Deer Collision Truck Insurance: What to Do and What Usually Pays

Fall means deer season on Texas highways, and a deer collision can put a truck in the shop. According to the Insurance Information Institute, deer season generally runs from October through December. The same group notes that IIHS data show deaths from animal collisions happen most often in those months. Here is how to react if a deer steps out, and which part of a truck policy usually responds to the damage.

Why deer season matters to truckers

Rural highways in Texas cross ranch land, brush country and farm fields. Deer move a lot in the fall. Many drivers see them most at dusk, at night and at dawn, when light is low and they are hard to see.

A big truck will usually win against a deer, but the truck can still get hurt. A hit can break a grille, a headlight, a radiator, a hood or a fuel tank. The truck may need a tow and days in the shop. That is lost income for an owner-operator.

How to react if a deer steps out

Safety comes first. These are common tips from safety groups:

• Slow down in deer areas, especially at dusk and dawn and near yellow deer crossing signs.
• Use your high beams when there is no traffic coming toward you and it is legal where you are.
• Look for more than one. Deer often travel in groups. If you see one, others may follow.
• Brake firmly and stay in your lane. Do not swerve. A sudden swerve with a loaded trailer can cause a rollover, a jackknife or a crash with another vehicle. That is often worse than hitting the deer.
• Keep a safe following distance so you have room to stop.

After a deer collision with your truck

1. Pull over safely and turn on your hazard lights. Put out your warning triangles.
2. Check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is hurt or if the truck is blocking the road.
3. Stay away from the animal. An injured deer can kick and cause harm.
4. Take photos of the damage, the road, the area and the animal if it is safe.
5. Call your agent or your insurer quickly to report it. Follow the claim steps in your policy.
6. Keep records. Save tow bills, repair estimates and photos.

Our guide on truck insurance claim tips explains more about reporting a claim.

Deer collision truck insurance: which coverage usually responds

On most truck policies, damage to your own truck from hitting an animal falls under physical damage coverage. Physical damage is the part of a policy that covers your own truck and trailer, not other people. It is often split into two parts:

• Comprehensive. Usually covers damage that is not a crash with another vehicle, like fire, theft, hail and, on many policies, hitting an animal.
• Collision. Usually covers damage when your truck hits another vehicle or an object, or rolls over.

Every policy is different. Some list animal strikes under one part, some under another. There are also deductibles, which is the part of the loss you pay. And physical damage is optional. If you only carry liability, damage to your own truck may not be covered at all.

So check your own policy. Our physical damage coverage basics article explains this coverage in more detail.

Mistakes to avoid

• Swerving hard to miss a deer.
• Driving off without photos or a report.
• Assuming you are covered without reading your policy.
• Waiting days to report the damage.

When to call us

Not sure how your policy treats a deer hit? Call TCZ Insurance Agency at 956-526-6727. We will go over your physical damage coverage with you before you need it.

Common questions

Is hitting a deer a collision claim or a comprehensive claim? It depends on the policy. Many policies treat it under comprehensive, but some do not. Read your policy or ask your agent.

Will a deer hit count against my record? Each insurance company has its own rules about how claims are treated. Ask your agent how your insurer looks at animal strikes.

What if I swerved, missed the deer and hit a guardrail? That is usually handled as a collision, because the truck hit an object. That is one more reason safety groups say not to swerve. Check your policy for details.