What to Do if You Hit a Deer in Virginia

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Are deer collisions common in Virginia?

Virginians live in a high-risk state for hitting animals with over 60,000 incidents per year by car insurance claim estimates. Virginia drivers have a 1 in 75 chance of colliding with an animal each year and most deer-related crashes occur throughout October and peak in November.

According to the Virginia DMV, there were 7,335 deer involved crashes in 2023, up 20% from the 6,135 crashes in 2022. Fall mating season, also known as the rut, means highly active bucks are busy seeking receptive females. During this time, drivers are likely to see more deer along the side of the road, running across the road, and a rise in the number of deer-related crashes.

                                                                   VDMV 2023 VA Deer-Involved Crashes, Fatalities, and Injuries by Month

Does car insurance cover deer damage?

Some car insurance policies cover deer damage. As a Virginia-only mutual insurer, we realize deer collisions are a common hazard for our members. That's why our comprehensive car insurance includes no-fault deer collision claims. Comprehensive car insurance can cover theft or physical damage to a policyholder's vehicle for reasons other than crashes.

Will my car insurance go up if I hit a deer in Virginia?

Insurance claim frequency can factor in rising car insurance rates, depending on your claims activity and your car insurance carrier. Northern Neck Insurance car insurance rates do not increase just because you need to file an insurance claim for a deer collision. 

What to do if you hit a deer in Virginia

All drivers should do what they can to avoid hitting a deer with their car, but never swerve! Use caution when you see deer crossing signs installed in these areas by the Virginia Department of Transportation since deer habitually travel the same areas.  

Unfortunately, sometimes there is nothing you can do to stop from striking a deer while driving.

If you hit a deer while driving, follow these steps to stay safe:

1. Pull over to the side of the road as soon as possible to a safe location. 
2. Turn on your hazards and remain in the car. 
3. Call emergency services (911) if there are any injuries and if the deer is blocking traffic and creating a threat for other drivers.
4. Report the deer hit to the local game warden even if there is no emergency by calling the local non-emergency number for law enforcement.
5. Avoid contact with the animal as it may be frightened and could injure you. Remaining buckled in your car is the safest place for you to wait for help.
6. Document the incident by writing down details and taking pictures if it is safe to do so, and acquire witness statements. 
7. Contact your local agent to report a claim, report a claim online in your member account, or call Northern Neck Insurance to report your claim.

Graphic courtesy of wildvirginia.org

Do I have to call the police if I hit a deer?

Anyone in Virginia who is involved in a motor vehicle collision that kills a deer or bear should immediately report the accident to a Conservation Police Officer or other law enforcement officer in the county or city where the accident occurred. 

If the animal is in the road after the collision, it's important to protect other drivers from hitting it by having law enforcement remove it. If you are a hunter and can make use of the  animal, you may keep it for your own use, as long as you report the accident to a law enforcement officer. The officer will view the animal and provide a possession certificate.

What to do if you hit a deer and it runs away

If you think or know you hit a deer but do not see it afterwards, pull over in a safe location as soon as possible and check your car for damage. Take pictures — you may decide to file an insurance claim. Consider calling a local non-emergency law enforcement to alert them of the incident. They may be able to find the injured animal and humanely care for it. As long as your car is not severely damaged, you can drive away.

Sources:

https://dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/deer/faq/#:~:text=Any%20person%20who%20is%20involved,the%20person%20a%20possession%20certificate

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title29.1/chapter5/section29.1-539/

https://dwr.virginia.gov/blog/drivers-stay-alert-deer-are-on-the-move/

https://wildvirginia.org/

THE NORTHERN NECK INSURANCE INTEGRITY PROMISE — We pledge to provide straight talk and good counsel from our NNINS Virginia insurance experts through our blog. While we hope you find this to be a helpful source of information, it does not replace the guidance of a licensed insurance professional, nor does it modify the terms of your Northern Neck Insurance policy in any way. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy.