Laurie Bauer, CAIB Business Development Manager, Orbit Insurance Services

As drivers, it’ s important to learn how to reduce our risk of colliding with wildlife and understand how this type of accident could impact our auto insurance.

Wildlife Collisions: By the Numbers

• There are 4 to 8 large animal – vehicle collisions every hour in Canada.

• Collisions with wildlife cost Canadians approximately $ 800 million annually.

Where and When Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions Happen

Where: Long stretches of road in rural areas, close to natural areas, wildlife crossings, and migration routes. When: Between 7 p. m. and midnight, as well as during dawn and dusk. Wildlife collisions are more common during the spring, autumn, and early winter.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Collisions with Animals

1. Pay attention. Always stay alert while driving and look for signs of wildlife crossings.

2. Use your high beams. When driving in areas with limited lighting, high beams help you see wildlife from a distance.

3. Watch for shining eyes. An animal’ s eyes may reflect your headlights, making them easier to spot.

4. Slow down. Reduce your speed while driving through areas with high wildlife activity.

What To Do if You Can’ t Avoid a Collision with an Animal

1. Stay calm and stay in control. Avoid panicking so you can react as safely as possible.

2. Check behind you. If it’ s safe, quickly check your rearview mirror for vehicles following closely.

3. Brake firmly. Firm braking can reduce the force of impact and help protect you and your passengers.

4. Steer carefully and don’ t swerve. Stay in your lane if possible and avoid swerving to avoid collision with another vehicle or roadside object.

5. Ease off the brakes before impact. If a collision is unavoidable, easing off the brakes can help reduce the chance of the animal going through your windshield.

6. Pull over safely. Once stopped, assess the damage, call for help if needed, and contact the appropriate wildlife authorities if the animal is injured or dead.

7. Document the incident. Take photos or videos of the scene and any vehicle damage.

8. Report the collision if required. In Alberta, wildlife collisions are single-vehicle collisions and must be reported if the combined damage is $ 5,000 or more.

9. Contact your insurance company. Notify your insurer promptly and share photos, report details, and incident information.

Wildlife Collisions and Insurance

If the collision happened in Edmonton and must be reported, use a Collision Reporting Centre( CRC). Depending on the location and your eligibility, you may also be able to report it through the Government of Alberta’ s Report My Collision online service.

If you have comprehensive coverage, your policy will likely cover damage from a wildlife collision. Depending on the details of the accident, you may be deemed not at fault, meaning your rates may not be affected. Check with your insurer to confirm what your policy covers.

Have questions about your coverage or need an auto insurance quote? Contact an Orbit insurance broker at 1-855-894-2782.

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