An animal can cause a surprising amount of damage to your car. (And the larger the animal, the greater the damage.) But if your auto insurance policy includes
Comprehensive Coverage, repairs will be covered once you’ve paid your
deductible.
Knowing how to avoid this type of encounter can also help keep your costs (and damage) down. Here are some important things to keep in mind:
- Most animals cross roadways at dawn, dusk, or during the night. Reduce your speed, and increase your alertness at these times, especially in rural areas: expect the unexpected.
- Use your high beams whenever possible. The bright light can sometimes reveal wildlife as the light reflects from an animal’s eyes.
- If an animal bounds or suddenly runs in front of you, brake first, swerve later. Swerving can sometimes cause an animal to mirror your movements.
- Most animals travel in small groups or pairs. So if you see one animal, know that others may be close by. Stay alert.
If you accidentally hit an animal while driving, do not touch the animal, and immediately alert the proper authorities (your highway patrol, police, or state troopers; as well as animal control). In many areas, hitting an animal and leaving the scene is considered animal cruelty, and can incur serious fines and possible imprisonment.