ISP and local insurance providers encourage drivers to stay alert during peak deer season

Crashes with deer can lead to hefty repairs unless you have the proper insurance coverage, and local insurance providers and the Indiana State Police have some advice for drivers during peak deer season.

Animal car accidents can be financially straining so comprehensive auto insurance can be a lifesaver, coming into play outside crashes involving other vehicles.

Salinas Insurance Agency Incorporated independent agent Ramon Sandobal suggested drivers to prepare to adjust their insurance policies to accommodate the risk that comes with peak deer season.

“When someone calls in at that time it’s, 'Am I covered for this?' and because many times at that point it’s too late." said Sandobal. “There’s obviously many people out there trying to save some money. Unfortunately, many times what you save in the beginning is what you may end up paying at the end.”

If you are involved in any crash, your insurance rates can be expected to shoot up based on the number of claims, driver history, previous claims, and the age of the driver.

Claims can start at $4,000 and go up from there depending on the severity of the damage, age, make, and model of the vehicle involved.

According to local police reports, 2 out of 10 cars on the road are not insured or remain underinsured.

ISP encourages drivers to be more conscious of deer darting into the road during their most active times from dusk to dawn, two hours before sunset and sunrise.

ISP Sergeant Ted Bohner is aware that hitting a deer is not a ticketable offense considering accidents can be unavoidable and offers some safety tips to keep drivers safe.

“We encounter them on the interstates, on the toll road, and then even sometimes just driving through what would be more urban or neighborhood areas, you're going to see deer.” said Bohner. "If you can brake in a straight line, that’s fine to do, but make sure nobody is very close behind. You know sometimes the best thing you can do, which is hard to say, is hit the deer.”

Avoiding swerving has been proven as the safest option after officials mentioned years ago, two crashes involving deer left four people dead trying to avoid them.

According to police data, Elkhart, Kosciusko, Marshall, and St. Joseph Counties had a total of 770 deer-related crashes last year.

ISP suggests if drivers are involved in an accident, they should pull off to a safe area, avoid contact with the injured animal because they can be dangerous, call 911, and then contact your insurance.

If you are unsure on what policies you are enrolled in, contact your insurance provider to select the right coverage to prepare for the season ahead.