Hit a Deer? Your Complete Guide to What to Do Next

Hitting a deer is scary. One second you are driving home, and the next you hear a loud thud. Your heart races, and you are not sure what to do next.

You are not alone. Deer collisions happen most often in the fall, from October through December. That is mating season, and deer move around more. They are most active at dawn and dusk, when it is hard to see.

This guide walks you through every step. You will learn how to stay safe, what photos to take, who to call, how insurance usually works, and what damage to look for.

What should I do right after I hit a deer?

Stay calm and put safety first. Follow these steps:

Pull over safely. Move to the shoulder or a safe spot if you can. Turn on your hazard lights.
Check for injuries. Check yourself and your passengers. Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
Stay in your car if the road is busy. Other drivers may not see you, especially at night.
Do not touch the deer. An injured deer can kick and cause serious harm. Keep your distance, even if it looks dead.
Do not try to move the deer off the road unless police tell you to. Let them handle it.
Check if your car is safe to drive. Look for leaking fluids, broken lights, a loose hood, or a bent wheel. If you are not sure, call for a tow.

Tip: Never swerve to avoid a deer. Swerving can send you into another car, a tree, or a ditch. That is often more dangerous than hitting the deer. Brake firmly, hold the wheel straight, and stay in your lane.

Who should I contact after hitting a deer?

You may need to make a few calls. Here is who to contact and why:

Police. Call 911 if anyone is hurt or the deer is blocking the road. For other cases, call the local or state police non-emergency line. A police report makes your insurance claim easier. Some states require a report when damage is over a certain amount or the car cannot be driven.
Your insurance company. Call them or use their app as soon as you can. Many insurers have a 24-hour claims line.
A tow company. Call one if your car is not safe to drive. Your insurance policy may include roadside help.
A collision repair shop you trust. You have the right to choose your own shop. You do not have to use the one your insurer suggests.
Your state’s game or wildlife agency. Contact them if you want to keep the deer. Many states require a permit or tag first.

What photos should I take after hitting a deer?

Photos help prove your claim. Take them before you move your car, if it is safe. Use your phone to capture:

All damage to your car. Take close-up and wide shots from several angles.
The whole car. Get one photo of each side so the damage shows in context.
The deer, from a safe distance. This proves an animal caused the damage.
Deer hair, blood, or marks on your bumper, grille, or hood.
The scene. Capture the road, the area where it happened, and any skid marks.
Road signs or mile markers that show your location.
Any injuries to you or your passengers.

Also write down the date, time, and exact location while it is fresh in your mind.

What damage does a deer collision usually cause?

A full-grown deer can weigh 100 to 300 pounds. At highway speed, that can do real damage. Most damage hits the front of the car.

Common visible damage

Cracked or crushed front bumper
Broken headlights or fog lights
Bent or cracked grille
Dented hood or fenders
Cracked windshield
Broken side mirrors

Hidden damage to check for

Some of the worst damage is behind the bumper. You may not see it at all. A repair shop should check:

Radiator and cooling system. A leak here can make your engine overheat.
A/C condenser. It sits in front of the radiator and bends easily.
Safety sensors and cameras. Many cars have sensors in the bumper or grille for features like automatic braking and adaptive cruise control. These need testing and often recalibration after a hit.
Bumper brackets and supports. Bent supports can weaken your car in a future crash.
Frame or unibody damage. Hard hits can bend the structure of your car.
Wheel alignment and suspension. Watch for pulling to one side or a shaking steering wheel.

Warning: Do not drive far if you see steam, smell coolant, or see a warning light. You could cause engine damage that costs much more to fix.

How does insurance handle a deer collision?

In most cases, hitting a deer falls under comprehensive coverage, not collision coverage. Comprehensive covers damage you could not control, like animals, hail, and falling trees.

How the claim process usually works

You report the claim to your insurer.
An adjuster reviews the damage, or you send photos through the insurer’s app.
You choose a repair shop.
The shop writes an estimate and works with your insurer.
If the shop finds hidden damage during repairs, it sends the insurer a “supplement” for the extra work.
Repairs finish, and you pay your deductible at pickup.

Does it matter if I swerved?

Yes. If you swerved and hit a tree, guardrail, or another car, insurers often treat it as a collision claim instead. Collision claims can count as at-fault and may raise your rates. This is another reason not to swerve.

What if I only have liability insurance?

Liability-only policies do not pay for damage to your own car. You would pay for repairs yourself.

Will my rates go up?

Comprehensive claims are usually not counted as at-fault. Many drivers see little or no rate increase. Still, every insurer and state is different, so ask your agent.

How much will I pay?

You will pay your comprehensive deductible. The insurance company pays the rest of the covered repair cost.

Frequently asked questions

Is my car safe to drive after hitting a deer?

It depends on the damage. Do not drive if your lights do not work, fluid is leaking, the hood will not latch, or a warning light is on. When in doubt, get a tow.

Can I wait to fix the damage?

It is not a good idea. Hidden damage to your radiator or sensors can get worse. Your insurer may also have a deadline for filing a claim.

Do I have to use the shop my insurance recommends?

No. You have the right to choose any repair shop you want.

How can I avoid hitting a deer?

Slow down at dawn and dusk, especially in the fall.
Watch for deer crossing signs.
Use high beams when no cars are coming.
If you see one deer, expect more. Deer often travel in groups.

Hit a deer? Let Conestoga Collision get you back on the road

A deer collision is stressful, but the repair process does not have to be. At Conestoga Collision, we fix deer damage every season. We know where hidden damage hides, and we check every system before we hand back your keys.

Remember, you have the right to choose your repair shop. Choose a team that puts your safety first.

Contact us today for a free estimate. We will help you take the next step with confidence.