Avoiding Deer-Car Collisions

The explosion in the deer population has led to a continuing increase in deer-car collisions. This trend will only increase as the deer population grows and urban habitats continue to encroach upon rural environments.

According to the National Safety Council, there were 530,000 animal-related accidents in 2003 and these collisions resulted in 100 deaths and 10,000 injuries.

The average cost per insurance claim for collision damage is $2,800, with costs varying depending on the type of vehicle and severity of damage. When you factor in auto claims involving bodily injury, the average rises to $10,000.

Defensive driving tips to avoid hitting a deer

• Be especially attentive from sunset to midnight and during the hours shortly before and after sunrise. These are the highest risk times for deer-vehicle collisions.
• Drive with caution when moving through deer-crossing zones, in areas known to have a large deer population and in areas where roads divide agricultural fields from forestland. Deer seldom run alone. If you see one deer, others may be nearby.
• When driving at night, use high beam headlights when there is no oncoming traffic. The high beams will better illuminate the eyes of deer on or near the roadway.
• Slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten the deer away.
• Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path, but stay in your lane. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or lose control of their cars.
• Always wear your seat belt. Most people injured in car-deer crashes were not wearing their seat belts.
• Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer. These devices have not been proven to reduce deer-vehicle collisions.

If your vehicle strikes a deer, do not touch the animal. A frightened and wounded deer can hurt you or further injure itself. The best procedure is to get your car off the road, if possible, and call the police.

Contact your insurance agent or company representative to report any damage to your car. Collision with an animal is covered under the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance policy.

Courtesy of the Insurance Information Institute (http://www.iii.org/)

After An Auto Accident

Knowing what to do if you are involved in an accident can save lives and also make the claims process easier:

1. Stop your car and find out if anyone is injured.

2. Call the police or highway patrol. Tell them how many people were hurt and the types of injuries. The police will notify the nearest medical unit.

3. Cover injured people with a blanket to keep them warm.

4. Try to protect the accident scene. Take reasonable steps to protect your car from further damage, such as setting up flares, getting the car off the road and calling a tow truck.

5. Ask the investigating officer where you can obtain a copy of the police report. You will probably need it when you submit your claim to your insurance company.

6. If necessary, have the car towed to a repair shop. But remember, your insurance company will probably want to have an adjuster inspect it and appraise the damage before you order repair work done.

7. Make notes. Keep a pad and pencil in your glove compartment. Write down:

8. If you run into an unattended vehicle or object, try to find the owner. If you can't, leave a note containing your name, address and phone number. Record the details of the accident.

Courtesy of the Insurance Information Institute (http://www.iii.org/)

Tornado

What To Do NOW:

• Create an emergency plan, including places where the family will gather in response to emergency weather alerts.
• Keep basic supplies on hand like food, water, flashlights, a battery-operated radio, and extra batteries.

What To Do As The Tornado Approaches:

• If inside, go to the basement or interior hall. Stay away from windows.
• If outside, lie flat in a gully or ditch; do not get under an overpass or bridge.

What To Do AFTER The Tornado:

• Call your independent State Auto agent as soon as possible, or call State Auto’s 24-hour claim contact center at (800) 766-1853.
• Secure your property and carefully salvage what you can.
• Be sure your independent State Auto agent knows how to contact you if you can’t stay in your home.
• Be aware of home repair rip-offs. Don’t pay the entire cost of repairs up-front, and try to only do business with local, established contractors.
  

Corporate Information

Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, State Auto Insurance Companies’ primary focus is writing both personal and business insurance. The companies market their products through more than 23,000 independent insurance agents in approximately 3,400 agencies throughout 33 states.