Why deer hits are so common here
Northern Virginia mixes busy commuter roads with woods, parks and farmland — prime deer habitat. Drivers in Prince William, Fairfax, Loudoun and Fauquier counties, and across the wider DMV, share the road with deer year-round. Risk rises sharply from October through December and at dawn and dusk, when deer are most active. Where you see one deer, expect more to follow.
What to do after hitting a deer or other animal
- 1
Pull over safely
Move to the shoulder if you can, turn on your hazard lights and stay in your vehicle if traffic is heavy. Busy Northern Virginia roads are dangerous places to stand.
- 2
Check for injuries and call for help
If anyone is hurt, or the animal or your vehicle is blocking the road, call 911. Police can also document the crash for your insurance company.
- 3
Stay away from the animal
An injured deer can kick and cause serious harm. Don't try to move it or help it — let police or animal control handle it.
- 4
Document everything
Take photos of your vehicle from every side, the road, any skid marks and the animal if it's safe. Write down the time, road name and nearest cross street or mile marker.
- 5
Decide if the car is safe to drive
Leaking fluid, a broken headlight, a loose bumper or hood, steam from the engine or warning lights on the dash mean you should not drive it. Have it towed.
- 6
Call your insurance company
Report the claim as soon as you can. Hitting an animal is usually filed under comprehensive coverage, not collision.
- 7
Choose your repair shop
In Virginia, you have the right to choose where your vehicle is repaired. You don't have to use the shop your insurer suggests.
Hitting a deer is a comprehensive claim
Most drivers are surprised to learn that hitting an animal is usually filed under comprehensive coverage, not collision. Comprehensive covers damage that's out of your control — animals, falling trees, hail and theft. That generally means:
- It's typically not considered an at-fault accident.
- Your comprehensive deductible applies, which is often lower than your collision deductible.
- If you only carry liability insurance, animal damage usually isn't covered — check your policy.
Tip: if you swerve and hit something else instead, the claim may become a collision claim. Braking firmly and staying in your lane is usually the safer choice.
How Superior Collision Center helps
We handle the insurance claim with you
We work with every insurance company and are a direct repair facility for GEICO ARX and Erie Insurance. How claims work with us.
Full inspection for hidden damage
We check radiators, AC condensers, headlights, sensors and structure — not just what you can see.
Factory-certified repairs
I-CAR Gold Class and certified by 10 manufacturers. See our certifications.
Bumper, body, paint and glass in one place
Collision repair, paint matching and glass under one roof.
More on deer damage: Deer collision repair in Manassas.
Animal collision questions
Is hitting a deer a comprehensive or collision claim?
Hitting a deer or other animal is generally a comprehensive claim, not a collision claim. Comprehensive covers damage you couldn't reasonably avoid, like animals, falling objects and weather. It's usually not treated as an at-fault accident. Check your own policy for details.
Will my insurance rates go up after hitting a deer?
Because animal strikes are usually comprehensive claims and not at-fault accidents, they typically have less effect on your rates than an at-fault collision. Your insurer can tell you how it applies to your policy.
What if I swerved to miss the deer and hit something else?
If you swerve and hit a guardrail, tree or another car, that damage may be handled as a collision claim instead of comprehensive. That's one reason safety experts advise braking firmly and staying in your lane rather than swerving.
When are deer collisions most common in Virginia?
Deer are most active in the fall, especially October through December during mating season, and around dawn and dusk. Roads near woods, fields and streams across Northern Virginia and the DMV see the most deer activity.
Where should I take my car after hitting a deer in Northern Virginia?
Take it to a certified collision repair shop. Superior Collision Center in Manassas, VA repairs deer and animal damage, works with every insurance company, and is a direct repair facility for GEICO ARX and Erie Insurance. Call (703) 368-9699.
Can deer damage be hidden?
Yes. Even when a bumper looks only cracked, a deer strike can damage the radiator, AC condenser, headlight mounts, parking sensors and front safety cameras. A full inspection catches problems before they get worse.
Hit a deer? Get a free estimate
10458 Colonel Ct, Manassas, VA · Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM