What to Do After Hitting a Deer in Connecticut

Ray's Automotive • November 13, 2026

What to Do After Hitting a Deer in Connecticut

Deer collisions are common on Connecticut roads, especially at dawn and dusk in the fall and winter. In the moment, most drivers aren't sure what to do next. Knowing the steps ahead of time keeps you safer and can save you from an expensive towing bill.

Steps to Take Right After a Deer Collision

First, get to a safe place off the road if you can. Then call the police, explain what happened, and follow their instructions, especially if the deer or debris is blocking traffic. Take photos of your vehicle, the scene, and any damage before anything is moved.

Next, assess whether your car is legal to drive, not just whether it runs. A deer strike at night can knock out a headlight. Driving without required lighting can get you pulled over and ticketed a few miles down the road. If the vehicle isn't road legal, it needs a tow.

Why You Should Choose Your Own Tow

If police call a tow for you, it will typically come from the next company on their rotation list, and that company may steer your car to a shop of its choosing. When you call a tow yourself, it's considered a consensual tow in Connecticut. Consensual tows aren't capped the way police-ordered tows are, so an unfamiliar company can add hookup, fuel, disconnect, and daily storage fees that add up quickly.

The simplest protection is to decide on your repair shop before anything happens. Save Ray's Automotive's number in your phone. We work with towing partners we trust, and we can get your vehicle straight to our shop at 1704 Baldwin Street in Waterbury so the insurance process can start right away.

What Damage a Deer Can Cause

Damage ranges from a cracked bumper cover to broken headlights, grilles, hoods, and radiators. Many newer vehicles also have radar and camera sensors in the front end that may need calibration after repair. Ray's Automotive offers animal collision repair for all of it. For more on handling any accident, read what to do after a car accident in Connecticut.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does car insurance cover hitting a deer in Connecticut?

    Hitting a deer is typically covered under the comprehensive portion of an auto policy, not collision. If you only carry liability coverage, damage to your own vehicle usually isn’t covered. Deductibles and terms vary, so check your policy or call your agent. Ray’s Automotive can help you work through the claim once your car is at our shop.

  • Should I call the police after hitting a deer?

    Yes, calling the police is a smart first step after hitting a deer. They can help manage a deer or debris in the roadway, document the incident, and advise you on next steps. A police record can also be helpful when you file your insurance claim, so note the officer’s name and report number.

  • Can I drive my car after hitting a deer?

    You can drive it only if it is both safe and legal for the road. A broken headlight, damaged lights, a leaking radiator, or a loose bumper can make driving unsafe or get you ticketed. If you’re unsure, have the vehicle towed.

  • What is a consensual tow in Connecticut?

    A consensual tow is one you request yourself rather than one ordered by police. Because you chose the company, pricing isn’t capped the same way as police-ordered tows. That’s why it pays to know your body shop and its towing partners before an accident, so you avoid surprise hookup and storage fees.

  • Do I get to choose where my car is repaired after a deer hit?

    Yes, you choose the repair shop, not the tow company or the insurance company. If your vehicle has already been towed elsewhere, you can still have it moved to the shop you prefer.


Hit a deer in the Waterbury area? Call Ray's Automotive, a family-owned shop serving Waterbury and nearby towns for more than 30 years. Contact us and we'll help get your vehicle to our shop and your repair started.

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