Auto-deer collisions usually covered by insurance

Insured drivers whose cars are damaged in auto-deer collisions may be covered for more than they think. With deer migrating and mating season occurring between October and December, the Better Business Bureau and Insurance Information Institute recommend that drivers read their auto insurance policy closely or they could miss out on reimbursements or other benefits they are entitled to receive.

“Drivers spend a lot of money on auto insurance, but too often they wait until they need to make a claim after an accident and don’t remember what their policy will cover,” said Steve Cox, vice president of the Council of Better Business Bureau in Arlington, Va. “When there’s a seasonal problem like deer collisions and many people are making claims simultaneously, it’s important for car owners to ask the representative handling their claim about their coverage and deductible, as well as any options that are included, so they get their money’s worth.”

According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), a non-profit organization, on average, deer-vehicle collisions cost $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 an auto-deer collision.

In addition, most auto insurance policies do not automatically cover the cost of a replacement rental car after an accident.

“Although many states do not require that you purchase comprehensive coverage, your lender may require it until your car loan is paid off,” said Carolyn Gorman, vice president of the III. “Comprehensive insurance is usually sold with a $100 to $300 deductible.”

Although many drivers have coverage for a replacement rental car, they may not realize it because this optional coverage was added at such a minimal expense, usually just a couple of dollars a month. This coverage provides immediate access to a replacement rental car until repairs are made to their damaged car, or they are authorized by their insurance company to purchase a new car.

Drivers also should know if they have gap coverage. If their car is totaled, drivers with this coverage may not have to continue making payments on the balance owed on the car. Gap coverage pays the difference between the amount the insurer pays for the totaled car and the amount the insured owes on his or her lease or loan. Without this coverage, drivers are responsible for paying the remainder of their lease or loan even when their car is totaled.

The best advice is to be prepared to know what your auto insurance covers and what you should do if you have an auto-deer collision.

By the way, according to an Associated Press report last week, for the second straight year, data gathered by State Farm Insurance shows that vehicles are most likely to collide with deer in West Virginia — a one in 45 chance.

That’s up from a year ago when the odds were one in 57.

The Bloomington, Ill.-based insurance company says Michigan came in second again this year, followed by Pennsylvania, Iowa and Arkansas. Virginia came in 10th.

Hawaii is the least likely state for deer-vehicle collisions, with odds of more than one in 10,962.

State Farm said it used deer claims data from the last half of 2007 though the first half of 2008 to determine the odds.

— Fred Pace is a reporter for The Register-Herald.