Will Car Insurance Rates Go Up If You Hit a Deer? What to Know

It’s a frightening and dangerous scenario – you’re driving along and a deer suddenly darts in front of your vehicle. Despite slamming the brakes, you collide with the animal.

After the initial shock wears off, one of the first questions that comes to mind is “Will my car insurance rates increase because of this?”

The answer isn’t straightforward. Whether your car insurance premium will go up after hitting a deer depends on several factors:

• Your state’s regulations
• Your insurance company’s policies
• Your deductible amount
• How many other recent claims you’ve filed

This article will break down how deer collisions affect car insurance rates by state, best practices to minimize increases, and steps to take after a deer accident.

Will Insurance Rates Increase After Hitting a Deer? By State

Car insurance rate hikes after deer collisions vary significantly by location. Some states prohibit insurers from raising premiums after not-at-fault accidents with animals, while others allow increases.

Here’s an overview of how hitting a deer impacts car insurance costs in different states:

States Where Rates Don’t Increase After Deer Accidents

The following states legally classify deer collisions as not-at-fault accidents. Insurers cannot penalize drivers by raising rates after a claim involving a deer collision:

• Arkansas
• Connecticut
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Dakota
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Vermont
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin

So if you live in these areas, rest assured your car insurance costs won’t be affected by filing a deer accident claim.

States Where Rates May Increase After Deer Accidents

In these states, insurers have discretion in whether they increase premiums after a not-at-fault deer collision claim:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Florida
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• Utah
• Virginia
• Wyoming

So in these states, you may see your car insurance rates rise after filing a deer collision claim, but not always. Check your policy details.

States With Varying Laws

Some states have complex regulations that give insurers partial discretion over rate increases after deer accidents:

Virginia

• Rates cannot increase after first not-at-fault deer claim
• Rates can increase after second deer claim in 3 years

Maryland

• Rates can increase after two deer claims in 3 years
• Surcharges are capped at policyholders’ deductible amount

So in these two states, claiming deer collisions comes with nuances on how it impacts your car insurance costs.

The takeaway? Where you live significantly influences whether your auto premiums will increase after a deer accident claim.

Review your state’s regulations and consult your insurer to find out their specific policies.

Will My Insurance Company Raise My Rates After a Deer Accident?

Beyond your state’s laws, individual insurance carriers have their own criteria that determine if your premium will increase after a deer collision claim.

Here are some key factors that influence an insurer’s decision to raise rates:

• Number of previous deer claims – Frequent deer accident claims can prompt increases, even in no-penalty states.

• Number of other recent claims – Multiple claims of any type may result in hikes.

• Time between claims – Back-to-back claims signal higher risk.

• Deductible amount – Lower deductibles may trigger larger increases.

• Premium payment history – Late pays may compound rate spikes.

So before a deer collision occurs, review your policy to see if your insurer has specific claim frequency thresholds that trigger rate increases.

This can help you make the decision between filing a claim or paying deer damage costs out-of-pocket.

How Much Will My Insurance Go Up After Hitting a Deer?

The exact amount your car insurance premium will rise after a deer accident claim varies significantly based on your policy, state, driving history, and other factors.

However, across the industry, not-at-fault deer collision claims result in average rate increases of:

• 5% to 15% for the first claim
• 15% to 30% for the second claim
• 25% to 40% for three or more claims

For collision claims with other vehicles, increases are usually steeper – from 20% up to 100% for a single accident.

So while hitting Bambi can negatively impact premiums, deer claims don’t spike rates nearly as much as car crashes involving other drivers.

How to Minimize Insurance Increases After Deer Collisions

No one wants higher bills. Here are smart strategies to help minimize car insurance increases after deer accidents:

• File claims strategically – Consider paying for minor damage out-of-pocket to avoid claim frequency issues. Use insurance only for major expenses exceeding your deductible.

• Increase your deductible – Opting for a higher deductible like $500, $750, or $1,000 means fewer claims filed and lower premium hikes.

• Review policy discounts – Adding discounts like multi-policy, good driver, defensive driving course completion, or good student can help offset rate increases.

• Improve credit score – Insurers favor customers with excellent credit. Boosting your credit score can counterbalance premium spikes.

• Take a safe driving course – Refresher courses demonstrate risk reduction to insurance companies.

Staying claim-free for 3 to 5 years will also bring premiums back down after a rate increase due to deer collisions.

What to Do After Hitting a Deer

If an accident with a deer occurs, follow these key steps:

• Move to a safe spot – Get your car off the road and activate hazard lights if operable. Calling 911 can help alert other drivers.

• Document the scene – Take photos of damage and the deer’s location if possible. Video footage also helps.

• File a police report – Alert authorities so they can remove roadway hazards. Get a copy of the report.

• Contact your insurance provider – Notify them of the incident and decide whether to submit a claim or pay out-of-pocket. Provide photos, video, police report, and any witnesses’ contact information.

• Repair vehicle damage – Use a trusted mechanic for repairs and save all receipts if you file an insurance claim.

Following these best practices provides documentation to prove the collision circumstances and justify claims payment.

Key Takeaways – Car Insurance Rates and Deer Collisions

• State laws determine if insurers can increase premiums after not-at-fault deer accidents or not. Review regulations for where you live.

• Individual insurance companies also have criteria governing when they raise rates after deer claims. Check your policy documents.

• Minimizing claim frequency, increasing deductibles, and improving driving history can limit rate hikes after deer collisions.

• Take photos, file police reports, contact your insurer promptly, and save repair receipts after striking a deer.

While you can take precautions, deer accidents are often unavoidable. Following these tips helps make the insurance claims process smooth so you can get your car repaired and soon be safely back on the road.