Hit a Deer With Car - Insurance in Ontario: What Families Should Do After a Wildlife Collision

Reviewed by Michelle Bragg, VP Personal Lines, RIBO Licensed | Last Reviewed: May 2026

If you hit a deer with your car in Ontario, move to a safe location, turn on your hazard lights, call police if injuries or significant damage are involved, document the scene, and contact your insurance provider. In many cases, damage from a deer collision is covered under comprehensive insurance coverage.

A deer strike can happen quickly, especially on rural Ontario roads during dawn, dusk, and fall migration periods. Knowing what to do immediately after the collision can help protect your safety, support your insurance claim, and reduce additional risk to other drivers.

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not provide legal, insurance, or financial advice. Ontario insurance rules, claims practices, deductibles, and coverage eligibility may vary by insurer and policy wording. Drivers should review their individual auto insurance policy and speak with a licensed insurance professional regarding their specific situation.

What Type of Insurance Would Cover a Deer Collision?

In Ontario, hitting a deer or other large wildlife with your vehicle is usually treated as a comprehensive insurance claim rather than an at-fault collision claim. Comprehensive insurance deer coverage may help pay for vehicle repairs after an unexpected animal strike, subject to your deductible and policy limits.

This distinction matters because comprehensive claims are generally handled differently than at-fault collision claims under Ontario auto insurance policies.

What Should You Do Immediately After Hitting a Deer?

If you are wondering what to do if you hit a deer with your car, focus on safety first.

Move to a Safe Area

If your vehicle can still be driven safely, carefully pull over to the shoulder or another protected location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights so approaching drivers can see you clearly.

Check for Injuries

Check yourself and passengers for injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt or if the accident has created a dangerous roadway condition.

Stay Away From the Animal

An injured deer can panic and react unpredictably. Avoid approaching or touching the animal, even if it appears calm.

Contact Police or Local Authorities

In Ontario, drivers should contact police when there are injuries, major vehicle damage, or hazards affecting traffic. You may also be directed to a Collision Reporting Centre depending on the circumstances.

The City of Ottawa’s Awareness Campaign for Wildlife / Vehicle Collision Prevention advises drivers to remain alert for wildlife crossings, particularly during dawn and dusk when deer activity increases.

Document the Scene

Take photos of:

• Vehicle damage
• The roadway
• Skid marks or debris
• Weather and lighting conditions
• Any visible wildlife warning signs

If there are witnesses, collect their contact information.

Notify Your Insurance Provider

Contact your insurer or broker as soon as reasonably possible after the incident. Early reporting can help speed up the claims process and clarify whether your policy includes comprehensive insurance deer coverage.

Does Car Insurance Cover Deer Collision Damage in Ontario?

Yes, deer strike car insurance Canada claims are commonly covered when the driver carries comprehensive coverage.

What Is Comprehensive Insurance?

Comprehensive insurance helps cover vehicle damage caused by unexpected events outside a driver’s direct control, including:

• Deer collisions
• Falling objects
• Fire
• Theft
• Vandalism
• Broken glass
• Severe weather events

If you only carry Ontario’s mandatory liability insurance, damage to your own vehicle after hitting a deer may not be covered.

You can learn more about comprehensive coverage and what other types of car insurance coverages there are in our blog about what car insurance covers in Canada.

Is Hitting a Deer Considered an At-Fault Accident?

In many Ontario deer collision cases, the claim is categorized under comprehensive coverage and is generally not treated as an at-fault collision.

However, circumstances matter.

When Could a Claim Be Treated Differently?

If a driver swerves to avoid a deer and instead hits:

• Another vehicle
• A guardrail
• A tree
• A fence
• A building

The claim may instead fall under collision coverage. Collision claims can affect insurance records differently than comprehensive claims.

This is one reason road safety experts often advise drivers to brake firmly while maintaining steering control instead of making sudden evasive movement.

Should You Swerve to Avoid a Deer?

Generally, no.

The safer approach is usually to brake firmly while staying in your lane. Sudden swerving can increase the risk of:

• Head-on collisions
• Rollovers
• Leaving the roadway
• Multi-vehicle accidents

The United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry remind Ontario drivers that controlled braking is often safer than abrupt steering manoeuvres during wildlife encounters.

Where Do Most Deer Collisions Happen in Ontario?

Wildlife collisions occur most often on:

• Rural highways
• Two-lane roads
• Forested corridors
• Areas near water sources
• Roads marked with wildlife crossing signs

When are Deer Collisions Most Common?

