Deer Vehicle Collisions Total More than 1.6 Million Per Year

If you’re still thinking about skimping on your car insurance, know that there are more than 1.6 million deer-vehicle collisions each year, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

And though the number of miles driven by U.S. motorists over the past five years increased just two percent, the number of deer-vehicle collisions during that time has jumped by 10 times that amount.

State Farm actually estimated that there were 2.3 million collisions between deer and vehicles during the two-year period between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2010, a 21.1 percent increase from five years earlier.

This has to do with urban sprawl and a growing deer population.

The average insurance claim for a deer-vehicle collision is $3,100, up 1.7 percent from a year ago.

These collisions led to 200 fatalities, tens of thousands of injuries, and over $3.6 billion in vehicle property damage.

And if you opt for minimum auto insurance, which only includes liability car insurance, you won’t be covered in the event you collide with a deer.

Take note that the optional comprehensive coverage portion, not the collision insurance portion, of an automobile insurance policy, covers damage caused by an accident with a deer or another animal.

Comprehensive car insurance covers nearly everything except collision, including fire, theft, vandalism, malicious damage, riot, flood, earthquake or explosion, hail, windstorm, falling or flying objects, damage due to contact with a bird or animal and sometimes, and even windshield damage in some cases.

If you’re unclear what type of auto insurance coverage you have, contact your insurance company or an independent agent.

Learn more about so-called deer insurance.