Pennsylvania’s insurance commissioner recently announced that insurance companies cannot increase premiums because a motorist hits a deer.
“In another push for consumer protection in Pennsylvania, I want to remind drivers that under state law, a crash involving a deer is considered a not-at-fault accident, and insurers cannot add a surcharge to your premium for an accident with a deer,” said Commissioner Teresa Miller.
She also added that “...vehicle damage from deer-related crashes is handled under a driver’s comprehensive coverage, and surcharges are prohibited for accidents with animals or fowl.”
A spokeswoman representing the state insurance department confirmed that the department has not recently received any complaints from consumers regarding insurers adding such surcharges.
Fall is the period when deer frequent the many roads of Pennsylvania searching for mates.
Deer are most active during dusk and dawn, and it is expected that once Daylight Savings Time ends on November 1, more motorists will be on the road during the most dangerous times.
Pennsylvania has the 4th highest rate of deer-related collisions in the US. The chance of hitting deer in the state is 1 in 70 in any year, but in areas where high concentrations of deer are, the risk is even greater.
