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How do you file a claim for car insurance?
I have comprehensive coverage and live in Indiana. I was driving when a deer ran out into the road. The deer got up and walked away, but my car was damaged. How do I file a claim?
Lauren Smith · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
There are a lot of similarities between filing a claim after
hitting a deer
and a regular accident claim, but there are also some major differences. First and foremost, there’s no other driver involved, so you can’t talk to them and exchange insurance information. Here’s what to do after hitting a deer:
- Always move your car to a safe location on the side of the road if possible and turn on your hazard lights
- Call the police—your deer moved, but if a deer isn’t moving or it’s blocking traffic it’s important to contact the police. In some states hitting a deer and driving off without reporting it is illegal. A police report also helps when filing a claim. You’ll want to write down the police officer’s name and badge number.
- Get a copy of the police report
- Take photos of the damage, but wait until it’s safe to do so. It’s safe to assume there may be more deer.
- Write down the location, time, and the weather conditions
- Contact your insurance company
Because you have
comprehensive coverage
damage from hitting an animal is generally included, but it’s important to double-check.Your insurance company will send an insurance adjuster to take stock of the damages and get an estimate for repairs. If you have a mechanic you trust it’s a good idea to get a quote for how much the damages will cost.
Getting into an accident is very scary, especially when it’s sudden like hitting a deer. It helps if you have roadside assistance at a great price, try
Jerry
. Jerry partners with Urgently to provide you with industry-leading roadside assistance, including benefits like towing, lockout service, and a mechanics hotline.View full answer
- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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