What to do if you hit an animal while driving

It happens fast. A deer appears in your headlights, and before you can react, there's an impact. Hitting an animal while driving is a startling experience that leaves most drivers frozen in place, unsure of what comes next. Wildlife collisions are more common than most drivers realize, especially during fall and winter months when animals are most active near roadways. Whether you've hit a deer on a rural highway or clipped a raccoon on a suburban street, knowing what to do next makes a real difference. Having a clear plan before the unexpected happens means you'll be ready to protect yourself, document the damage and move forward with your animal strike insurance claim.

How often do drivers hit animals?

Wildlife vehicle collision statistics tell a striking story. More than 160,000 wildlife-vehicle collisions are reported in Canada each year, and deer aren't the only ones crossing your path. Among the most common animals hit by cars are deer, moose, black bears, raccoons and foxes. Deer season driving peaks from October through December, especially during the rutting period in mid-November when chasing and mating are at their highest. Dawn and dusk are the riskiest times, and if you live in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec or the Atlantic provinces, your odds of a wildlife encounter are higher than average, with moose collisions posing a particularly serious risk due to their size.

The good news? A little awareness goes a long way.

What to do right after hitting an animal

First things first: make sure everyone in your vehicle is okay. The moments after impact can feel disorienting and chaotic, but following a calm, deliberate approach will help you handle the situation and protect your ability to file a claim. Here's what to do when you hit an animal while driving.

Pull over and turn on your hazard lights – Move safely off the road as soon as you can. Try not to swerve sharply at the moment of impact. As counterintuitive as it sounds, sudden swerving causes more accidents than the animal strike itself.

Call police if needed – Contact police if the animal is blocking traffic, if anyone was hurt or if provincial law requires a report. In many provinces, you're also required to report collisions involving certain wildlife, such as moose, elk or deer, to the Ministry of Natural Resources or equivalent provincial authority. A police or incident report number can also help when it's time to file your animal collision claim.

Document everything you can – Take photos of the damage, your location and the animal if it's visible and safe to approach. Save any dashcam footage and note the date, time and exact location. This documentation is essential when you file an animal strike claim, and the more details you have, the smoother the process will go.

Contact your insurance company – Reach out to your insurance company as soon as you can to begin the claims process. If you're not sure where to start, a VIU by HUB broker can help you understand your coverage and next steps.