You’re driving late at night down a dark, rural road, when a deer seems to suddenly appear out of nowhere. The resulting accident will likely result in the death of the animal, thousands of dollars in damages, and serious injuries if your vehicle swerves off the road. While your auto insurance policy might pay to repair your vehicle, a little extra care during National Give Wildlife a Brake! Week, from October 28th to November 3rd, can prevent some of these unfortunate accidents from occurring in the first place.

Does Auto Insurance Cover Animal Accidents?

If you have comprehensive coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, the damage will likely be covered. These policies pay for damages caused by factors that occur when you aren’t driving, like hailstorms and theft, as well as accidents caused by deer, bears, and other animals. Generally, lenders require anyone with a loan on a vehicle to carry both comprehensive and collision auto insurance coverage.

How to Avoid Animal Accidents

While some accidents involving animals simply can’t be avoided, slowing down in dark areas can give you more time to respond to the unexpected. This is especially important during the fall, when deer are crossing roads looking for mates and food in the middle of the night. If you do come upon an animal in the road, do not panic or swerve to avoid an accident. In many cases, losing control of the vehicle results in more severe injuries and property damage than you would have suffered otherwise.

For over 60 years, Siemers Insurance Agency, LLC has been helping you protect your future, with a comprehensive range of insurance products to drivers throughout the Greater Cincinnati area. As an independent agency, they work with several of the industry’s leading auto insurance providers, giving them an extensive selection of policies to choose from. Visit their website for more on their auto insurance services, follow their Facebook for news and updates, or call (513) 469-8877 to request your free quote.