[Sundown17]

In most states (I can't say "all" with certainty), as KathyIM says, the insurance company regards an accident involving hitting a wild animal as a comprehensive, no fault accident. If you carry comp on your vehicle (which is always a good idea as that is what covers your glass, theft and fire losses in addition to these kinds of animal accidents), it will cover the cost of getting it fixed and your insurance shouldn't go up. It will show up on your driving record and the report of what accidents your vehicle has been involved in, but just for info sake.

Best thing is to call your insurance company. I don't think it will affect your insurance rates...but I can almost guarantee if you don't call and they find out about it later...they will not be very happy with you and may drop you. You never want to have it on your record that you were dropped by an insurance company.

Just as an aside...I used to work for an insurance company as a processor. I would input the information received from agents for new policies, changes, etc. Accident/Violation info was part of that...and one of the questions would be if there was any BI (bodily injury...to a human). When it was a deer hit and the answer was usually "no" (when properly belted, humans rarely are injured in these kind of accidents...kudos to you Douglas!) I would always think..."I betcha the deer would disagree."

I echo brink's sentiment...when at all possible...please let the authorities know there is an injured animal and give the location. (I don't necessarily advocate taking care of it yourself...unless you are trained...wounded animals are dangerous. And you could be breaking some laws.)

Glad to hear you and your passenger are okay.

Diane