. If you hit a deer, concentrate first on protecting yourself, your passengers, and other drivers. Insurance and vehicle repairs can be addressed after the immediate danger has passed.
Once everyone is safe, document the accident, notify the appropriate authorities when necessary, and review your auto insurance before making assumptions about coverage.
1. Move to a Safe Location if Possible
Stay calm, maintain control of the vehicle, and avoid making another sudden maneuver after impact.
If the vehicle can be driven safely:
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Turn on the hazard lights.
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Carefully move to the shoulder or another location away from traffic.
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Place the vehicle in park and turn off the engine.
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Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
Call 911 if someone is injured, the vehicle is blocking traffic, the accident creates an immediate danger, or emergency assistance is otherwise needed.
Do not continue driving if the vehicle has a leaking fluid, damaged tire, broken light, deployed airbag, overheating engine, loose body panel, or other condition that could make it unsafe. Contact a towing company or roadside-assistance provider instead.
2. Do Not Approach the Deer
An injured deer can be frightened, unpredictable, and dangerous. Do not attempt to move, touch, or help the animal yourself.
Stay a safe distance away and contact law enforcement or the appropriate local authority. Tell the dispatcher where the animal is located and whether it is blocking the roadway or creating a hazard.
If you wish to take possession of a deer killed in a vehicle collision, Ohio law establishes a separate reporting and certification process. Do not remove the deer without first following the applicable requirements and instructions from a wildlife or law enforcement officer.
3. Decide Whether to Contact Law Enforcement
Contact law enforcement when:
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Someone is injured.
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The vehicle cannot be moved safely.
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The deer or damaged vehicle is obstructing traffic.
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Another vehicle or someone else’s property is involved.
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The accident creates a road hazard.
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You need assistance with an injured or deceased animal.
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Your insurer requests an accident report.
Depending on the location, you may contact the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the county sheriff’s office, or the local police department. Use 911 for an emergency and the appropriate non-emergency number when there is no immediate danger.
If an officer responds, ask how to obtain the report or incident number. That information may be useful when reporting the accident to the insurance company.
4. Photograph the Scene and Vehicle Damage
Once you are safely away from traffic, document the accident. Do not stand in the roadway or place yourself in danger to obtain a photograph.
When it is safe, photograph:
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Each side of the vehicle
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Close-up and wider views of the damage
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Broken lights, glass, mirrors, and body panels
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The roadway and general accident location
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Skid marks or debris, if visible
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The deer’s location from a safe distance
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Damage to any other property
Record the date, time, road, direction of travel, weather, and a brief description of what happened. Save towing, storage, transportation, and temporary-repair receipts.
Avoid making permanent repairs or disposing of damaged parts until you receive instructions from the insurance company.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company or Agent
Report the accident promptly and provide accurate information about what happened. Explain whether your vehicle directly struck the deer or whether you swerved and hit another vehicle or object.
Be prepared to provide:
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Your policy information
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The date, time, and location
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Photographs of the damage
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The police or incident-report number, if available
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Towing and storage information
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A description of whether the vehicle can be driven
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Information about any passengers, injuries, or other property involved
Your insurer can explain the claims process, deductible, inspection requirements, repair options, and any towing or rental-reimbursement coverage that may apply.
For information about available coverage options, visit our auto insurance page.
Is Hitting a Deer Comprehensive or Collision?
A direct collision with a deer or another animal is generally handled under comprehensive coverage, subject to the policy’s language, deductible, exclusions, and circumstances.
Comprehensive coverage—sometimes called “other than collision” coverage—may also address certain losses involving theft, fire, falling objects, hail, and contact with an animal.
Comprehensive coverage is different from the liability coverage Ohio drivers are generally required to carry. Liability insurance addresses covered injuries or property damage for which an insured is legally responsible; it does not pay for damage to the insured’s own vehicle after hitting a deer.
If you do not carry comprehensive coverage, your policy may not cover the physical damage to your vehicle from a direct deer strike.
The Ohio Department of Insurance Automobile Insurance Guide provides additional information about comprehensive, collision, liability, and other auto insurance coverages.
What if You Swerve and Hit Another Object?
If you avoid the deer but strike a tree, ditch, guardrail, sign, another vehicle, or another object, damage to your vehicle is generally treated as a collision loss rather than a comprehensive loss.
Collision coverage may help pay for damage to the insured vehicle after a covered collision, subject to the applicable deductible and policy terms. Liability coverage may also be involved if another person or someone else’s property is damaged.
This distinction is one reason drivers are commonly advised to brake firmly while maintaining control instead of making a sudden swerve that could lead to a more serious accident. However, every situation is different, and your first priority should always be avoiding injuries.
Give the insurance company an accurate description of the accident rather than attempting to decide the claim category yourself.
Questions to Ask About the Claim
When speaking with your insurance company or agent, consider asking:
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Which coverage applies to the accident?
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What deductible applies?
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Does the estimated damage appear to exceed the deductible?
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Is an inspection required before repairs begin?
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May I select my own repair facility?
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Is towing or roadside assistance included?
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Do I have rental-reimbursement coverage?
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Are there limits on towing, storage, or rental expenses?
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What should I do with damaged parts?
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What documentation is still needed?
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How can I monitor the claim’s progress?
The insurer must evaluate the facts, damage, and policy before determining whether coverage applies or estimating a claim payment.
Review Your Coverage Before the Next Deer Encounter
Deer collisions can happen suddenly on country roads, state routes, and even near town. Before an accident occurs, review whether your policy includes comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, towing or roadside assistance, and rental reimbursement.
Also verify that the deductibles are amounts you could reasonably pay following a loss. If your vehicle is financed or leased, review any coverage requirements imposed by the lender or leasing company.
Short Agency Insurance serves drivers in Archbold and throughout Northwest Ohio. If you have questions about your current auto policy, contact Short Agency Insurance to review your coverage.
If you are shopping for coverage, you can also request an auto insurance quote.
Coverage descriptions are general and are not a statement of coverage. Actual coverage is determined by the applicable policy language, endorsements, exclusions, limits, deductibles, and circumstances of each accident. Follow the instructions of law enforcement, emergency personnel, the insurance company, and other appropriate authorities.
