SCC Encourages Virginia Drivers to Be Mindful of Deer on Roadways This Fall

RICHMOND - Autumn means falling leaves and shorter periods of daylight. It also brings an increase in vehicle collisions with deer.

Deer mating and migration that typically occur this time of year contribute to an increase in vehicle-deer crashes. In fact, November is the peak month for insurance claims related to vehicle collisions with deer. The State Corporation Commission's (SCC's) Bureau of Insurance reminds motorists to stay alert for deer when driving on Virginia's roadways.

"Even the most careful driver is at risk of colliding with a deer, which can leap into a roadway with no warning," said Virginia Insurance Commissioner Scott White. "As fall arrives, ask your insurance agent or company to find out if your automobile policy provides coverage for claims involving a crash with deer or other wildlife."

Insurance policies with liability-only coverage may not cover damage to your auto if it strikes a deer. Collisions with deer typically fall under optional "other-than-collision" (or "comprehensive") coverage. In addition to deer crashes, other-than-collision coverage often covers other types of damage to your vehicle such as damage resulting from theft, wind, hail, flood, fire or vandalism.

Eliminating distractions in your vehicle and lowering your travel speed may help prevent a crash with deer. If a deer runs out in the road, drivers should stay in their lane and brake as carefully as possible. While jarring, striking a deer is often safer for the driver and vehicle occupants than swerving sharply, which may cause loss of control, creating additional peril for you and your vehicle as well as putting surrounding vehicles and their occupants at risk.

If your vehicle strikes a deer, notify law enforcement as soon as possible. If you plan to file an insurance claim, notify your insurance company and take photos of the scene of the crash when safe to do so, as well as damage to the vehicle. If you notice fluids leaking from your vehicle, damaged tires, broken lights or other damage, call a tow truck.

The Bureau of Insurance stands ready to assist Virginians with their questions regarding auto and many other types of insurance. For more information, call the Bureau at 1-877-310-6560 or in Richmond at 804-371-9741 or visit scc.virginia.gov/pages/Insurance.

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Contact: Jordan Bondurant, 804-371-9141

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