Oh no… not another deer incident!
Hey everyone,
I hope you’re doing well. I’m reaching out for some advice regarding my auto insurance situation. I have coverage through AAA (Motor Club Insurance Company) here in Connecticut. Unfortunately, I was involved in an accident on Friday evening, February 28, 2025, where a deer struck my car. The police were called, and they euthanized the deer, providing a wildlife kill report. The damage includes a broken passenger side headlight, minor dents on the hood and front corner panel, and it’s now difficult to open the passenger door. My deductible is $500, and I drive a 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid.
I’m considering filing a claim, but I recently filed one in January for a similar incident involving a deer. That claim was supported by a wildlife kill report as well, and the total damage in that case was around $3,000 to $4,000. Fortunately, the repairs went smoothly without any problems.
Additionally, a similar accident occurred just last year in January 2024, which also involved a deer, and although the damage was more extensive, it was covered without issues. I noticed my rates increased from last year to this year, so I am concerned they might go up again if I file another claim.
I’m worried that filing another claim could jeopardize my coverage. I plan to visit an auto body shop tomorrow (they’re familiar with my situation) to get an estimate. I’m not overly concerned about the cosmetic issues; I mainly want to ensure that I can open the passenger door and that my headlight is fixed since I dislike driving without a functioning blinker.
I have a couple of key questions:
1) What are the potential consequences of filing another claim? How would you approach this situation? Given that this incident was out of my control, and I have photos and police documentation, would you recommend paying out of pocket instead?
2) When should I make a decision about filing? Balancing work and this situation, I can get a quote tomorrow morning, making it three days post-accident. Is there an advantage to filing a claim sooner rather than later, or does it make no difference?
In summary: I’ve filed claims in the past year for deer-related damage, and now I’m faced with a new incident. Should I proceed with filing another claim, or would it be better to cover the costs myself?
I appreciate any insights you may have. Thank you!
Hi there!
I’m really sorry to hear about your recent accidents with deer. That can be incredibly frustrating, especially since you’ve already been through similar situations this past year. Here are my thoughts on your questions:
1) What are the repercussions if I file a claim?
– Filing another claim could potentially lead to a couple of different outcomes. Insurers typically consider the frequency of claims when determining your risk profile, which can affect your premiums and even your ability to renew your policy. Since you’ve already filed two claims in the past year, another one could make your insurer more likely to raise your rates or, in a worst-case scenario, refuse to renew your policy.
– However, since this accident is another act of nature, you might have a strong argument that it’s beyond your control. Make sure to emphasize that in your discussions with your insurance. If the repair costs exceed your deductible and you’re concerned about the door functioning properly or safety issues, it may be worth filing the claim despite potential rate increases.
2) When should I make this decision by?
– It’s generally a good idea to file a claim sooner rather than later, especially since you have documentation from the police. Many insurers prefer claims to be reported as soon as possible following an accident. Plus, the sooner you file, the quicker the claims process can start, and you can get the necessary repairs done. If you already have an estimate or quote from the auto body shop, it may help inform your decision on whether to claim or pay out of pocket.
If it turns out the repair estimates are low and you can pay for it without significant financial strain, you might consider covering the costs yourself to avoid impacting your policy. Otherwise, don’t hesitate to file the claim—just be prepared for potential follow-up questions about your previous claims.
Ultimately, it’s about balancing your comfort with the costs against the risk of higher insurance rates. Good luck with your decision, and I hope everything gets sorted out smoothly!