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Date: November 19, 2003
For more information contact: Eileen Mallow, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, (608) 266-7843 or eileen.mallow@wisconsin.gov

Madison, WI--Auto accidents involving deer and cars, known as deer hits, are most common in the fall and winter. As a result, the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) reminds drivers to be careful on the roads and to check their insurance policies for deer hit coverage.

"Many people don't realize they are not insured for deer hits," said Randy Blumer, Deputy Commissioner of Insurance. "Deer hit and other car-animal collisions are typically covered under the comprehensive coverage section of an auto policy. However, since comprehensive coverage is optional everyone might not be covered for deer hits."

Most automobile insurance policies provide collision coverage for accidents involving two vehicles. Although available as an option in most policies, fewer policies provide comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage provides for things beyond the scope of collision coverage such as hail, theft, falling objects, and deer hits. Drivers should check the Declarations Page of their policies to see if they have comprehensive coverage.

"It's always a good idea to periodically review your insurance policies to see what you are and are not covered for. If you find an area in which you are not covered, and want coverage, your insurance agent will be able to assist you," said Blumer.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, there may be more than 90,000 deer-vehicle crashes in Wisconsin per year. To lessen the dangers associated with deer on roadways, drivers are encouraged to exercise extra caution on all roadways, and to visually scout the area ahead of their car for deer. To further protect one's self in deer hit situations, AAA Wisconsin offers the following list of precautionary measures:

• If you can't stop, don't swerve out of your lane. It's generally safer to hit the deer than run off the road or risk injuring another motorist.
• Look for deer, especially at dawn and dusk. Slow down if you see them.
• Watch for deer-crossing signs. The signs are a reminder to drive cautiously.
• Drive at lower speeds through a posted area--day or night.
• Use common sense--wear safety belts, stay awake, alert and sober.
• If you hit a deer, report the crash to local law enforcement.

More information about automobile insurance is available in the OCI's Consumer's Guide to Auto Insurance. The guide is available in English and Spanish, and may be requested or downloaded from the Web at http://oci.wi.gov/pub_list.htm. Consumers can also request the guide by calling OCI Information and Complaints at 1-800-236-8517.

Created by the legislature in 1871, Wisconsin's Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) was vested with broad powers to ensure that the insurance industry responsibly and adequately met the insurance needs of Wisconsin citizens. Today, OCI's mission is to lead the way in informing and protecting the public and responding to its insurance needs.