Deer collisions in Ontario tend to increase during the months of October to December, which coincides with typical deer migration and breeding patterns, according to Ontario Nature’s blog regarding wildlife-vehicle collisions.

During this time of year, deer collisions are more common:

• Between 7 p.m. and midnight
• Around sunrise
• During low-light conditions
• In foggy or rainy weather

Reduced visibility makes defensive driving especially important in rural Ontario regions.

How Can Drivers Reduce the Risk of Hitting a Deer?

Watch for Wildlife Crossing Signs

Yellow wildlife crossing signs indicate areas with increased animal activity. Slow down and scan road shoulders carefully when entering these zones.

Reduce Speed at Night

Lower speeds provide more time to react safely and reduce stopping distance.

Use High Beams When Appropriate

When safe and legal, high beams can improve visibility on dark rural roads. Dim them for approaching traffic.

Scan Both Sides of the Road

Deer often travel in groups. If one animal crosses, others may follow closely behind.

Stay Focused on the Road Ahead

Avoid distracted driving. Wildlife can enter the roadway suddenly and without warning.

Do You Have To Pay a Deductible After Hitting a Deer?

Possibly.

If your claim is processed through comprehensive insurance, your deductible typically applies unless your policy specifically states otherwise.

A deductible is the amount you agree to pay before insurance coverage contributes toward repairs or vehicle replacement.

Example

If:

• Repairs cost $6,000
• Your comprehensive deductible is $1,000

your insurer may cover the remaining eligible amount after the deductible is applied.

What Happens if Your Vehicle Is Totalled After a Deer Collision?

If repair costs exceed the vehicle’s actual cash value, the insurer may declare the vehicle a total loss.

In that situation, compensation is generally based on:

• Vehicle condition
• Mileage
• Market value
• Policy wording
• Coverage limits

Drivers should review settlement details carefully and ask questions if they need clarification about valuation or coverage.

Do You Need a Police Report After Hitting a Deer?

Ontario reporting requirements can vary depending on:

• Injury severity
• Road hazards
• Vehicle damage amount
• Local police procedures

In many cases, drivers should report significant wildlife collisions to police or a Collision Reporting Centre.

A police report may also support your insurance documentation.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) encourages drivers to report roadway hazards involving injured wildlife to help protect other motorists.

What Happens if You Hit a Deer and Drive Away?

Leaving the scene without addressing injuries, hazards, or reporting obligations can create safety and insurance complications.

If the animal is blocking traffic or creating a danger for other drivers, notifying authorities helps reduce additional risk on the roadway.

Drivers who cannot report immediately should do so as soon as it is safe.

Does Comprehensive Insurance Cover Other Wildlife Collisions?

In many cases, yes.

Comprehensive insurance deer coverage may also apply to collisions involving:

• Moose
• Elk
• Bears
• Coyotes
• Other wildlife

However, claim handling can vary depending on the exact circumstances of the accident and the insurer’s policy wording.

Why Are Wildlife Collisions a Serious Concern in Canada?

Wildlife collisions cause thousands of insurance claims and roadway incidents across Canada each year.

According to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative's Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions in Canada, large animal collisions create substantial vehicle damage and increase the risk of severe driver injury on Canadian roadways.

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation's Driver’s Handbook states that deer are among the most commonly encountered large animals on

Ontario roads, with a 43% increase in collisions between 1999 and 2008.

How Can Ontario Drivers Review Their Coverage?

Drivers who are unsure whether they carry comprehensive coverage should review their policy documents or speak with a licensed BIG insurance professional.

Alternatively, drivers may also find it helpful to learn more about auto insurance on our website or request a quote today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does car insurance cover deer collision damage in Ontario?

Yes. Damage caused by hitting a deer is commonly covered under comprehensive auto insurance coverage in Ontario.

Is hitting a deer considered at fault in Ontario?

A direct deer collision is generally treated as a comprehensive claim rather than an at-fault collision claim.

What should you do first after hitting a deer?

Move to a safe location, turn on hazard lights, check for injuries, and contact authorities if needed.

Do you need comprehensive insurance for deer damage coverage?

Yes. Ontario’s mandatory liability insurance alone typically does not cover damage to your own vehicle after a deer collision.

Will you pay a deductible after hitting a deer?

Most comprehensive claims include a deductible unless your policy wording states otherwise.

Should you swerve to avoid a deer?

Drivers are generally advised to brake firmly and maintain steering control instead of swerving suddenly.

Blog Updated: June 2026