The insured who endured an encounter with a deer and carries the described coverage, but not collision coverage, is often surprised and pleased that the damage is covered. The occurrence may seem to have the elements of a collision. Anyone who has had the experience immediately knew, for example, that an unseen fast-moving projectile had hit from the side. The same is true of a large bird coming out of nowhere. The nature of such an accident has been recognized from considerable experience by insurers, and handled most favorably for insureds.
Claims are subject, of course, to the applicable deductible.
Nevertheless, recovery can be substantial, nevertheless, as anyone will attest whose car has been hit from the side by a 150-200 pound missile. Determination of the extent of coverage for damage caused by animals to residential property is best accomplished by reference to Homeowners Special Form 3, by far the most widely written policy for owner-occupied dwellings. Coverage is provided under dwelling coverage and other structures coverage for direct physical loss to described property, subject to specific exclusions. The exclusions pertinent to our quest are those for damage caused by birds, vermin, rodents, insects and animals owned or kept by an insured. Reliance is placed on dictionary definitions when words and terms are not defined in policies.