Ohioans Urged to be Alert for Deer on Roadways

Ohio Lieutenant Governor and Department of Insurance Director Mary Taylor is asking Ohio drivers and motorcyclists to be alert for deer while navigating the state’s roadways. Fall is the peak season for deer related crashes in the state. Taylor also urges people to conduct an insurance review with their agent to ensure they have the appropriate coverage if they strike a deer.

“This is the time of year when we see an increase in the number of deer related accidents,” Taylor said. “Drivers should be extra cautious in the morning and early evening, and check to make sure they have the appropriate level of insurance coverage.”

Taylor said that some Ohioans may not be aware that the collision portion of an insurance policy’s physical damage coverage does not include deer-vehicle collisions. It’s actually the other than collision or comprehensive coverage portion that pays to repair this type of damage. For consumers who only have a liability policy, any damage to the vehicle would not be covered by insurance.

These different components of auto insurance are explained in the Department auto insurance consumer guide, available at www.insurance.ohio.gov.

The impact of a deer hitting your vehicle can cost thousands of dollars to repair, depending on the size of the animal, how fast the vehicle is moving and the type of vehicle. To make sure you are financially protected, work with your agent to determine the adequate levels of coverage. A higher deductible generally means a lower premium but you have to pay more out of pocket if an accident does occur.

To help stay safe on the road, Taylor asks Ohioans to wear a seat belt as required by state law and drive at a safe, sensible speed, particularly in areas with deer-crossing signs. For more safety tips on avoiding deer, visit the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s website at www.publicsafety.ohio.gov.

Ohioans with insurance questions can call the Department’s consumer hotline at 1-800-686-1526. Insurance information, including the Department’s auto insurance consumer guide, is also available at www.insurance.ohio.gov. You can follow the Ohio Department of Insurance on twitter @OHInsurance and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OhioDepartmentofInsurance.