Hit a deer in Berks County? What to do next
What to do at the scene, how insurance covers it in Pennsylvania, and how we repair the damage.
If you hit a deer, pull off the road, check for injuries, and take photos before you move anything. Call the police if anyone is hurt or the car can't be driven. In Pennsylvania a deer hit is usually a comprehensive claim and counts as not-at-fault. Then call Performance Collision Center at (610) 273-5095 in Sinking Spring. We set up the tow, write a free estimate, and work with your insurance company.
Why deer hits go up in the fall
Pennsylvania drivers filed about 147,000 animal-collision claims in the most recent State Farm count, more than any other state. Nationally, 41% of those claims happen from October through December.
Fall is breeding season, so bucks travel farther and cross roads they normally wouldn't. Deer move most around dusk and dawn, and when clocks fall back on November 1, more of the evening commute happens in the dark.
Deer usually travel in groups. If one crosses in front of you, slow down and expect another.
What to do right after you hit a deer
- 1Get off the roadPull as far onto the shoulder as you safely can and turn on your hazards.
- 2Check for injuriesCall 911 if anyone is hurt or an airbag went off.
- 3Stay away from the deerAn injured deer can kick hard. Leave it for the police or the Game Commission.
- 4Call the police when the law requires itPennsylvania requires it if someone is hurt or killed, or if a car needs to be towed (75 Pa.C.S. § 3746). For minor damage a report is optional, but it can help your claim.
- 5Take photosAll four corners of the car, close-ups of the damage, any deer hair stuck in the grille, and the spot where it happened.
- 6Start your claim and call usTell your insurance company you want Performance Collision Center. We'll set up the tow and the estimate.
Is it safe to drive after hitting a deer?
Sometimes. If any of these are true, don't drive it. Call (610) 273-5095 and we'll set up a tow.
- Fluid is leaking
- A warning light is on
- The hood won't latch
- A headlight is broken
- Something rubs a tire
- An airbag went off
Clear water dripping near the front passenger side is usually just the A/C. Green, orange, or pink fluid is coolant.
Does insurance cover hitting a deer in PA?
Usually, if you carry comprehensive coverage. Hitting a deer falls under comprehensive, not collision, so your comprehensive deductible applies. Liability-only policies don't cover damage to your own car.
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department says a deer crash is a not-at-fault incident and your premium shouldn't go up because of it.
One thing to know: if you swerve to miss the deer and hit a guardrail, pole, or another car, that's usually handled as a collision claim instead. That's why the common advice is to brake firmly and stay in your lane.
You choose the shop, not your insurer. Your right to choose.
Damage you might not see
A deer hit can look like a cracked bumper and still damage the parts behind it. We check all of these before we write the estimate.
Radiator and condenser
A cracked radiator can leak coolant before you see a puddle, and an overheated engine is a much bigger repair.
Radar and cameras
Sensors behind the grille and bumper run automatic braking and adaptive cruise. They need calibration after the repair.
Headlights
Cracked housings and broken mounts throw off the aim, even when the bulb still works.
Brackets and hood latch
Broken bumper brackets or a bent latch can let the hood or bumper come loose on the highway.
Alignment and suspension
A hit near a wheel can bend parts and pull the car to one side.
How we repair a deer hit
- 1Tow or drop offWe can set up a tow, or you can bring it to 5050 Penn Ave if it's safe to drive.
- 2EstimateWe look at the damage and send the estimate and photos to your adjuster.
- 3Hidden damageOnce the bumper comes off, we find what was hiding behind it and send it to your insurer for approval. This is called a supplement.
- 4Repair and paintParts are replaced or repaired and painted in our booth to match.
- 5CalibrateSafety cameras and sensors are calibrated when the repair calls for it.
- 6Pick upWe call you when it's ready.
Can you keep the deer?
Pennsylvania residents can claim a deer killed in a crash. Call the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-HUNT within 24 hours of taking the deer and they'll give you a free permit number. Keep that number.
To report a dead deer on a state road, call PennDOT at 1-800-FIX-ROAD.
How to lower your chances
- Slow down where you see deer crossing signs
- Watch the shoulders closely at dusk and dawn
- Use high beams when there's no oncoming traffic
- If one deer crosses, expect more
- Brake firmly and stay in your lane
Deer collision questions
Is hitting a deer an at-fault accident in Pennsylvania?
No. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department treats a deer crash as not-at-fault. If you swerved and hit something else, your insurer may handle it differently.
Will my insurance rates go up after hitting a deer?
They shouldn't. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department says insurers can't add a surcharge for a deer crash. Your comprehensive deductible still applies to the repair.
Do I need a police report for hitting a deer?
Only if someone was hurt or killed, or the car has to be towed. For smaller damage it's optional, but a report or good photos help your claim.
Can I drive my car after hitting a deer?
Only if nothing is leaking, no warning lights are on, the hood latches, both headlights work, and nothing rubs a tire. If you're not sure, call us and we'll set up a tow.
What if I swerved and hit a guardrail instead?
That's usually a collision claim, with your collision deductible. Call your agent to check how your policy handles it. We repair it either way.
How long does a deer damage repair take?
It depends on what's damaged and how fast parts arrive. Deer season is busy for every shop, so the sooner you call, the sooner we can get parts ordered.
Do I have to use the shop my insurance company recommends?
No. In Pennsylvania you choose where your car is repaired. Tell your insurer you want Performance Collision Center.
Sources: State Farm animal collision data, 2025; Pennsylvania Insurance Department; Pennsylvania Game Commission; 75 Pa.C.S. § 3746. Updated October 2026. General information, not legal or insurance advice.
Hit a deer? Give us a call.
We will set up the tow and the estimate.