Does National General Insurance car insurance cover damage caused by a deer or other wildlife?
Does National General Insurance car insurance provide coverage for damage caused by deer or other wildlife? Find out what is covered and what is not in this comprehensive guide.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Michael Vereecke
Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist
Michael Vereecke is the president of Customers First Insurance Group. He has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. He also carries a Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS) Designation, providing him the expertise to spot holes in businesses’ coverage. Since 2009, he has worked with many insurance providers, giving him unique insight into the insurance market, differences in ...
Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist
UPDATED: Aug 7, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our car insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different car insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about car insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything car insurance-related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by car insurance experts.
UPDATED: Aug 7, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our car insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different car insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
Are you one of the many drivers who have had their car damaged by a deer or other wildlife while driving? If so, you may be wondering whether your National General Insurance car insurance policy covers this type of damage. In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of National General Insurance’s coverage for animal-related accidents, including how to protect yourself against wildlife damage, what types of damages are covered, and how to file a claim if your car has been damaged by a deer or other wildlife.
Understanding The Coverage Of National General Insurance Car Insurance
First things first: It’s important to understand what type of coverage you have with your National General Insurance car insurance policy. At a minimum, you are required to have liability insurance, which covers damages that you may cause to other people’s property or injuries they may sustain in an accident for which you are at fault. However, liability insurance does not cover damages to your own vehicle.
In addition, you may have collision insurance, which covers damages to your car in the event of an accident. However, collision insurance does not cover damages caused by incidents such as hitting a deer or another type of animal.
So, if you want to be protected against animal-related accidents, you’ll need to add comprehensive coverage to your policy.
Comprehensive coverage is an optional type of coverage that covers damages to your car that are not caused by a collision, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. It also covers damages caused by hitting an animal, such as a deer or a moose. Keep in mind that comprehensive coverage usually comes with a deductible, which is the amount you’ll have to pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in.
It’s important to review your National General Insurance car insurance policy regularly to make sure you have the right coverage for your needs. If you have any questions or concerns about your coverage, don’t hesitate to contact your insurance agent or customer service representative.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
What Types Of Damages Are Covered By National General Insurance Car Insurance?
Comprehensive coverage is designed to protect your car against damages that are not caused by collisions, such as theft, vandalism, or weather-related incidents. This type of coverage will also cover damages caused by hitting an animal, including deer, moose, or other wildlife.
While hitting a deer may seem like a rare occurrence, it’s actually more common than you might think. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there are over 1.5 million animal-vehicle collisions every year in the US, resulting in billions of dollars in damages.
This is why it’s important to have comprehensive coverage on your car insurance policy, as it will ensure that you are protected against a wide range of incidents that could damage your vehicle.
In addition to comprehensive coverage, National General Insurance car insurance also offers collision coverage. This type of coverage is designed to protect your car in the event of a collision with another vehicle or object, such as a tree or a fence. Collision coverage will pay for the cost of repairing or replacing your car, up to the limits of your policy, regardless of who is at fault for the accident.
How Does National General Insurance Car Insurance Protect You Against Animal-Related Accidents?
When you add comprehensive coverage to your National General Insurance car insurance policy, you can be confident that you are protected against damages caused by deer or other wildlife. This type of coverage will pay for repairs to your vehicle, or in some cases, to replace your car if it’s been totaled in an animal-related accident.
In addition, National General Insurance provides roadside assistance services, which can come in handy if you have an animal-related incident while driving. Roadside assistance can help you get your car towed to a repair shop, or provide other services such as battery jump-starts or lockout assistance.
It’s important to note that National General Insurance also offers rental car reimbursement coverage. If your car is damaged in an animal-related accident and needs to be repaired, this coverage will pay for a rental car while your vehicle is in the shop. This can help you avoid the inconvenience of being without a car, and ensure that you can still get to work, school, or other important appointments.
The Importance Of Comprehensive Coverage In Protecting Against Wildlife Damage
While liability and collision insurance may be the minimum required in your state, comprehensive coverage is highly recommended if you want to protect yourself against the wide range of incidents that can cause damage to your vehicle.
For example, if you hit a deer while driving at high speed, the damage to your car could be significant, potentially costing thousands of dollars to repair. Without comprehensive coverage, you would be on the hook for these expenses out of pocket.
However, with comprehensive coverage, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are protected against a broad range of incidents that could damage your car, including those caused by deer and other wildlife.
Comprehensive coverage not only protects against damage caused by wildlife, but also against other incidents such as theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. If your car is stolen or damaged in a flood or hurricane, comprehensive coverage can help cover the cost of repairs or replacement.
It’s important to note that comprehensive coverage typically comes with a deductible, which is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. Be sure to choose a deductible that you can afford in case of an incident, but also keep in mind that a higher deductible may lower your monthly premium.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
What To Do If Your Car Has Been Damaged By A Deer Or Other Wildlife?
If your car has been damaged by a deer or other wildlife, the first thing you should do is make sure that you are safe. If you’ve hit a deer, pull over to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. If you’ve hit a smaller animal, such as a raccoon or a squirrel, you may be able to safely continue driving.
Next, assess the damage to your vehicle. If the damage is relatively minor, you may be able to drive your car to a repair shop to get an estimate on the repairs. However, if the damage is significant, you may need to have your car towed to a repair shop.
