I recently had a deer hit my car and am going to have to pay a $500 deductible. My grandpa told my parents that when he hit a deer, New York State paid for all repairs including the deductible because deer are considered to be property of the state. His body shop took care of all the details. Does anyone know is this is still true or who I can contact to find out more information?
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February 27, 2010 @ 8:17 am
If I’m not mistaken, hitting an animal with your car is your problem, not the state’s.
February 27, 2010 @ 8:33 am
I hit a dear in PA a few years ago, and did not have to pay the deductible because it was labeled as an act of GOD. Nothing I could do the dear hit me.
February 27, 2010 @ 9:20 am
It’s not true, New York state would go bankrupt if it had to pay all those collision claims.
When I Hit a deer in NY state, I was able to track the deer for 2 miles into the woods and finish it off with a well placed archery shot.( I had a the state license and it was in season) . I was able to sell the meat , hide and antlers which more than paid for my insurance deductible.
February 27, 2010 @ 9:31 am
Only if you can prove in court that:
a) The deer was owned by New York State (vs. a deer living on Federal land such as park or wilderness).
b) The state had prior knowledge that this specific deer was prone to escape become a threat or hazard; and
c) In knowing all these facts, that the State negligently failed to act to prevent accident or injury.
Given that you can PROVE this, then you may be able to press a claim.
.
February 27, 2010 @ 9:51 am
Call your ins co, when I hit a deer years ago, I don’t remember paying a deductible.
February 27, 2010 @ 9:55 am
If this were true, everyone who hit a deer would say that they were vacationing in NY and hit a deer and have NY pay their deductible. Whoever told you this was pulling your leg. It’s not true.
February 27, 2010 @ 10:44 am
To my knowledge, you always pay the deductible. We also had an accident with a deer, yes the insurance company paid for repairs, but we were responsible for the deductible. I think your grandpa may be mistaken.