Does Insurance Cover Deer Damage? Here’s What You Need to Know
Every year, thousands of property owners and drivers across Long Island, New York City, and New Jersey are surprised by the damage deer can cause. Whether it’s a dented car hood, shredded shrubs, or bark stripped clean off a tree — the first question people ask is: does insurance cover deer damage?
In this blog, we’ll break down:
- When and how car insurance covers deer damage
- Whether homeowners insurance or liability coverage applies
- If auto insurance policies vary by state
- Can trees recover from deer damage
- How to prevent future damage with professional deer control
Let’s dive in.
Does Car Insurance Cover Deer Damage?
Yes — but only under certain conditions.
If you hit a deer while driving and your car is damaged, comprehensive auto insurance typically covers the repair costs. This is not part of liability or collision coverage. You’ll need to carry comprehensive insurance, which is optional but highly recommended in deer-prone areas.
Important:
- You must file a claim with photos and a police report (if possible).
- You’ll likely have to pay a deductible.
- If you swerve to avoid a deer and hit another object, it may be treated as a collision claim — not a comprehensive one.
If you're wondering does auto insurance cover deer damage in New York or New Jersey — it does, but only under a comprehensive plan. Contact your insurance provider to verify the details of your policy.
Does Liability Insurance Cover Deer Damage?
No, liability insurance does not cover damage to your own vehicle or property from a deer. Liability only pays for damage you cause to someone else’s property or person.
If you’re only carrying minimum liability coverage and hit a deer, you're paying for repairs out of pocket.
Want to avoid that situation entirely? Stop deer from getting that close in the first place. Our natural deer repellent service protects your landscape and prevents deer from making your property part of their route.
Does Insurance Cover Deer Damage to Trees and Landscaping?
This is where things get murkier.
Homeowners insurance usually does not cover deer damage to trees or landscaping — even if you’ve invested thousands in shrubs, plants, or young trees. Insurers typically exclude damage from animals, including deer, under standard policies.
There are exceptions:
- Some higher-tier or customized plans offer add-ons for landscaping coverage.
- If a deer causes indirect damage (e.g., knocks over a fence that damages a structure), you might be able to file a claim.
Still, if you’re depending on your home policy to cover deer damage to trees, you may be out of luck. That’s why prevention through reliable deer control services is your best investment.
Can Trees Recover from Deer Damage?
It depends on the extent of the damage.
Deer destroy trees by:
- Rubbing antlers on trunks (called “buck rubs”)
- Stripping bark with their teeth
- Eating new shoots and leaves
If only minor bark is removed or some branches are nibbled, a tree can usually recover with time, water, and nutrients. However, if the bark is fully girdled (stripped all the way around), the tree may not survive.
To avoid permanent damage, we recommend protecting your landscape with our weather-resistant deer repellent. It’s natural, safe for people and pets, and highly effective in all seasons.
How to Prevent Deer Damage Before It Happens
Insurance can help in some situations, but it won’t replace the full value of your landscaping or avoid the stress of car repairs.
The most effective way to deal with deer is to keep them off your property in the first place.
At Deer Guys, we’ve protected thousands of properties in Long Island, New York City, and New Jersey from year-round deer damage using our proprietary repellent spray.
It’s:
- Made with natural ingredients
- Harmless to people, pets, and plants
- Backed by a guarantee
- Delivered by trained technicians every 3–4 weeks
Ready to protect your yard? Contact us today or find us on Google:
FAQs
Q: Does car insurance cover deer damage?
A: Yes, if you have comprehensive coverage. It won’t be covered under basic liability or collision-only policies.
Q: Does homeowners insurance cover deer damage to landscaping?
A: Not typically. Most policies exclude animal-related damage to plants and trees.
Q: Can trees survive deer damage?
A: Some can, depending on the severity. Trees with full bark removal may not recover.
Q: What’s the best way to prevent deer damage to my yard?
A: Use a professional deer repellent service that applies natural, long-lasting spray every few weeks.
Related Resources
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- Our Guarantee
- Natural Ingredients
- Weather-Resistant Formula
- Ask Deer Guys
- Contact Us
Final Thoughts: Know What’s Covered — and What Isn’t
So, will insurance cover deer damage? In some cases, yes. But if you don’t have the right policy or add-on coverage, you’re likely paying out of pocket.
The smartest move is to prevent the damage entirely.
With Deer Guys, you can avoid expensive repairs, protect your trees, and keep deer away without using fences or traps. We’ve been the trusted name in deer deterrent for over 20 years in Long Island, NYC, and New Jersey.
Get in touch today for a free consultation or service quote.
