What to Do If You Hit a Deer in Texas: Insurance + Safety Guide

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​Deer collisions spike in Texas during fall and winter.

Here’s exactly what to do if you hit a deer, what your insurance covers, and how to stay safe on the road.

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Texas has one of the highest rates of deer-related accidents in the country, especially in the fall and winter when deer are more active and visibility decreases.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), thousands of vehicle–deer collisions happen every year — often during early morning and evening hours.

These accidents can cause major vehicle damage, injuries, and even total losses.
Here’s what every Texas driver should know about what to do if you hit a deer — and what your insurance will and won’t cover.

🚨 Step 1: Pull Over Safely and Turn on Hazard Lights
Hitting a deer can be startling, and you may not immediately realize the damage to your vehicle.
Move safely to the shoulder or side of the road and turn on hazard lights to:

• Warn other drivers
• Prevent secondary accidents
• Assess your vehicle

Do NOT stay in the road, especially on rural highways.

🧍‍♂️ Step 2: Do NOT Approach the Deer
Even injured deer can be unpredictable and dangerous.
According to Texas Parks & Wildlife:

• Deer may kick when hurt
• Wildlife should not be touched without proper training
• Injured deer can run into traffic, causing additional accidents

Instead, keep your distance and contact local non-emergency authorities if the deer is alive but injured.

📞 Step 3: Call Local Law Enforcement (Non-Emergency Line)
In Texas, you should report the accident, especially if:

• Your vehicle has significant damage
• The deer is blocking traffic
• There are injuries
• You need documentation for an insurance claim

Police may file an incident report, which can help with claims — though not always required.

📸 Step 4: Document the Scene
Insurance companies rely heavily on evidence for animal collision claims.
Take photos of:

• Vehicle damage
• The roadway
• Surrounding area
• Deer, only if safe and from a distance

This documentation supports your claim and helps process it faster.

🚗 Step 5: Check Vehicle Damage Before Driving Away
Hitting a deer can damage:

• Headlights
• Hood
• Bumper
• Radiator
• Windshield
• Axle and alignment components

If your car is unsafe to drive — overheating, leaking fluid, lights broken — call roadside assistance or a tow.

🛡️ What Does Insurance Cover When You Hit a Deer?
This is the most important part most Texas drivers don’t know:

✔️ Deer collisions are covered by Comprehensive Coverage, NOT CollisionThis is a standard across the industry (source: Insurance Information Institute).

Comprehensive coverage pays for damage caused by:

• Hitting a deer
• Other animal collisions
• Falling objects
• Hail
• Theft
• Fire
• Vandalism

✖️ Collision coverage does NOT cover hitting a deer.Collision only applies if you hit another vehicle or object.
If you do not have comprehensive coverage, the damage is not covered.

💵 Will a Deer Collision Affect Your Insurance Rates?
In most cases, hitting a deer is considered a not-at-fault comprehensive claim, meaning:

• It will still require paying your comprehensive deductible
• Each carrier handles this differently

Comprehensive claims typically have less impact on premiums compared to collision claims.

🏷️ Is the Deer Yours to Keep?
In Texas:

• It is illegal to take a dead deer without proper authorization.
• Contact local game wardens if you have questions.
  (Texas Parks & Wildlife regulates all wildlife possession.)

📝 When to File a Claim
You should file a claim if:

• Damage exceeds your deductible
• Your vehicle is unsafe to drive
• You suspect hidden damage (radiator, sensors, ADAS features)

Deer collisions can easily lead to $2,000–$10,000 in repairs, especially with modern sensors. You can always get the vehicle professionally assesed with a repair shop before officially filing the claim to see if the repairs are outside your budget.

🦌 When Deer Are Most Active in Texas
Deer movement increases during:

• Late fall (rut season)
• Dusk and dawn
• November through January
• After time change (reduced visibility)
• Winter migration patterns

These periods see the highest spike in animal collisions statewide.

🛑 How to Reduce Your Risk
Texas law enforcement and TxDOT recommend:

• Slow down at dawn and dusk
• Use high beams in rural areas when safe
• Watch for “Deer Crossing” signs
• Avoid swerving sharply — this causes more serious accidents
• Always maintain a safe distance from cars ahead

If you see one deer, expect more — they travel in groups.

❤️ Final Thoughts
Hitting a deer is frightening, but knowing exactly what to do — and how your insurance works — can make the situation far less stressful.
If you’re unsure whether you have comprehensive coverage or want to review your auto policy before winter, the Corin Insurance team is here to help you stay safe and protected.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only. Coverage varies by carrier, policy, and state. Consult a licensed Corin Insurance agent for personalized guidance.