Anyone who drives the Rim Country knows the feeling: cresting a rise on SR-260 or SR-87 at dusk and catching movement at the tree line. Elk and deer are a genuine hazard on our highways, especially at dawn and dusk and when herds move in the colder months. A collision with a full-grown elk is dangerous and expensive — and which part of your auto policy pays for it surprises a lot of people. Here's what you need to know.
An animal strike is a comprehensive claim
This is the key fact: hitting an animal is covered under the comprehensive part of your auto policy, not collision. Comprehensive covers 'other than collision' events — theft, fire, hail, and animal strikes among them. So if you hit an elk and damage your vehicle, comprehensive is what responds. If you only carry liability — which covers damage you cause to others, and is the legal minimum — an animal collision to your own vehicle isn't covered at all. For Rim Country drivers, that's a critical gap to close.
Why we recommend comprehensive up here
Comprehensive is usually an affordable add-on, and in the Rim Country it covers the things most likely to actually happen to your vehicle: animal strikes on the highways, monsoon hail, and theft. For the relatively small premium it adds, it's often the coverage that pays out. We routinely recommend it for Rim Country drivers for exactly this reason — the local risk profile makes comprehensive far more valuable here than it might be for a city commuter.
What to do if you hit an animal
If you're in a wildlife collision, get to safety, turn on your hazards, and call for help if anyone's injured or the vehicle isn't drivable. Document the scene with photos if you safely can. Then call us — with comprehensive coverage, an animal strike is a straightforward claim, and we'll walk you through it. Knowing your coverage is in place before it happens turns a frightening night into a manageable one.
Drive defensively in wildlife country
Coverage is the safety net, but avoiding the collision is always better. Slow down at dawn and dusk, watch the tree lines and posted wildlife-crossing zones, use high beams when you can, and remember that where there's one elk or deer, there are usually more. The herds along the SR-260 corridor are a known hazard — a little extra caution goes a long way.
Make sure you're covered
If you're not sure whether you carry comprehensive — or you're only carrying liability — it's worth a quick check before the next dusk drive. We'll review your auto policy, make sure you've got the right coverage for Rim Country roads, and shop carriers for the best price. Call 844-967-5247 or request a free quote. No cost, no obligation.
Get a free quote from a local agent
We'll review your coverage and shop the carriers for you — home, auto, business, landlord, or renters. Free, no obligation, usually same day.
