to have it covered. And if you haven’t filed a comprehensive claim in the past three years, it’s not likely to increase your auto insurance rates.

You’re driving along a winding road through the forest at night, and suddenly you see a pair of eyes glaring back in your headlights. The next thing you know, you’ve hit an animal. While panic might be the first thing to set in, you’ll eventually likely wonder whether the animal run-in you just had will increase your insurance rate. After all, it’s still an accident.

If you’re currently with GEICO and wondering whether your

car insurance

costs are about to go through the roof, we have the answers. We’re breaking down the details of if hitting a deer will affect your insurance rates and what kind of coverage you need to avoid out-of-pocket expenses.

MORE:

Everything you need to find a GEICO car insurance quote

Does hitting a deer raise your GEICO car insurance rate?

In most cases, no—hitting a deer won’t increase your GEICO car insurance rates. Drivers generally see an increase in premium prices after filing a claim for an at-fault accident, but hitting a deer isn’t the same as hitting another vehicle.

Unlike a car accident where drivers are responsible for the circumstances, an animal’s behavior is harder to anticipate. For this reason, car insurance companies often won’t raise your rates for filing an animal-related claim, and it shouldn’t affect your

driving record

MORE:

The 5 most common reasons your car insurance rate increases

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Does GEICO Insurance cover deer accidents and animal collisions?

GEICO offers optional types of insurance that cover deer accidents and animal collisions, but you’ll need more than your state’s

minimum car insurance requirements

to have it covered.

If you only have

liability insurance

, you won’t be covered if you hit a deer with your car. Liability coverage only kicks in to help cover the costs for other parties if you’re involved in an at-fault accident. It doesn’t cover the cost of your medical bills or vehicle damages.

However, a

full-coverage insurance

policy with comprehensive coverage will cover accidents with animals. This coverage helps pay for damages to your car in non-collision-related situations like theft, vandalism, ice damage, and hitting an animal.

Comprehensive coverage is optional for all GEICO policyholders but offers more protection on the road. But unlike liability, where you choose your coverage limits, most comprehensive policies are based on the

actual cash value

of your vehicle, and you are responsible for paying your

comprehensive deductible

before your insurer will pay out any money.

Although comprehensive coverage will cover most accidents that don’t involve another vehicle or object—these incidents are covered under

collision coverage

—there are other things it doesn’t cover, such as normal wear and tear on your car. Normal wear and tear includes parts that generally need to be replaced over time from regular vehicle operation, such as:

Belts and hoses

Brakes

Engine oil changes

Spark plugs

Tires

Windshield wipers

MORE:

Does car insurance cover hitting a deer?

How to file a car insurance claim after hitting a deer

Unlike an accident with another vehicle, you’re not required to remain at the scene after an animal collision. If you’ve hit a deer, you first need to stay calm and don’t panic. Then, follow these steps to ensure your safety, the safety of the animal, and other motorists on the road:

Pull your vehicle to a safe spot on the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights.

Phone the local non-emergency police number to report the situation or call emergency services if you’re injured and need medical assistance.

When safe to do so, exit the vehicle and document the incident on paper (if possible) and with photos. Take pictures or descriptions of the surroundings, damage or injuries, and witness information—you’ll need this to

file a claim

Contact GEICO as soon as possible by phone or file a claim using their online

report a claim form

Contact GEICO for roadside assistance or a tow truck if your vehicle cannot be driven.

Remember that when filing a claim with GEICO, you’ll need your

car insurance policy number

. While you aren’t required to file a police report, having an officer respond to the scene can strengthen your claim with GEICO.

MORE:

How long do you have to file a claim?

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FAQs

What type of car insurance covers hitting a deer?

You'll need comprehensive coverage if you’ve hit a deer and are looking to file an insurance claim. This insurance covers damage to your vehicle due to non-collision-related incidents, such as damage from a hail or ice storm, theft or vandalism, or hitting an animal while driving.

How much is GEICO’s deductible for hitting a deer?

If you make a comprehensive claim with GEICO after hitting a deer, you’ll need to pay your deductible before they approve any payouts—but the deductible amount varies between drivers.

Comprehensive insurance deductibles generally range from $100 to $1,000, but some drivers increase their deductible. You will choose your deductible when you purchase your GEICO auto policy, and the higher the deductible is, the lower your annual premium will be.

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