Can I File a Claim After a Deer Hitting My Car with Liability Insurance?
The desire to hold someone accountable for the damage done to your car following an encounter with a deer is understandable. However, filing a claim with only liability insurance can present a significant challenge. Let's explore the ins and outs to help you understand your options and protect your financial interests.
Understanding Your Coverage
Liability insurance is designed to protect others from your responsibility in a collision or incident, but it does not cover your own vehicle. When you only have liability insurance, it means that in the event of a deer hitting your car, your insurance company will not cover the damage to your vehicle. This is a critical distinction to understand, especially given the relatively low cost of liability insurance compared to comprehensive coverage.
The Pitfalls of Liability Insurance
Liability insurance primarily focuses on protecting third parties involved in accidents, including any property damage or personal injury you cause. If you choose to only secure state-mandated minimum liability coverage, you're essentially betting that your car is not worth the extra money to include comprehensive coverage. This is a gamble, and as we've seen, it often backfires. Your insurance company will likely deny your claim, emphasizing that liability insurance is only for the benefit of third parties, not the insured.
Comprehensive Coverage Explained
Comprehensive coverage, on the other hand, offers protection for losses caused by events other than collision, such as:
- Damage from deer or wildlife
- Falling objects
- Vandalism
- Natural disasters like floods or fires
- Theft
- On-street or off-street damage
It is a more comprehensive package that can safeguard your vehicle from a variety of risks. While it may come with a higher premium, the peace of mind and financial security it offers are hard to match.
Dealing with the Deer Incident
When a deer hits your car, or any other unfortunate occurrence, you'll find that your insurance company is not obligated to pay for the damage. Hitting a deer is considered an "act of God," meaning it's an unforeseeable and uncontrollable event. Since you can't sue the deer for compensation, you are effectively on your own. In such a situation, it’s crucial to understand the terms of your insurance policy and the limitations it imposes.
What You Can Do
While it may be tempting to sue the deer, this would be an exercise in futility. Even if you could somehow prove fault, the deer doesn't have insurance or the means to pay a claim. The responsibility lies with the car owner to ensure they have adequate coverage, but if only liability coverage is in place, the outcome is not favorable.
Financial Implications
Money-wise, it's essential to weigh the benefits of comprehensive coverage against the premiums you would pay. In some cases, if your car is old or not worth insuring, removing comprehensive coverage can lead to significant savings. For example, the author saved enough money by removing physical damage coverage from their old Chevy S10, almost paying for the car in savings within two years. Within three years, they were making a profit. This demonstrates that in certain situations, saving on premiums by focusing on liability insurance alone can be a strategic move.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the temptation to hold someone accountable for damage to your car is strong, you should understand the limitations of your insurance coverage. Liability insurance is designed to protect third parties, while comprehensive coverage offers broader protection for your vehicle. If you find yourself in a situation where there's significant damage, it's crucial to discuss your options with an insurance broker to ensure you are adequately protected. Understanding the intricacies of your insurance policy can help you make informed decisions that protect both your car and your finances.