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What Happens If You Hit an Animal With Your Car?

By October 20, 2026No Comments

What Happens If You Hit an Animal? A Central Ohio Driver’s Guide

If you live in Central Ohio, chances are you’ve seen a deer standing near the road or darting across your path—especially during the fall months. While deer are the animals most commonly involved in vehicle collisions, drivers may also encounter raccoons, coyotes, dogs, or other wildlife.

Hitting an animal can be a frightening experience, and it’s natural to wonder what to do next and whether your auto insurance will help cover the damage.

Here’s what every Ohio driver should know.

Stay Calm and Put Safety First

If you hit an animal, your first priority is safety.

If your vehicle is drivable and it’s safe to do so:

  • Pull over to a safe location away from traffic.

  • Turn on your hazard lights.

  • Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.

  • Call 911 if anyone is injured.

If your vehicle cannot be moved safely, remain inside if traffic conditions make it dangerous to exit and call for assistance.

Don’t Approach the Animal

Even if an animal appears injured or unconscious, do not approach it.

Wild animals can become aggressive when frightened or hurt, and even domestic animals may react unpredictably.

If the animal is blocking traffic or appears to be a danger to others, contact local law enforcement or animal control for assistance.

Document the Accident

If it’s safe, take photos of:

  • Damage to your vehicle

  • The accident scene

  • The animal, if it’s safe to do so

  • Road conditions

  • Any skid marks or debris

These photos can be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim.

Should You Call the Police?

In Ohio, it’s often a good idea to notify law enforcement after striking a deer or another large animal, especially if:

  • There are injuries.

  • Your vehicle has significant damage.

  • The animal is creating a hazard in the roadway.

  • The accident involves someone else’s property.

A police report can also be helpful when filing an insurance claim.

Will My Auto Insurance Cover the Damage?

The answer depends on the type of coverage you carry.

Comprehensive Coverage

In most cases, comprehensive coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle caused by striking a deer or another animal, subject to your deductible, policy limits, and the terms of your policy.

Comprehensive coverage is designed to protect against losses that are generally outside of your control, including:

  • Deer collisions

  • Falling objects

  • Fire

  • Theft

  • Vandalism

  • Hail

  • Windstorm

  • Flooding

If you only carry liability coverage, damage to your own vehicle from hitting an animal is generally not covered.

Liability Coverage

Liability insurance helps pay for injuries or property damage you cause to others. It does not pay to repair your own vehicle after hitting an animal.

What If I Swerve to Avoid an Animal?

Many drivers instinctively swerve to avoid wildlife, but doing so can sometimes lead to more serious accidents.

For example, swerving could result in:

  • Hitting another vehicle

  • Leaving the roadway

  • Striking a utility pole or tree

  • Rolling your vehicle

The way an accident occurs may affect which parts of your auto insurance policy apply. Every claim is evaluated based on the facts of the accident and the terms of your policy.

If you encounter an animal unexpectedly, it’s generally safest to brake firmly while maintaining control of your vehicle whenever possible.

Deer Season in Central Ohio

Central Ohio experiences an increase in deer activity during the fall, particularly from October through December, when deer are more active during breeding season.

To reduce your risk:

  • Slow down on rural roads and wooded areas.

  • Watch for deer crossing signs.

  • Scan both sides of the road, especially at dawn and dusk.

  • If you see one deer, expect others to follow.

  • Wear your seat belt every trip.

Being alert can help you react more safely if wildlife enters the roadway.

Filing an Insurance Claim

If your vehicle is damaged, report the claim to your insurance company or your insurance agent as soon as practical.

Be prepared to provide:

  • The date and location of the accident

  • Photos of the damage

  • A description of what happened

  • A police report, if one was completed

An adjuster will review the loss and explain the next steps in the claims process.

Is Comprehensive Coverage Worth It?

Many drivers think comprehensive coverage is only for newer vehicles. However, if a deer collision would create a financial hardship, comprehensive coverage may provide valuable protection.

The right decision depends on factors such as:

  • Your vehicle’s value

  • Your deductible

  • Your budget

  • Your ability to pay for repairs out of pocket

Reviewing your options with your insurance agent can help you determine whether comprehensive coverage makes sense for your situation.

We’re Here to Help Central Ohio Drivers

Wildlife collisions are an unfortunate reality for many Ohio drivers, but understanding your coverage before an accident happens can make the recovery process much less stressful.

At Keystone Insurance Agency, we’re proud to help drivers throughout Central Ohio understand their auto insurance and choose coverage that fits their needs. Whether you live in Columbus, Delaware, Dublin, Gahanna, Grove City, Hilliard, Lewis Center, Marysville, New Albany, Pickerington, Powell, Sunbury, Upper Arlington, Westerville, Worthington, or a surrounding community, our team is here to answer your questions and help protect what matters most.

If you’d like to review your current auto insurance or find out whether you have the coverage you need for unexpected events like animal collisions, contact us today. We’re happy to help.