In many parts of the country, deer crossing the road is a common hazard that residents have to deal with. Your chances of having a collision with a deer is 1 in 169, with those odds doubling from October through December. If you hit a deer and were lucky enough to not completely total your car, you will need to fix the collision damage that was caused. Here is what you need to know if this happens to you.

Check with Your Car-Insurance Company

Auto insurers handle deer collisions in different ways, so it is always worth checking with your insurance company to find out what your coverage is when it comes to a deer collision. You may be surprised to learn that this sort of accident is only covered under a comprehensive policy rather than under a collision policy. This is because a deer may not fall under the definition of another driver or an object that is immobile. Know if you have the right coverage, as this will ultimately determine how you get the damage repaired.

Scrapes and Dent Repair

If you have superficial damage to your car, like a dented bumper or a scraped hood, the fixes should be painless and quick. If all you need is a new coat of paint, your car could be good to go after a few hours. If you need a new part, such as a headlight, it could take some time to locate the part, order it, and have it installed.

Windshield Replacement

Plan on taking your car in for a windshield replacement at a time when the windshield has been dry for about one day. This is necessary because there can be issues with moisture causing the brand-new windshield to crack. The good news is that the repair itself only takes about 45 minutes, and then things will just need to dry for an hour before you can get back on the road.

Interior Refurbishment

If the deer went through your windshield, the inside of your car may have sustained extensive damage. If you do not have insurance coverage, it may not be viable to have the interior refurbished based on the extent of repairs needed. Things like ripped or stained upholstery, a bent steering wheel, and other damaged components are all very common issues that you may have.

Thankfully, it will help to get an estimate performed by a local auto body collision shop such as Auto Body By Duie LLC. They can let you know how much the damages will cost to have repaired before you sign off on the work to be done.