Animal Collisions in Ontario: What to Do, What Insurance Covers, and Who to Call

July 03, 2026, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Every year, thousands of Ontario drivers are involved in collisions with deer, moose, coyotes, raccoons, and other wildlife. Animal strikes are particularly common during the spring and fall months, but they can occur at any time of year, especially on rural roads and highways throughout Waterloo Region, Wellington County, Perth County, Oxford County, and across Ontario. These accidents are covered under the comprehensive clause of your insurance, and personal injuries may also be covered.

While many animal collisions result only in vehicle damage, some can cause serious injuries to drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Knowing what to do immediately after an animal strike can help protect your safety, your insurance claim, and your legal rights.

What Should You Do After Hitting an Animal?

Your first priority is safety.

If possible:

• Pull over to a safe location.
• Turn on your hazard lights.
• Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
• Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured or if the collision is creating a hazard for other motorists.
• Do not approach an injured animal. Frightened wildlife can be unpredictable and dangerous.
• If it is safe to do so, document the scene with photographs of the vehicle, roadway, and surrounding area.

If the animal is blocking traffic or appears injured, local police or animal control authorities can arrange for appropriate assistance.

Who Should You Contact?

Depending on the circumstances, you may need to contact:

• Emergency services (911) if there are injuries.
• Local police if the collision is serious or creates a roadway hazard.
• Your insurance company as soon as possible.
• A tow truck service if your vehicle is not drivable.
• A personal injury lawyer if you or a passenger suffered significant injuries.

Keeping records of all communications, photographs, repair estimates, and medical treatment can be helpful if an insurance dispute arises later.

Does Ontario Auto Insurance Cover Animal Collisions?

In many cases, yes.

If you carry comprehensive coverage, damage caused by striking a deer, moose, or other animal is generally covered, subject to your deductible.

Drivers who only carry basic mandatory automobile insurance may not have coverage for damage to their own vehicle resulting from an animal strike.

This is why reviewing your policy with your broker or insurer is important. Many drivers are surprised to learn what is—and is not—covered after an accident involving wildlife.

What If Someone Is Injured?

If you are injured in a collision involving an animal, you may have access to Ontario's accident benefits system through your automobile insurance policy.

Depending on the circumstances and your coverage, benefits may include:

• Medical and rehabilitation expenses
• Attendant care benefits
• Income replacement benefits
• Caregiver benefits
• Other accident-related supports

The benefits available will depend on your policy and the date of the collision, particularly in light of recent changes to Ontario's automobile insurance system.

The Hidden Dangers of Swerving

One of the most important safety tips is to avoid making sudden, aggressive maneuvers to miss an animal whenever possible.

While every situation is different, swerving can sometimes lead to collisions with other vehicles, trees, utility poles, or roadside obstacles. These collisions often result in more serious injuries than the initial animal strike itself.

Drivers should brake firmly, maintain control of the vehicle, and focus on minimizing risk to themselves and other road users.

Protect Yourself Before an Accident Happens

Animal collisions are often unavoidable, but there are ways to reduce the risk:

• Be especially alert at dawn and dusk.
• Watch for wildlife crossing signs.
• Slow down on rural roads and highways.
• Use high beams when appropriate and safe.
• Remember that animals often travel in groups, particularly deer.

Know Your Rights After an Animal Collision

An animal strike can be frightening and expensive. Understanding your insurance coverage before an accident occurs can help avoid surprises when filing a claim.

If you or a loved one suffers serious injuries in a motor vehicle collision involving wildlife, it is important to understand what accident benefits and legal options may be available.

At Deutschmann de Koning Personal Injury and Disability Law, we help injured Ontarians navigate the insurance system and obtain the support they need following serious accidents. If you have questions about your rights after an animal-related collision, contact our team for a free consultation.

About Deutschmann de Koning Law

Deutschmann de Koning Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann and Nick de Koning focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.ddinjurylaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.