Have Quality Auto Insurance in Place for Those Deer Encounters

Given that auto insurance is mandatory for individuals who hit the roads, it is important to have the right amount of coverage should you unfortunately have a one-on-one encounter with a popular animal.

According to auto insurance provider USAA, claims records show that animal-vehicle collisions went up seven percent from 2008 to 2009.

The data also notes that animal-vehicle accidents nationwide start trending upward in September, with November spiking as the most collision-prone month. Motorists should especially take notice given that deer mating season starts in the fall.

In 2009, 69 percent more claims were sent in for animal-vehicle accidents during the fall than in the spring. That percentage correlates with the height of the deer breeding/mating season. Also, wildlife experts note that deer populations have escalated as a result of predators and new housing developments in traditional wildlife territories.

As many unfortunate motorists come to learn, collisions with animals are expensive, leading to an average claim of $2,886 in 2009, according to USAA. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) notes that the number of people killed from collisions with animals increased nearly 19 percent from 2001 to 2008, from 177 to 210.

According to a spokesperson with USAA, the study findings remind motorists to be extra aware of deer during the fall, especially during the dawn and dusk hours when they are searching for food.

USAA data for 2009 shows the largest frequency rate of animal-vehicle collisions was in West Virginia. Following West Virginia, the next states were: South Dakota, Iowa, Montana, Michigan, Wyoming, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Mississippi.

According to advice from USAA, deer are most active at dawn and dusk, so drivers should be in a defensive mode during those hours. Drivers also need to remain off their cell phone and be buckled up.

USAA also recommends that drivers slow down when spotting deer crossing signs and be on the lookout for deer herds after seeing one deer; deer seldom travel alone. If you encounter deer, safety experts advise braking firmly and not swerving to avoid the animals. While drivers may think about using their high-beam headlights with a deer directly in front of them, it could cause a deer to stop in its tracks as opposed to running to safety.

Finally, if you hit a deer, do not exit the vehicle to inspect the animal as it could still be alive and cause injury. The best thing to do is contact local authorities if the animal is blocking traffic.

At the end of the day, make sure your auto policy is up to speed and will properly cover you should you and a deer or other sizeable animal make contact.