A deer can appear in the road with almost no warning. In Georgia, that risk becomes more noticeable in the fall as deer movement increases during breeding season and morning and evening commutes often overlap with the hours deer are most active.
Georgia's Department of Natural Resources says deer mating season occurs between October and early December. Deer are especially active around dawn and dusk — the same times many people are driving to and from work.
That makes early fall a good time to review two things: how to reduce your chance of a collision and what your auto insurance would do if one happens.
When are deer collisions more likely in Georgia?
Deer collisions can happen any time of year, but fall is a peak period for deer movement. During mating season, deer travel more and may cross roads unexpectedly.
A few situations deserve extra attention:
- Dawn and dusk: Deer are especially active during low-light hours.
- Deer-crossing areas: Slow down when signs warn of frequent wildlife activity.
- After you see one deer: Deer often travel in groups, so another may be close behind.
The safest approach is simple: reduce speed when conditions call for it, stay focused on the road and give yourself more time to react.
Should you swerve to avoid a deer?
Usually, no.
Georgia DNR advises drivers to slow down as much as possible and resist the urge to swerve if a collision is unavoidable. Swerving can send a vehicle into another lane, off the road or into a fixed object — potentially turning a deer strike into a more serious crash.
Brake firmly, stay in your lane when you can do so safely and keep control of the vehicle.
What should you do after hitting a deer?
First, take care of people before worrying about the vehicle.
- Move to a safe location if possible. Turn on your hazard lights and get out of the flow of traffic when the vehicle can be moved safely.
- Call 911 if anyone is injured or the crash creates a roadway hazard. Local law enforcement can also help with traffic control and the animal.
- Do not approach an injured deer. A frightened or injured animal can move suddenly and cause serious injury.
- Document the scene. Take photos of the vehicle damage, roadway and surrounding conditions when it is safe to do so.
- Contact your insurance company or agent. Keep your photos and any police report available for the claim.
If the vehicle is not safe to drive, arrange for towing rather than trying to continue the trip.
Does comprehensive insurance cover hitting a deer?
Damage from directly striking an animal, including a deer, is generally handled under comprehensive auto coverage when that coverage is carried, subject to the policy terms and deductible. Georgia law does not require physical-damage coverage such as comprehensive or collision, although a lender or leasing company may require it on a financed or leased vehicle.
That distinction matters because the liability coverage Georgia requires is designed to pay for injuries or property damage you cause to others; it does not provide physical-damage coverage for your own vehicle after a deer strike.
If you are not sure whether a vehicle carries comprehensive coverage, check before you need it. Families sometimes remove physical-damage coverage from older vehicles without remembering exactly what was changed.
What if you swerve and hit something else?
The answer can be different.
A direct impact with a deer is generally handled under comprehensive coverage when carried. If you swerve and hit a tree, guardrail, mailbox or another vehicle, collision coverage may apply to damage to your vehicle instead, depending on the policy and facts of the loss.
That is another reason safety experts advise drivers to avoid a sudden swerve when a deer appears.
Coverage still depends on the policy, deductible and facts of the loss, so contact your insurance company or agent after an accident rather than trying to classify the claim yourself.
A quick fall auto-insurance check
Before deer activity increases, take a few minutes to review each household vehicle:
- Does it have comprehensive coverage?
- What is the comprehensive deductible?
- Does an older vehicle still have the physical-damage coverage you expect?
- Is your insurance company's claims number saved somewhere easy to find?
- Do young or newer drivers in the household know what to do after an accident?
You do not need to make a coverage change simply because fall is here. The goal is to know what you already have before an unexpected animal collision happens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time of day are deer most active in Georgia?
Deer are especially active around dawn and dusk. Georgia DNR notes that these periods often overlap with morning and evening commuting hours.
What months are deer collisions most common in Georgia?
Fall is a peak period for deer movement. Georgia DNR says mating season generally occurs from October into early December, which can bring more deer across roadways.
Does liability insurance cover damage to my car if I hit a deer?
No. Liability coverage is designed to pay for injuries or property damage you cause to others. Damage to your own vehicle from contact with an animal is generally handled under optional comprehensive coverage.
Is hitting a deer considered a collision claim?
A direct impact with a deer is generally handled under comprehensive coverage. If you swerve and strike another vehicle or object, collision coverage may apply instead.
Should I call the police after hitting a deer?
Georgia DNR advises alerting police after a deer collision. Call 911 right away if anyone is injured or the crash creates an immediate roadway hazard. If everyone is safe and the situation is not an emergency, follow local law-enforcement guidance for reporting the collision.
Prepare Before You See Deer in the Headlights
Most drivers will never be able to prevent every wildlife encounter. But slowing down, staying alert and understanding your auto coverage can make a difficult situation easier to handle.
Cowart Insurance Agency has served Georgia families since 1976. If you are unsure whether your vehicles carry comprehensive coverage or what deductible applies, our team can help you review your current auto policy and explain your options in plain language.
Review your auto coverage before you need it.
Source:
https://www.cowartinsurance.co...