Once you’ve assessed the damage, it’s important to contact National General Insurance to file a claim. Be sure to have all of the necessary information, including your policy number, the date and time of the incident, and a description of the damages. National General Insurance will guide you through the claims process and help you get your car repaired as quickly as possible.
It’s important to note that collisions with wildlife can be dangerous and even deadly. In addition to causing damage to your vehicle, hitting a deer or other animal can cause serious injury to you and your passengers. To reduce the risk of a collision, be sure to drive cautiously in areas where wildlife is known to be present, especially during dawn and dusk when animals are most active. If you do encounter an animal on the road, slow down and try to avoid swerving, as this can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
Tips For Avoiding Collisions With Wildlife While Driving
While comprehensive coverage will protect you if you do hit a deer or other wildlife, it’s always best to avoid these types of incidents whenever possible. Here are a few tips for staying safe on the road:
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially if you’re driving in rural areas where wildlife is more common.
- Keep your headlights on, especially at dawn, dusk, and night.
- If you see an animal on the road ahead, slow down and honk your horn to try to scare it away.
- Avoid swerving to avoid hitting an animal. This can be dangerous and cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
- If you do hit an animal, stay in your car until it’s safe to get out. In some cases, wounded animals can be dangerous and may try to attack you if you approach them.
It’s important to note that some animals are more active during certain times of the year. For example, deer are more likely to be on the move during their mating season in the fall. Additionally, certain areas may have higher populations of specific types of wildlife, such as moose in northern regions. It’s a good idea to research the area you’ll be driving through and be aware of any potential risks.
What Factors Affect The Cost Of National General Insurance Car Insurance?
When you’re looking for car insurance, it’s important to understand what factors affect the cost of your policy. Here are a few things that may affect how much you pay for National General Insurance car insurance:
- Your age and driving record: Younger drivers and those with a history of accidents may pay more for car insurance.
- The type of car you drive: More expensive or high-performance cars may be more expensive to insure.
- Your location: Drivers who live in urban areas may pay more for car insurance than those who live in rural areas.
- The amount of coverage you choose: Higher coverage limits or additional coverage options may increase your premium.
Be sure to shop around and compare car insurance quotes to find the policy that’s right for you and your budget.
Another factor that may affect the cost of National General Insurance car insurance is your credit score. Insurance companies often use credit scores as a factor in determining premiums, as studies have shown that individuals with lower credit scores are more likely to file claims. It’s important to maintain good credit to potentially lower your car insurance costs.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
How To File A Claim For Wildlife Damage With National General Insurance
If you’ve been involved in an animal-related accident and need to file a claim with National General Insurance, here’s what you need to do:
- Contact National General Insurance as soon as possible to report the incident.
- Provide all of the necessary information, including your policy number, the date and time of the incident, and a description of the damages.
- Take photos of the damages to your car and any injuries sustained as a result of the accident.
- Work with National General Insurance to get an estimate on the repairs and coordinate any necessary towing or rental car services.
With National General Insurance’s comprehensive coverage and excellent customer service, you can feel confident that you will be taken care of in the event of an animal-related accident.
It’s important to note that National General Insurance has specific guidelines for what qualifies as wildlife damage. For example, damage caused by domesticated animals, such as dogs or cats, may not be covered under your policy. Additionally, if you were found to be at fault for the accident, your claim may be denied. It’s always best to review your policy and speak with a representative from National General Insurance to fully understand your coverage and options in the event of an animal-related accident.
Comparing National General Insurance’S Coverage For Animal-Related Accidents To Other Insurers.
While National General Insurance offers comprehensive coverage for animal-related accidents, it’s always a good idea to compare the coverage and rates of multiple car insurance providers to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Be sure to look for insurers who offer comprehensive coverage, as well as roadside assistance services and excellent customer service. Compare rates and coverage options from multiple car insurance providers to find the policy that’s right for you and your budget.
By taking the time to find the right car insurance policy with the right coverage, you can rest easy knowing that you are protected against a wide range of events that could damage your vehicle, including those caused by deer and other wildlife.
It’s important to note that some car insurance providers may offer additional coverage options specifically for animal-related accidents, such as coverage for veterinary bills if your pet is injured in a car accident. If you frequently travel with your pets, it may be worth considering these additional coverage options when comparing car insurance policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does National General Insurance cover damage caused by a deer or other wildlife?
Yes, National General Insurance provides coverage for damage caused by a deer or other wildlife under their comprehensive car insurance policy.
What does comprehensive car insurance cover?
Comprehensive car insurance covers damage to your vehicle caused by events other than a collision, such as theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, and damage caused by animals like deer or other wildlife.
Is hitting a deer covered by car insurance?
Yes, hitting a deer is typically covered by comprehensive car insurance. It falls under the category of damage caused by animals, which is covered by comprehensive insurance policies.
What should I do if I hit a deer with my car?
If you hit a deer with your car, first ensure your safety and move to a safe location if possible. Then, contact the authorities and your insurance provider to report the incident. Take photos of the damage and gather any necessary information for the insurance claim process.
Will my car insurance rates increase if I file a claim for deer damage?
Filing a claim for deer damage should not directly cause your car insurance rates
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Michael Vereecke
Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist
Michael Vereecke is the president of Customers First Insurance Group. He has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. He also carries a Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS) Designation, providing him the expertise to spot holes in businesses’ coverage. Since 2009, he has worked with many insurance providers, giving him unique insight into the insurance market, differences in ...
Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about car insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything car insurance-related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by car insurance experts.