Last night around 10:30pm I hit a deer on a highway going 65mph. Single vehicle, no injuries. I looked at the damage this morning in daylight and the driver side bumper took the majority of the force. Cracked bumper and the fender pushed back a bit. Estimating 5k plus in damage. I made a claim 2 years ago to the month for ironically the same kind of damage. That time it was an 2 car accident that I was at fault. The car is a 2008 with collision and this damage is probably creeping in on where it would be totaled by the insurance company? The car is worth more to me then the value and I ultimately want it fixed because I don’t want to drive a banged up car.
I heard on this sub that even an inquiry to the insurance company counts as a ding. Should I get my own estimate and then make a decision. How long do I have to make a claim? If I make a claim and it is totaled do I have the option to not go forward with the claim and keep the car as is?
Hit a Deer, what do I do next?
byu/derivativesmarket inInsurance
Posted by derivativesmarket
7 Comments
The statute of limitations on claims is far longer than it wound it take to get an estimate and everything. Document as MUCH as you can (photos and the like) and then after you get the estimate you can file a claim should so you wish.
Depends on what state you are in. In NC deer claims are not surcharges bc it falls under comprehensive not collision.
Most importantly, do you have comprehensive coverage?
sounds like you can’t drive, I’m definitely not parking next to you in a parking lot😂 u not gonna ding my shit up😂🤷🏾♂️ but as far as insurance goes if you have comprehensive why not pay the $1,000 deductible and fix it? it’s cheaper than $5000 . Also you can’t base this accident on another one prior each is a different scenario.. a crash with another car is collision a crash with a tree or county sign if different and covers a different amount also depends on what state your in
Send pics another fix on an older car if it’s cosmetic is.to get a used bumper and fender. Ive even found same paint code which matches 95% or so depending on the sun damage. A body shop would swap stuff for you for a pittance compared to doing all the repairs and paint.
File a claim. Slow down.
I hit 2 deer and a dog 20 yrs ago then got tired of fixing my truck. I slowed just a little and haven’t hit one since. No rabbits or squirrels either.
Did you get its insurance (sarcastic chuckle). I’d call cops and insurance. And I would hope it doesn’t get an attorney.