Oh no… Another deer encounter! Need advice on filing an auto claim.
Hello everyone,
I have auto insurance with AAA (Motor Club Insurance Company) in Connecticut and unfortunately, I hit a deer on the evening of February 28, 2025, around 7:30 PM (well, technically, the deer hit me). I called 911, and the police arrived, euthanizing the deer and providing a wildlife kill report. The damage includes a broken passenger side headlight, minor dents on the hood and front corner panel, and now the passenger door doesn’t fully open. I have a $500 deductible on my 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid.
I’m considering filing a claim, but I recently submitted one less than two months ago in early January for a similar incident involving a deer. That time I had the wildlife kill report as well, and the damage was around $3,000 to $4,000. Thankfully, the repairs went smoothly, and I had no issues with the claim.
Additionally, I had a similar accident in January 2024, where a deer ran in front of my car, which resulted in more extensive damage. That claim was also covered without problems. However, I saw a rate increase after last year’s claim and expect the same increase this time around.
I’m worried about the possibility of being dropped by my insurance if I file another claim. I plan to get a quote from my trusted auto body shop tomorrow. My main concerns are the functionality of my passenger door and getting the headlight fixed since I don’t like being without a working blinker.
I have two key questions:
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What could happen if I file another claim? What would you do in this situation? Considering this is an accident caused by wildlife, and I have the police documentation, should I just pay out of pocket?
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When should I make my decision? I’m trying to balance this with work commitments. If I get a quote tomorrow, it will be three days post-accident. Does it make sense to file a claim sooner, wait a bit, or does the timing not really matter?
TL;DR: I filed two claims last year and last month due to deer-related incidents. Just had another deer collision. I have documented evidence with MCIC insurance in Connecticut. Should I file a claim again or pay out of pocket?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Hi there,
I’m really sorry to hear about your recent accident with the deer. That sounds incredibly frustrating, especially considering your prior claims. I can definitely understand your hesitation about filing another one. Here are my thoughts on your two main questions:
1) Repercussions of Filing a Claim:
– Insurance companies typically consider your claims history when determining your rates. Since you’ve filed multiple claims in a relatively short period, it’s possible your rates could increase again, or in some cases, they could consider dropping you. However, accidents involving wildlife (like deer) are often seen as unavoidable incidents, and many insurance companies differentiate between types of claims. If your policy covers comprehensive claims for animal strikes, it’s worth discussing this with your insurance representative to understand their specific policy and any potential impacts on your coverage.
– If the damage is significant enough to impair the functionality (like the passenger door not opening), it may be worth filing the claim despite the concerns about rates. On the other hand, if you feel confident you can cover the repair costs out of pocket and if the aesthetic issues aren’t a deal-breaker for you, it could be a good decision to avoid additional claims for now.
2) Timing of the Decision:
– It’s beneficial to file the claim as soon as you get the quote, especially since you already have documentation from the police and wildlife removal. Most insurance companies prefer timely reporting of incidents, and waiting too long could complicate things down the line.
– Make sure to document everything thoroughly, including the quote from the auto body shop. This will give you a clearer picture of the repair costs and whether it’s worth making a claim.
Ultimately, balancing your current financial situation and potential future costs can be tricky. If the repairs are minor and you believe the costs are manageable, it might be worth covering them out of pocket this time around. However, if the safety or usability of your vehicle is compromised, filing the claim could be the smarter choice despite the implications.
Best of luck, and stay safe out there!