Is My Car Covered for Animal Damage?

If you've ever hit a deer on a New Jersey road or discovered that a squirrel has chewed through wiring under your hood, you may be wondering: Is animal damage covered by my car insurance?

The answer is often yes—but it depends on the type of coverage you carry and the exclusions on the policy.

At BIS Improved Insurance Agency, we frequently receive questions from drivers throughout Morris Plains, Morristown, Randolph, Far Hills, and Morris County, NJ about animal-related vehicle damage and whether their insurance policy will help cover the cost of repairs.

Does Auto Insurance Cover Hitting a Deer?

In many cases, yes.

If you have comprehensive coverage on your vehicle, damage caused by hitting a deer or another animal is typically covered, subject to your deductible.

Comprehensive coverage is designed to help protect against losses that are generally outside of your control, including:

• Deer collisions

• Falling trees and branches

• Fire

• Theft

• Vandalism

• Hail damage

• Flooding

• Animal-related damage

In New Jersey, deer-related accidents are especially common during the fall months, but they can occur year-round.

What If an Animal Damages My Vehicle While It's Parked?

Animal damage isn't limited to collisions.

We've seen claims involving:

• Squirrels chewing electrical wiring

• Mice nesting in engine compartments

• Raccoons damaging vehicles

• Birds causing damage to mirrors or trim

• Rodents chewing insulation and hoses

In many of these situations, comprehensive coverage may help pay for repairs after your deductible is applied. Sometimes this coverage is excluded on your auto insurance policy. It is always important to discuss this with your insurance agent.

What If I Only Have Liability Coverage?

If your vehicle carries liability-only coverage, damage to your own vehicle caused by animals is generally not covered.

Liability insurance is designed to pay for damage or injuries you cause to others—not damage to your own vehicle.

This is one reason why reviewing your coverage regularly is important, especially if your vehicle still has significant value.

Why Animal Damage Claims Can Be Expensive

Modern vehicles contain extensive electronics, sensors, cameras, and wiring systems.

What appears to be minor damage from an animal can quickly turn into a repair bill costing thousands of dollars.

Electrical repairs caused by rodent damage are becoming increasingly common and can be surprisingly expensive to diagnose and repair.

Should You Carry Comprehensive Coverage?

Every driver's situation is different, but comprehensive coverage is often worth considering if:

• Your vehicle has substantial value

• You frequently drive on rural roads

• You travel during dawn or dusk when deer activity is highest

• You park outdoors

• You want protection against weather, theft, and animal-related damage

Review Your Auto Insurance Before a Claim Happens

Many drivers assume they have coverage for animal damage only to discover after an accident that they declined comprehensive coverage years ago.

At BIS Improved Insurance Agency, we help drivers throughout Morris Plains, Morristown, Randolph, Far Hills, and Morris County, NJ review their auto insurance coverage and understand exactly what protection they have.

If you have questions about your current auto insurance policy or would like a coverage review, our team is happy to help.

BIS Improved Insurance Agency
201 Littleton Rd Suite 225
Morris Plains, NJ 07950

📞 973-683-1000
📧 info@bisrm.com
🌐 www.bisrm.com