Whether you’re driving during the day or night, in the city or in the suburbs, deer can unexpectedly hop out of the most unpredictable areas. In fact, according to estimates reported by MSNBC News, deer lead to nearly 1.5 million vehicle collisions and accidents each year-resulting in over a billion dollars in vehicular-related damages. As an encounter with a deer can result in incredibly dangerous, hazardous, and expensive troubles, many drivers fear the impact that deer-related accidents could have on their insurance rates. Notably, as November is often the month in which the greatest number of deer-related accidents occur, officials are reminding drivers to drive with even greater care!
Damage, Deer, and Devastation
According to industry experts, there is no sure fire way to avoid a collision with a deer. As deer often roam the woods and rural areas during the evening and / or early morning hours, visibility is often quite limited as these creatures roam their surroundings. As a result, there are very few visual techniques that can eliminate the dangers of deer in roads; similarly, while there are various vehicle tools, such as deer whistles or other devices designed to repel deer from sprinting in front of a car, evidence supporting the effectiveness of such devices is still debated.
Ultimately, since there is little one can do to prevent the unanticipated shock of a deer bolting before the vehicle, many insurance experts simply advocate the commonly encouraged safe driving habits, including reduced speed, elimination of distractions while driving, and so forth.
Furthermore, as most insurance companies agree that deer-related collisions can occur to even the most skilled and talented of drivers, many companies do not raise a policy holder’s insurance rates if damage occurs from a deer-related accident. While each insurance company and individual policy has its own specific regulations and guidelines, the average full-coverage auto insurance policy allows drivers to simply pay their deductible in order to receive compensation for the costs of their vehicles repairs without punishing drivers with subsequently higher premium rates.
