Bow season for deer hunting has opened in Georgia and is deer hunting season is already open to firearms in South Carolina so that means deer movement is increasing.

Because this region of the country has a high deer population, that also means deer vehicle collisions will rise during the fall and winter seasons.

If you're driving through these regions, it’s important to understand what auto insurance coverage you'll need if you hit a deer, as it's not included as part of a minimum auto policy.  Here's more about what you need to know and have:

Comprehensive Coverage is Key
To protect yourself financially from a deer collision, comprehensive coverage is the most important part of your auto insurance policy. Unlike liability or collision coverage, which covers accidents involving other vehicles, comprehensive insurance is designed for damage from other events like fire, theft, vandalism, and—most importantly in this case--animal strikes.

If you have comprehensive coverage and hit a deer, you can expect your insurance will cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle, minus your deductible. Without it, you'll have to pay for damages out of pocket.

What About Personal Injury?
If you or your passengers are injured during a deer collision, your medical payments coverage or personal injury protection (PIP) will kick in to cover medical expenses, depending on what state you're in and what type of coverage you’ve selected.

What to Do If You Hit a Deer in Georgia or South Carolina
Deer collisions can be scary, but knowing what to do after the fact is crucial. Follow these steps:

1. Pull Over Safely: If you hit a deer, pull over to a safe location, preferably away from traffic.
2. Check for Injuries: Ensure that no one in your vehicle is injured. If anyone is hurt, call 911 for medical assistance immediately.
3. Contact Law Enforcement: In both Georgia and South Carolina, it’s a good idea to contact the local police or highway patrol. This can be helpful for insurance claims, as having a police report on file can validate your claim. Also, if the deer is blocking traffic, law enforcement can help with removal.
4. Document the Scene: Take photos of the damage to your vehicle, the road, and the deer (if it's safe). This evidence can be useful when filing your insurance claim.
5. Avoid the Deer: Don’t approach the animal, even if it seems lifeless. Injured deer can be unpredictable and may react aggressively.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent: Once you're safe and have all the necessary information, contact your insurance agent for guidance on next steps. Since deer collisions fall under comprehensive coverage, insurance companies may not raise your rates—unless you have a history of claims.

Deer Collision Prevention Tips
To reduce the chances of hitting a deer, try these driving tips:

• Stay Alert Especially at Dusk and Dawn: Deer are most active during these times.
• Use High Beams: When driving at night in darker/rural areas, use your high beams to better spot deer.
• Watch for Deer Crossing Signs: These signs are placed in high-risk areas because deer are known to by nearby and cross the road there. Slow down and stay alert in these zones.
• Brake, Don’t Swerve: If a deer jumps into your path, brake firmly but don’t swerve. Swerving can lead to more serious accidents with oncoming vehicles or roadside obstacles.

As an experienced independent insurance agent in Georgia and South Carolina, I can help you review your policy to ensure you have the right coverage to protect you in the event of a deer collision.

​Contact me for more personalized advice or a free insurance review: 706-726-1446.
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Cleaning gutters is a thankless chore that peaks in the late fall.
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Here are 10 safety  tips that can literally save you from physical injury and property damage:

Did you know domestic burglaries increase substantially once the clocks are turned back?

With the time change coming up soon, now is the time to prep your home to minimize the possibility of a home break-in.
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Here are some reminders:

Do you have a recreational boat? 

As recreational boating season ends for the year and you prepare to store your boat, there are several things you need to consider insurance-wise:
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• type and amount of insurance you need while the boat is being stored/not used
• insurance restrictions during the layup period
• coverage needs if you're storing it on someone else's property
• items boat insurance typically doesn't cover (exclusions)
  

Recreational boats are a large financial investment, so protect this valuable asset.

​Call me at 706-726-1446 to make sure your boat is adequately covered, not only during peak use season but also  during storage periods.

With the temps feeling like fall, it's almost time to fire up your wood-burning fireplace for the first time this season.

Do you remember when it was last inspected and cleaned?

If chimneys aren't properly maintained, they build up creosote that can catch on fire and can escalate into an all-out house fire very quickly.
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Chimney fires are largely preventable with ...

The temperatures are cooling down, and fall has finally arrived.

Did you know there are certain types of insurance claims that are more prevalent during the fall and early winter seasons?
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Here are the top ones:

As the temperatures turn cooler and fall arrives, squirrels, mice, and other rodents start looking for warm places to bunk up.

Unfortunately, attic spaces are great at matching their criteria, and these little rodents only need a very small space to get into your attic or crawlspace.

Once inside, squirrels and mice can eat through wood, wiring, and insulation, which can create safety hazards.

Homeowners insurance usually doesn't cover damage from squirrels and other rodents because it is considered preventable.
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What can you do to prevent this kind of damage?

Happy Fall!
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Oops, I'm a few days early but Fall IS coming, and did you know there are certain types of insurance claims that are more prevalent during the fall and early winter seasons?