Does car insurance cover hitting a deer?
Reviewed by Cory Gunderson, Internet Sales & Finance Manager · Last checked October 27, 2026
Short answer
Usually, under comprehensive coverage. Wisconsin's Office of the Commissioner of Insurance says most policies cover hitting a deer under comprehensive, not collision. Comprehensive pays for damage from causes other than a collision, including hitting an animal, minus your deductible.
The details
What to know before you call your agent:
- Comprehensive and collision are the physical damage coverages. OCI's guide explains that they pay for damage to your own vehicle, so check that your policy includes them.
- Swerving and hitting something else may be handled differently than hitting the deer. Ask your insurer.
- Deductibles are often different for comprehensive and collision coverage.
- OCI's advice: if you're not sure what your policy covers, call your insurance company or agent.
Financing a vehicle? OCI says your loan terms will most likely require comprehensive and collision coverage. Our insurance FAQ covers common questions.
Hit a deer? Have it checked in Barron.
Book a visit with the service department for your brand to have your vehicle looked over, or call with questions.
More Deer Crash Help answers
- Hit a Deer in Wisconsin? What to Do, Who to Call, What Is Covered
- What should I do right after hitting a deer?
- Do I have to report hitting a deer in Wisconsin?
- Can I keep a deer I hit with my car in Wisconsin?
- When are deer crashes most common in Wisconsin?
Helpful Swant Graber pages
More buyer and owner answers
- Wisconsin Title & Registration Questions, Answered
- Wisconsin Road Rules Drivers Ask About
- Teen Drivers in Wisconsin: Licenses, Rules and Safe First Cars
- Car Care Questions: Warning Lights, Tires, Batteries, Oil and Warranty
- Ask Swant Graber: car-buying questions
3 brands. 2 rooftops. 1 Swant Graber.
Chevrolet, Dodge, Ram, and Ford on one Highway 8 campus in Barron, with Swant Graber roots here since 1959. Swant Graber Motors and Swant Graber Ford sit directly across Highway 8 from each other.
Swant Graber Motors
Chevrolet · Dodge · Ram
1690 E Division Ave (Highway 8)Barron, WI 54812
Phone
715-537-5657Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Swant Graber Ford
Ford · across Highway 8
1697 E Division Ave (Highway 8)Barron, WI 54812
Phone
715-537-9500Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Questions
Is hitting a deer comprehensive or collision?
Most policies treat it as comprehensive, according to Wisconsin's Office of the Commissioner of Insurance.
Will a deer claim use my collision deductible?
Usually the comprehensive deductible applies, but your policy controls. Ask your insurer.
Where can I compare Wisconsin auto coverages?
OCI publishes a free Consumer's Guide to Auto Insurance, linked below.
Get it looked at in Barron
Book with the service department at either store on Highway 8. Service is open Monday to Friday; ask about a loaner when you book.
Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge)
1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-5657
Swant Graber Ford
1697 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-9500
Sources
- Wisconsin OCI press release: Review your insurance for deer crash coverage: oci.wi.gov
- Wisconsin OCI: Consumer's Guide to Auto Insurance (PI-057): oci.wi.gov