Coverage: Comprehensive
Severity: High Risk
What to Do If You Hit a Deer in Upstate NY
A deer strike on I-87, I-90, or dark local roads can cause severe damage in a fraction of a second. This guide explains the immediate steps to take, how comprehensive insurance applies, and why hidden structural damage requires certified repair.
The Fast Answer: Handling a Deer Collision
If you hit a deer, immediately pull over safely, turn on your hazard lights, and call local police to file a report (required by most insurers in New York). Do not approach the animal. Document the vehicle damage with photos and contact your insurance provider to file a comprehensive claim. Finally, have your vehicle towed or driven to an I-CAR certified collision center like VIVE Collision of Albany to check for hidden structural and mechanical damage.
Immediate Steps at the Scene of a Wildlife Strike
Safety is your top priority following an animal collision. Acting methodically protects you and streamlines the insurance process.
- Move to safety: Pull your vehicle to the shoulder or a safe side street away from active highway traffic. Turn on your hazard lights immediately.
- Call local authorities: Dial 911 or the local police non-emergency line. A formal police report documents the incident as a wildlife strike, which is crucial for New York insurance claims.
- Stay away from the animal: A wounded deer is highly unpredictable and can cause severe injury. Let animal control or law enforcement handle the animal.
- Document the damage: If it is safe to exit your vehicle, take clear photos of the damage, the road conditions, and the surrounding area.
- Assess drivability: Look for leaking fluids (especially coolant), rubbing tires, or deployed airbags. If any of these are present, the vehicle is unsafe to drive and requires a tow.
Will Insurance Cover a Deer Collision?
Navigating the insurance claims process in New York is much easier when you understand how wildlife collisions are classified.
Comprehensive vs. Collision
Hitting an animal is almost universally categorized as a comprehensive claim, also known as “other than collision.” It is treated as an unavoidable act of nature, provided you actually hit the animal (swerving and hitting a tree is usually a collision claim).
Will My Rates Go Up?
Because it falls under comprehensive coverage, filing a deer strike claim typically does not raise your baseline auto insurance rates in the same way an at-fault accident would. You will only be responsible for your comprehensive deductible.
Choosing Your Shop
New York State law guarantees your right to choose your collision repair facility. You are not required to use the insurance company’s “preferred” Direct Repair Program (DRP) shop. You can demand certified, OEM-standard repairs from a facility you trust.
The Certified Repair Process at VIVE Collision of Albany
When your vehicle arrives at our Capital Region facility, we do not simply replace the bumper. We perform a comprehensive structural and electronic restoration to guarantee factory safety standards.
- Detailed Blueprinting: We disassemble the front end to uncover broken clips, bent brackets, and severed wiring harnesses before finalizing the repair plan with your insurer.
- Structural Alignment: We utilize advanced computerized 3D measuring systems to return your vehicle’s core structure to exact millimeter manufacturer specifications.
- OEM Paint Matching: We use digital color-matching technology and factory-grade finishes for a seamless repair that blends perfectly with your original paint.
- Mandatory ADAS Recalibration: Before returning the keys, we recalibrate all front-facing sensors to ensure your vehicle’s safety network operates flawlessly.
Trust Your Repairs to VIVE Collision of Albany
Don’t leave your family’s safety to chance after a wildlife strike. Our I-CAR certified technicians in Albany work directly with all major insurance carriers to ensure your vehicle is restored accurately, safely, and completely. Book your estimate today.