Auto Insurance

Auto Insurance May Not Cover Collisions With Deer

Dear Action Line: My daughter hit a deer standing in the highway on her way back from college and now her insurance company refuses to cover it, saying it is not included in her auto liability coverage. What kind of policy doesn't cover such an accident? My daughter wasn't at fault -- the deer was. -- D.A.D., Tulsa.

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation figures on past deer populations, based on deer harvests during the state's 16-day deer gun season -- and the recent mild, damp summers of 2007 and 2008 -- suggest our deer population could exceed 500,000. And they can weigh over 300 pounds and don't wear reflective shoes at night.

The Council of Better Business Bureaus and the Insurance Information Institute say few people ever read their auto insurance policies and don't know what their coverage includes. But insured drivers whose cars are damaged in auto-deer collisions may be covered for more than they think -- if they still have "comprehensive" coverage and haven't given it up to save money with the gecko.

With deer migration and mating season coming October through December, the two groups recommend drivers read their auto insurance policies closely to understand the difference between "comprehensive" and "collision" coverage. The two most common ways the "save a bundle on car insurance" hawkers reduce the cost of your vehicle insurance are talking you into dropping comprehensive or collision or both.

Most people are surprised to learn their "collision" insurance doesn't cover "collision with a deer" but that their "comprehensive" coverage does. It covers deer impacts and most other circumstances that can damage a car or cause it to disappear.

The nonprofit Institute says, on average, deer-vehicle collisions cost $2,800 per insurance claim or $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. In addition, most auto insurance policies do not automatically cover the cost of a replacement rental car after an accident," said an institute consumer alert.

"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 I.I.I. "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 should also determine whether they have "gap coverage." If their cars are totaled, gap coverage prevents their continuing payments on the balance owed on their cars. It pays the difference between the amount the insurer pays for the totaled car and the amount they owe on leases or loans.

Both the institute and bureau advise drivers to take a few minutes annually to review their policies or talk to their insurance agents to make sure they have the coverage they want and need. Knowing as much as possible about your coverage is the best way to ensure you get your money's worth