Feeling Unlucky with Accidents: Recently Hit a Deer on the Road
I’ve been driving for nearly ten years with a pretty clean record, but things took a turn about two years ago. From August 2023 to September 2024, I was involved in three accidents where another driver rear-ended me while I was stopped or in traffic. In January, I had my first at-fault accident when I rear-ended someone, causing damage to my front bumper. My car was fixed, but unfortunately, I was in another accident yesterday.
While driving home from a day trip, two deer suddenly dashed in front of me. I managed to brake in time for one doe to escape, but I ended up hitting a young buck with my front bumper. The damage is estimated to be between $600 and $2,000, and thankfully, it appears to be mostly cosmetic.
Now, I’m concerned about my accident history (with most being not my fault) and whether my insurance company, USAA, might drop me due to the frequency of these incidents. Fortunately, I’m not injured, just a bit sore. My parents advised against filing a claim, fearing it could lead to losing my coverage. Since this incident would fall under “Act of Nature,” my deductible is $350 for Comprehensive coverage. I’ve been with the same insurance since I began driving at 15 and always pay on time.
I’m in a position to cover the repairs myself, but I’m worried about potential frame damage or other serious issues if I don’t get professional help. What should I do?
It sounds like you’ve had a really tough year with all those accidents—I’m glad to hear you’re not seriously hurt. Given you have a long history with USAA and you’ve been a responsible policyholder, you have a solid foundation to lean on in this situation.
When it comes to filing a claim for the deer incident, there are a few things to consider:
Assessment of Damage: If you’re worried about potential frame damage, it might be worth getting a professional assessment. Sometimes, what seems like cosmetic damage can hide more serious issues. A quick visit to a mechanic or body shop might give you peace of mind.
Cost vs. Benefits of Claiming: If your damage estimate is between $600 and $2,000 and your deductible is $350, you’ll only get reimbursed for the amount exceeding your deductible. Weigh the costs of repairs against what you might receive from an insurance claim. If you feel confident handling the repairs yourself and the damage is minimal, you might choose to save the claim.
Impact on Insurance: While insurers can consider your accident frequency, hitting a deer is generally viewed differently than at-fault accidents with other vehicles. USAA might be more understanding, especially since you’ve had a clean record before this period. However, it’s true that a history of claims might lead to higher premiums or even a potential policy review.
Consulting Your Insurer: If you’re still uncertain, consider calling USAA for guidance—many insurers have customer service representatives who can advise you on how specific claims might affect your coverage.
Evaluating Your Options: If you decide not to file a claim, make sure to keep detailed records of the damage and any repairs you conduct yourself. This could be helpful if you need to reference it in the future.
Ultimately, your safety and well-being come first, so choose the option that makes you feel most comfortable. Good luck, and I hope your luck changes for the better soon!