As millions of Tennesseans hit the road for holiday travel, the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance reminds drivers to be wary of unforeseen and potentially dangerous encounters with wildlife. For many animals (especially deer), peak mating and migration seasons occur from October through December. This rise in activity significantly increases the risk of a collision with an animal.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that approximately 1.5 million deer-vehicle collisions occur each year in the U.S., causing about 150 fatalities and over $1 billion in property damage. TDCI’s avoidance tips include watching for herds, slowing at deer-crossing signs, being extra cautious at dawn and dusk, keeping headlights working, staying focused, wearing a seat belt, and—if a deer runs in front of you—not swerving; brake firmly and stay in your lane.
Sometimes a collision is unavoidable. Damage to a vehicle from a collision with an animal is covered under an auto policy's optional comprehensive coverage. If you only have collision coverage or liability coverage, your insurance carrier will not cover damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision with an animal.
To make sure your vehicle is covered for animal collisions, TDCI says to contact your agent or carrier to discuss adding comprehensive coverage. Filing a claim for an accident covered by comprehensive coverage means you'll still need to pay a deductible; after that, your insurer covers costs up to your policy limits. East Tennessee drivers heading through Smokies corridors and rural county roads should confirm which coverages are on the declarations page before peak deer season.
Seasons change. So should your coverage. For a free personal policy review, call 865-263-1400 or visit asigtn.com/get-a-quote/.
By All Seasons Insurance Group — informational only; no coverage or eligibility promise.
| TDCI wildlife / auto point | Consumer takeaway |
|---|---|
| Peak season | October through December for many animals, especially deer |
| National scale (NHTSA via TDCI) | ~1.5 million deer-vehicle collisions yearly |
| Coverage that responds | Optional comprehensive |
| Liability- or collision-only | Will not cover animal-collision vehicle damage |
When is peak deer mating and migration season in Tennessee per TDCI?
TDCI says for many animals (especially deer), peak mating and migration seasons occur from October through December.
How many deer-vehicle collisions does NHTSA estimate nationally each year?
TDCI cites NHTSA estimates of approximately 1.5 million deer-vehicle collisions each year in the U.S., causing about 150 fatalities and over $1 billion in property damage.
What auto coverage pays for animal-collision vehicle damage per TDCI?
TDCI states damage to a vehicle from a collision with an animal is covered under an auto policy's optional comprehensive coverage.
What if a driver only has collision or liability coverage?
TDCI says if you only have collision coverage or liability coverage, your insurance carrier will not cover damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision with an animal.
Should a driver swerve if a deer runs in front of the car?
TDCI advises: if a deer runs in front of you, do not swerve; brake firmly and stay in your lane.
When are animals more active according to TDCI’s tips?
TDCI says be extra cautious during dawn and dusk hours, when animals tend to be more active.
Does filing a comprehensive animal-collision claim erase the deductible?
No. TDCI notes you will still need to pay a deductible, then the insurer covers costs up to policy limits.
How can All Seasons help after reading this?
Call 865-263-1400 or visit asigtn.com/get-a-quote/ for a free personal policy review.
