Why Deer Can Be So Costly

Louisiana is in the middle of deer hunting season, and with migrating and mating in full swing, there might be more hazards on our roadways.

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says statistics from the National Highway Safety Administration show that there are 1.5 million deer-related crashes every year in this country.

The time change happens this weekend too, so Donelon says more of us might be driving home when it's dark.

Donelon says,

“A collision with a large animal can be very serious. Drivers should take precautions including wearing a seatbelt at all times and being especially vigilant during dawn and dusk hours when animals are most active. It’s also especially important to stay off your cell phone or mobile devices while you’re driving.”

If you slam into a deer, you might think your insurance will cover it, but Donelon says you have to have a certain kind of coverage.

In his news release Donelon points out the following,

"Damage to a vehicle from a collision with an animal is covered under an auto policy's optional comprehensive portion. If you only have liability coverage, your insurance carrier will not cover damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision with an animal."

Hitting a deer or other large animal can be costly. Donelon points out that the National Highway Safety Administration says that each year crashes involving deer translate into a billion dollars worth of loss.

You can get more information about this issue at http://www.ldi.la.gov.