By Doug Erwin, Founder and Director of Personal Lines, Advanced Insurance Solutions · Updated October 26, 2026

Quick tip from Doug: Before deer season peaks, make sure every car on your policy has comprehensive coverage. That's the part of your policy that usually pays when you hit a deer, not collision. And if a deer steps into your path, brake firmly and stay in your lane, because swerving into a tree or another car usually turns it into a collision claim that's more likely to count as at fault. Pennsylvania drivers file more animal collision claims than drivers in any other state, so it's worth a quick check now.

If you've lived in Central Pennsylvania for more than a few autumns, you probably know someone who's hit a deer. Maybe it's you. Maybe it was your neighbor on the way home from work on Route 322, or your cousin coming back from Gettysburg after dark.

There's a reason it feels so common. According to State Farm's latest data, covering July 2025 through June 2026, Pennsylvania drivers had about a 1 in 64 chance of an animal collision, the fourth-highest odds in the country. Pennsylvania also had the most estimated animal collision claims of any state, roughly 141,000 in a single year.

From our offices in Hershey and York, we've spent 26 years helping drivers across Dauphin, Lebanon, Cumberland, Lancaster, York and Adams Counties, plus Harford, Baltimore and Carroll Counties in northern Maryland, sort out exactly this kind of claim. Here's what you need to know.

Which part of my car insurance covers hitting a deer?

Most of the time, it's comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive is the part of an auto policy that covers damage that doesn't come from crashing into another car or object, things like theft, hail, falling trees, a cracked windshield, and yes, animals.

So if a deer runs into the road and you hit it, the damage to your car is usually a comprehensive claim. You pay your comprehensive deductible (the part you pay before coverage kicks in), and your policy helps with the rest of the repair, up to your vehicle's value.

Here's the catch: comprehensive is optional. If you only carry liability coverage, which pays for damage you cause to other people, there's usually no coverage for damage to your own car after a deer strike. That's common on older, paid-off vehicles, so it's worth a quick look at your declarations page.

What if I swerve to miss the deer and hit something else?

This is the part that surprises people. If you swerve and hit a tree, a guardrail, a mailbox or another car, the damage is typically handled under collision coverage instead, because you collided with an object. Collision claims are more likely to be treated as at-fault accidents.

That's why safety experts, including State Farm, say the same thing: if a deer steps into your path, brake firmly and stay in your lane. Swerving can cause you to lose control, leave the road, or cross into oncoming traffic. Hitting the deer is frustrating; a rollover or head-on crash is far worse.

Will hitting a deer raise my insurance rates?

Usually less than an at-fault accident. Many insurance companies treat comprehensive claims, like animal strikes, differently from crashes where you're found at fault. Still, every company has its own rules, and a history of several claims of any kind can affect your premium at renewal. If you're unsure whether to file a small claim, give us a call and we'll walk through it with you.

When are deer collisions most likely in Central PA?

Fall is peak season. Deer become much more active in autumn during the rut, their breeding season, when bucks travel farther and chase does across roads. The Pennsylvania Game Commission notes that deer are most active from dusk to dawn, which is exactly when many of us are driving to and from work.

That timing gets worse once daylight saving time ends on Sunday, November 1. Suddenly the evening commute happens in the dark, right during deer's most active hours.

How can I avoid hitting a deer?

Slow down where deer cross. Take "Deer Crossing" signs seriously, especially on rural roads, wooded stretches and near farm fields.

Watch the edges at dawn and dusk. Scan the shoulders and tree lines, and use your high beams when there's no oncoming traffic.

Expect more than one. Deer often travel in groups. If one crosses, the Game Commission warns that another could be right behind it.

Brake, don't swerve. Brake firmly, stay in your lane and hold the wheel steady.

Buckle up. Seat belts matter in every crash, including the ones you didn't see coming.

What should I do after hitting a deer?

First, take a breath. It's startling, but a few simple steps make things easier.

Get to safety. Pull over if you can, turn on your hazard lights and stay in the car if traffic is heavy.

Keep your distance from the deer. An injured deer can be dangerous. Don't try to move or help it.

Call the police if anyone is hurt or the car isn't safe to drive. A police report can also be helpful for your claim.

Take photos. Photograph the damage to your car, the scene and the road. Note the location and time.

Call us or your insurance company. We'll help you start the claim and find a repair shop. Don't drive the car if lights, the hood latch or the radiator are damaged.

If you'd like to keep the deer, Pennsylvania residents can claim a deer killed in a collision by calling the Game Commission region office for that county within 24 hours to get a free permit number. To report a dead deer on a state road for removal, you can call PennDOT at 1-800-FIX-ROAD.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to report hitting a deer to the Pennsylvania Game Commission?

According to the Game Commission, drivers aren't required to report a deer collision. You only need to call if you want to keep the deer, which requires a free permit number obtained within 24 hours.

Is hitting a deer considered an at-fault accident?

Usually not. Hitting an animal is typically a comprehensive claim. But if you swerve and hit something else, the claim usually falls under collision and may be treated as at fault. Policies vary, so check with your agent.

What if I only have liability coverage?

Liability coverage pays for damage you cause to other people and their property, not your own car. Without comprehensive coverage, damage to your vehicle from a deer strike usually isn't covered.

Does car insurance cover a deer hitting my parked car?

Often, yes, under comprehensive coverage, since it's damage from an animal rather than a collision you caused. Your comprehensive deductible would usually apply.

Should I raise my comprehensive deductible to save money?

It can lower your premium, but in a state with this many deer claims, make sure the deductible is an amount you could comfortably pay on short notice. We can show you the price difference between deductible options.

Make sure you're covered before the rut peaks

A two-minute review can tell you whether each of your vehicles has comprehensive coverage and whether your deductible still makes sense. Because we represent more than 20 insurance companies, we can also compare how each one prices your coverage. Request an auto quote or call us at 717-533-0252 (Hershey) or 717-845-1500 (York). Neighbors are always welcome to stop by our Hershey office on West Chocolate Avenue or our York office on South Queen Street.

Sources: State Farm: 20 Years of Animal Collision Data · Pennsylvania Game Commission: Deer on the Move, Motorists Use Caution

Coverage, deductibles and rating rules vary by insurance company and policy. This article is general information, not a coverage guarantee. Talk with a licensed agent about your specific vehicles and policy.