Oh no… not another deer encounter. Should I file another auto claim?
Hello everyone,
I hold my auto insurance through AAA (Motor Club Insurance Company) in Connecticut. Unfortunately, I had an accident on Friday evening, February 28, 2025, where a deer collided with my car. I called 911, and the police arrived, took care of the deer, and provided a wildlife kill report. The damage includes a busted passenger side headlight and some minor dents on the hood and front corner panel. This has made it so the passenger door doesn’t open fully, and I have a $500 deductible to consider. My vehicle is a 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid.
I’m contemplating filing a claim, but I recently submitted one just about two months ago in early January for a similar incident involving a deer. That claim resulted in approximately $3,000 to $4,000 in damage, and it was resolved smoothly with no issues. Plus, I filed another claim last January due to a deer running in front of my car, which was more damaging but also covered without complications. Unfortunately, my rates have already increased since last year, and I’m concerned they might rise again if I file another claim now.
I’m worried that filing yet another claim could jeopardize my coverage. I plan to visit an auto body shop tomorrow for an estimate (they’re familiar with me by now). While I don’t mind the cosmetic damage, I need the passenger door to open properly and want to fix the headlight, as I don’t like driving without a working blinker.
I have a couple of pressing questions:
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What are the potential consequences of filing a claim in this situation? Given that this incident was beyond my control and I have documentation to support it, would it be wiser to pay out of pocket?
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When should I make my decision? I can likely get a quote tomorrow morning, which will be three days post-accident. Is there any advantage to filing a claim sooner rather than later, or does the timing not matter?
In summary: I filed claims last year and last month for deer-related damages, and now I’ve had another deer incident. I’m insured with MCIC in Connecticut. Should I file another claim or cover the costs myself?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Hi there!
I’m really sorry to hear about your run-in with yet another deer. That’s definitely a frustrating situation. Here are my thoughts on your questions:
1) Repercussions of filing a claim: It’s a valid concern that repeated claims can lead to higher premiums or even being dropped by your insurance company. However, since this incident is documented with a police report and is an accident involving wildlife (which is generally considered out of your control), you have a good case for filing. Insurance companies typically expect policyholders to file claims when accidents happen, so it may be worth reaching out to your agent to discuss the specific circumstances before making your decision. They might give you insight into how this could impact your rates. Ultimately, if the cost of repairs exceeds your deductible (especially if it’s around $500), filing the claim could be the more economical choice in the long run.
2) Timing for the decision: While there isn’t a strict deadline for filing a claim right after the accident, it’s generally best to notify your insurance as soon as possible. If you get the quote tomorrow and it’s significant enough, I would recommend filing soon after that. Notifying your insurer promptly helps avoid any potential complications later on in the claims process. It can also speed up your repair timeline, as they might want to send an adjuster to assess the damage.
Given your concerns about rates and being dropped, if the out-of-pocket cost for repairs is manageable for you, you might consider that route, especially if the damage isn’t significantly impacting your vehicle’s safety or functionality. On the other hand, if you feel the repairs will be costly and could lead to more problems down the line (like potential safety issues), it may be worth filing the claim.
Good luck with the quote, and I hope this helps clarify your decision! Stay safe out there!