Do You Have to Call the Police If You Hit a Deer?

First: stay safe

State agencies give the same basic advice:

• Pull over safely and turn on your hazard lights. The Maryland Insurance Administration says to "Pull to a safe location with hazard lights on and call the police."
• Don't go near the deer. Indiana State Police: "If your vehicle strikes a deer, do not touch it." They warn that "A frightened or wounded deer can cause you serious bodily injury." Minnesota's Office of Traffic Safety adds that a deer that's hit but not killed may recover and move on, so keep your distance.
• Call 911 if the deer is in the road. Wisconsin DOT says to "call 911" if a car-killed deer's remains are on the traveled part of a highway. Connecticut's Insurance Department says to alert authorities if you can't move your car or the animal carcass is blocking traffic.

What some states say about reporting a deer crash

These are the states where we found an official source that addresses the question. Rules change, and a statewide rule doesn't cover every local requirement, so check with your state police or DMV if you're unsure.

States not listed: we haven't yet confirmed a deer-specific rule from an official source for the other 44 states and D.C. That doesn't mean there's no rule. Many states have general crash-reporting laws with injury or damage triggers; see our guide to how long you have to report a car accident, by state, and check whether your state's rule applies to crashes with animals.

Why a police report can help even if it's optional

Two reasons come up in official guidance:

1. Your insurer may ask for it. Georgia's driver's manual says most insurance companies require a police accident report before paying claims for this type of crash.
2. It records the facts. A report made at the time shows where and when the crash happened and that an animal was involved, which can matter for which coverage applies (below).

If no officer comes to the scene, write down the location, time, road and weather conditions, and take photos. Connecticut's Insurance Department suggests photographing the vehicle damage, the roadway and any injuries. Our car accident records checklist shows how to keep it all together.

Does insurance cover hitting a deer?

Usually it's comprehensive coverage, not collision, and comprehensive is optional.

• Connecticut's Insurance Department: "Damage to a vehicle from an animal strike is covered under an auto policy's optional comprehensive portion." It adds that if you have liability only, or liability with collision, your insurer will not cover damage to your car from an animal strike.
• The Maryland Insurance Administration lists "animal strikes" among the causes comprehensive coverage pays for.

You'll still pay your comprehensive deductible, according to Connecticut.

Should I swerve to miss a deer?

Most officials advise against it. Georgia's manual: "Never swerve to avoid a deer." Minnesota: "Drivers: don't swerve to avoid a deer." The Maryland Insurance Administration, passing on State Highway Administration tips, warns that sudden sharp turns can put you in the path of oncoming traffic or into a tree or utility pole. Connecticut advises holding the wheel firmly, braking and stopping.

Can I keep the deer?

Only if your state allows it, and many require a permit first. In Minnesota, the Department of Public Safety says any Minnesota resident "may claim a road-killed animal by contacting a law enforcement officer," and a permit will be issued allowing the person to possess the deer. Other states have their own rules, so ask the officer or your state wildlife agency before taking a deer.

Hurt in a deer crash?

If you or a passenger were injured, especially if another driver or a road hazard was part of what happened, you can request a free case review to learn what options may apply.

Sources

• North Dakota Highway Patrol, FAQ (wild animal crashes): https://www.nd.gov/faq/highway-patrol-questions
• Georgia Department of Driver Services, Driver's Manual Section 11: Crashes: https://dds.georgia.gov/node/33781
• Indiana State Police, Deer-Vehicle Crashes: https://www.in.gov/isp/resources/additional-resources/links/deer-vehicle-crashes/
• Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety, Deer-Vehicle Safety: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/deer-vehicle-safety/pages/default.aspx
• Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Car-Killed Deer: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/doing-bus/real-estate/roadsides/deercarcassremoval.aspx
• Maryland Insurance Administration, Deer-Vehicle Collisions: https://insurance.maryland.gov/Consumer/Pages/deer-vehicle-collisions.aspx
• Connecticut Insurance Department, Steer Clear of Deer: https://portal.ct.gov/cid/searchable-archive/connecticut-insurance-information/faqs---steer-clear-of-deer?language=en_US

Sources checked November 11, 2026.

This is general information, not legal advice. Ask Legal Matters is a free case-review request service, not a law firm.

Find the right local record source

Use the state hub for statewide agencies and the community directory to locate the place where the incident happened. The agency that responded may differ from the nearest city.