Dumb question - But I need procedural help after hitting a deer.

[Madrone]

Called sherriff - done.


Now what? I need to have my car repaired - and would like to take it to the dealer. I'm overdue for my 10,000 mile service anyway. I *think* I can make it to the dealer - an hour away.

So what happens now? Call a dealer and make an appt? Call insurance and let them know what happened? Will I get a rental car paid for if I have to leave my car there for awhile? Do I need to pay the bill up front, and be reimbursed by the insurance co?

I have no idea what to expect or how this will work, and I'm a little stressed out about it.

[miss_american_pie]

1. It depends on your policy

Call your insurance agent in the morning. You'll be out your deductible.

[bigwillq]

2. I never reported my deer hit to the insurance company.

I hit a deer and my car was banged up pretty badly. So I called the dealership ASAP.
I brought the car in and they told me there was about $5,000 worth of damage.
The car had about 100,000 miles on it. It needed new brakes and a new back bumper. They told me it was cheaper just to get a new car, which I did.

I just told the insurance that I got a new car. Never said a word about the deer. I never even called the police. I think you're suppose to but I didn't.

Good luck.

[Midlodemocrat]

3. Having been in your shoes, do the following.

1. Call your insurance company and file a claim.

2. They will, more than likely, get back to you with an appointment with an adjuster. You will then go to the adjuster who will assess the damage to your car.

3. At that point, depending on the damage, insurance company, they will issue you a check for the damage in your name and the name of the repair shop you have chosen or that they have authorized.

It's pretty simple, actually. If your policy allows it, they will get you a car for the time to repair your car. If not, they will usually get you a discount on the rental of a car during that time.


One thing.... as tempting as it might be DO NOT remove the hair, blood, etc from your car. It is proof of the accident.

[Madrone]

4. Whew! Good think I left all the tufts of hair in the grill then!

Pure instinct on that one.... Because I certainly didn't know any better.

Thankfully, no blood. Unbelievable, but thankfully. If he's mortally injured it's all internal damage. Poor deer....:cry: He sorta/kinda ran (or hobbled) away after a few minutes.

[Truthiness Inspector]

5. Is there anyway to have it towed?

It might be unsafe to drive it, as well as you possibly causing further damage to the vehicle.

If I were you I'd call my insurance company and ask about this as soon as possible.

[Madrone]

6. Well, yeah. But a towing bill for over an hour away?

:wow:

That just scares me.

It does seem to start/drive fine - nothing seems to be rubbing. Just that damned antifreeze smell - but I can't find anything that would appear to be causing it.

[Truthiness Inspector]

7. No

I meant asking your insurance company about having it towed, so the cost would be covered by them and not you.

If you think your car might not make it that hour's distance, you might get hammered with any "extra" damage caused by not asking about a tow, or at least that is a possibility. It also might be unsafe for you to drive it.

[speedoo]

8. If you smell antifreeze, I would not drive it at all.

That would appear to indicate an antifreeze leak, probably from a damaged radiator. If you drive it, you could overheat the engine and damage it badly, which would be a huge repair bill.

Definitely report that you smell antifreeze to your insirance company.

[philosophie_en_rose]

11. AAA will let you use the service on the same day you join.

It might be worth the extra $20.00 to get same-day service. And it's about $50 for regular membership and $90 for premium. Join online and then call the service number.

[LostinVA]

9. Call insurance -- they'll send an adjuster out

An ex uncle of mine hit five deer in one year -- they sent a guy from Philly to investigate. Guess what? That investigative adjuster guy HIT A DEER THREE MILES from my aunt and uncle's house. I am NOT making this up!!!

[philosophie_en_rose]

10. Might as well call your insurance company.

If it's not covered, they'll have no problem tell you that.