Will my car insurance cover hitting a deer?

Core Insights - Over 1 million car accidents involving deer occur annually, with significant financial implications and risks to wildlife and human safety [1][4] Group 1: Risks of Hitting a Deer - State Farm estimates over 1.7 million U.S. car insurance claims for animal collisions, primarily involving deer, from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025 [2] - The average U.S. driver has a 1 in 139 chance of hitting an animal, with the highest risks in West Virginia (1 in 40), Montana (1 in 53), and Wisconsin (1 in 58) [2] Group 2: Timing and Conditions - The likelihood of deer collisions peaks in November, October, and December, with the most dangerous times being from sunset to midnight and near dawn [3] Group 3: Costs of Collisions - From 2020 to 2023, 789 fatalities occurred due to vehicle-animal crashes, highlighting the human toll of these incidents [4] - The average cost of an animal-vehicle claim in the AAA East Central region was reported at $5,620 in 2024 [5] Group 4: Insurance Coverage - Comprehensive car insurance covers damage from animal collisions, while collision insurance applies to accidents involving other vehicles or objects [7][8] - Full coverage car insurance, which includes comprehensive and collision insurance, is essential for protection against deer collisions [18] Group 5: Preventive Measures - Drivers are advised to stay alert, especially during peak deer activity times, and to use high beams in low-traffic areas to enhance visibility [21]